Makinde A. Adedapo, CHI25

Development Associate | It Takes A Village Family of Schools

Makinde A. Adedapo is a dynamic leader with a deep commitment to education, event production, and community impact. With over 14 years as a Social Studies educator, he has taught 6th-12th grade students, fostering critical thinking and historical awareness in diverse classrooms. In addition to his work in education, Makinde has more than 20 years of experience in live event management, specializing in production logistics, entertainment coordination, and large-scale event execution. His expertise spans concerts, conferences, and community events, ensuring seamless and engaging experiences. Currently, he serves as a Development Associate at a Chicago Non-Proft Organization where he is engaged in a $102 million capital campaign, leveraging his skills in fundraising, strategic planning, and relationship-building to support transformative initiatives. Makinde is also a 2025 Surge Fellow in the Chicago cohort of the Surge Institute Fellowship, a prestigious program dedicated to developing and empowering leaders of color in education. Through this fellowship, he is deepening his impact on systems change and educational equity. With a unique blend of expertise in education, event production, and nonprofit development, Makinde continues to create transformative experiences that uplift communities and drive meaningful change.

Kawanza Billy, DC22

Youth Mobilization Manager |  DC Action

Kawanza Billy is a dedicated youth advocate and community leader whose journey began in New York City and has flourished in Washington, New York City and has flourished in Washington, D.C. Passionate about education, civic engagement, and creating safe spaces, she has consistently mobilized communities and amplified young voices for transformative change. In DC, Kawanza is the Youth Mobilization Manager at DC Action, where she drives innovative initiatives that empower youth and bridge generational gaps. She also consults with the Ward 7 and 8 Education Councils, ensuring youth, educators, and parents have the necessary tools to thrive. During her tenure as Advocacy Chair at National Urban League Young Professionals, Kawanza launched the YPI: Education Policy Fellowship. This program continues to lead the charge for emerging professionals determined to impact the education ecosystem. A proud graduate of the Surge Institute’s inaugural Washington, DC Fellowship cohort in 2022, she embodies the collective strength and vision championed by Surge. Kawanza’s collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to nurturing potential have made her a trusted voice in the realms of youth advocacy and education reform. Her work is dedicated to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. 

Dalonte Burns, CHI21, TLC23

Principal | UIC College Prep

Dalonte Burns is the principal of UIC College Prep and the Senior Lead Pastor of VeriSource Global Center in Chicago, IL. For over a decade, he has dedicated his life’s work to education and community service, championing the power and potential of those most marginalized. A firm believer in liberatory education as a catalyst for multi-generational transformation, Dalonte has led with intentionality to create systems that empower students, staff, and families alike. Under his leadership, UIC College Prep has become a more diverse and inclusive learning environment, with over 75% of the staff and teaching faculty identifying as people of color. He has strengthened college access, increasing the four-year college matriculation rate to over 70% and ensuring that more than 90% of seniors enroll in two- or four-year colleges. His students have collectively earned over $30 million in scholarships each year during his principal tenure. Recognizing the holistic needs of students, Dalonte has expanded social-emotional support, securing three full-time social workers and a robust social internship program, while forging strategic partnerships with external organizations. His efforts have also led to the highest number of enrichment opportunities in the school’s history. Beyond the school walls, Dalonte has played a pivotal role in shaping educational equity. He co-developed an instructional equity framework that has driven some of the strongest student outcomes and worked to align an anti-racist framework with the Noble Network’s DEI commitments. His leadership extends into his faith and community work, where he has organized peace rallies, resource giveaways, holiday events, and more as a dedicated community relations coordinator. Dalonte’s work is rooted in the belief that transformational leadership is not just about education—it’s about building lasting legacies of opportunity, justice, and empowerment.

Jonathan Chaparro, CHI17

Executive Director | Braven

Jonathan Chaparro is an executive-level leader focused on creating avenues that leverage the power of philanthropy to drive upward economic mobility. Jonathan is a visionary leader with deep expertise in building and scaling social impact initiatives. His early career spanned marketing, community engagement, talent acquisition, and development. He is now widely known for building and leading high-performing teams and expertly navigating complexity and ambiguity to create clarity, increase revenue, and drive impactful change processes.  Today, Jonathan leads Braven's national innovation strategy and Chicago market. He joined Braven during its initial start-up phase and has since helped grow it from a $2.8 million nonprofit with 18 team members in 2017 to a $37+ million organization with more than 180 team members across six markets. This has impacted the lives of over 12,000 college students by helping them gain essential career skills and expand their career pathways. He is a 2025 Zhi-Xing Eisenhower Fellow, a 2024 Notable Latino Leader recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business, a 2023 Kellogg-Youn Impact Leader, a 2020 Chicago Council on Global Affairs Emerging Leader, and a 2017 Surge Institute Fellow. Jonathan earned an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, a master’s degree in teaching from Dominican University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. He serves on the board of directors for BES and the Chicago Artists Coalition and on the steering committee for the Chicago Community Trust’s Nuestro Futuro affinity fund, the largest affinity fund in the nation dedicated to Latino philanthropy. Previously, he served on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Advisory Council on Community and Economic Development. 

Amy Cisneros, CHI24

Managing Director | Braven

Amy Cisneros currently serves as the Managing Director of Regional Success at Braven. In her role, Amy leads the org-wide strategy to enable collaborative partnerships between Braven’s direct service sites and the national team to maintain a strong operational and talent support system. In her previous role at Braven, Amy served as the Regional Managing Director for Chicago where she oversaw program implementation for BravenX, National Louis University, and Northern Illinois University.

First in her family to graduate, Amy holds over a decade of experience advocating for and working alongside first-generation students in higher education and the nonprofit education sector. Her expertise includes program management, volunteer stewardship, and culturally relevant curriculum development. As an advocate for first-generation and undocumented students, Amy has supported organizations in coaching their staff to become culturally responsive allies to the undocumented community. Amy earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and a Minor in French from Valparaiso University. She is a 2022 alumna of Mujeres de HACE and a 2024 Surge Institute Fellow. Amy is a proud Latina, a native of Chicago’s Southwest Side, and resides near Midway with her husband and two daughters.

Derrick Fleming Jr., CHI20

Nonprofit Consultant | TGEL Enterprises 

When you think of style and class; organization and structure; education and empowerment; equity and advocacy, Derrick Marcell Fleming, Jr., also known as “Derrick The Gent”, is the man to make it happen. With a heart to serve and a passion for youth, collective impact, and systems change, Derrick brings electrifying energy to any atmosphere. Derrick is a social entrepreneur (The JUST BE campaign. and TGEL Enterprises) and serves in various national and local community/education leadership capacities. With nearly 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors focusing on education, social impact, youth development, and mentorship; 10 years of project management, coaching, and training experience; and 8+ years of program and people management experience.; Derrick brings a level of problem-solving skills that sets everyone at ease and makes solutions-focused work feel like fun. Derrick has his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Alabama State University and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Spertus Institute. 

Kara Franklin, PHILA24

Principal | Russell Byers Charter School 

Kara Franklin was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a native of the city, she is a product of both the Philadelphia public school and private school systems. She began working in education at 14 years of age through the city's Youth Works program and has taught various ages in independent, charter, and public schools. Mrs. Franklin holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University and a Master's Degree in School Leadership from the Univesity of Pennsylvania. Alongside these degrees, Mrs. Franklin holds an Instructional II Certification for grades K-6, and she also holds an Instructional I Administrative K-12 certification. At the core of her work, Mrs. Franklin believes in strong relationships and tangible experiences to enhance instruction and improve student outcomes.  

Mandisa John, PHILA23, ANGELS24

Director of Program & Partnerships | City Teaching Alliance, Philadelphia

Founder| Blooming Belles 

Mandisa is hosting a Play Station! Learn more.

Mandisa John is an educator dedicated to transforming the lives of young people by providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities. Committed to the mission of being who she needed when she was younger, Mandisa—a New Jersey native—has spent over 15 years improving Philadelphia's education system through impactful roles in schools and nonprofits.  As the founding Director of Program and Partnerships for City Teaching Alliance - Philadelphia, Mandisa leads efforts to recruit and prepare career educators to improve life and educational outcomes for students. Beginning her career with mentoring programs, Mandisa has since held diverse roles focused on program development and management, teacher support, student success, basketball coaching, and equity. She also volunteers as a basketball coach and mentor to teenagers and young adults. Mandisa founded Blooming Belles, a company empowering Black women and young professionals through personal development and self-expression. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Education, Culture, and Society from the University of Pennsylvania, certificates in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, and AI, Technology, and App Development, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. As an alum of Surge Academy’s inaugural Philadelphia cohort and the Surge Angels business incubator, Mandisa continues to hone her leadership skills and expand her impact. In her personal time, Mandisa enjoys sports, fitness, art, and travel. She believes in the power of discovering and nurturing one’s true talents, as well as connecting with people from all walks of life for deep reflection, community building, and vision planning.

Michael Johns, CHI16

Associate Dean of Student Services | Harry S Truman College

Michael G. Johns is an educator, leadership strategist, and mentor dedicated to student success and community impact. With a deep passion for empowering the next generation, he has extensive experience in student success, college access, and leadership development. Michael currently serves as the Associate Dean of Student Services at Harry S Truman College, where he leads initiatives that foster student engagement, retention, and holistic development. He works to create inclusive programs that support students' academic and personal growth while ensuring they have access to the resources needed to thrive.

Tamara Johnson, DET25

Founder and CEO | Grace Porter Consulting and ChangEd Associates

Tamara Johnson is a transformative educator and leader dedicated to advancing equity and excellence in education. She is the founder and CEO of Grace Porter Consulting and ChangEd Associates, as well as a key partner in The Living Education Access Project. With experience spanning both charter and traditional public school systems, Tamara has held roles at every level—from classroom teacher to building leader to central office director. Her leadership is deeply rooted in culturally responsive practices, fostering inclusivity and strengthening communities within every educational environment she serves. Currently, Tamara is the Executive Director of Talent Pipelines and Professional Growth with Detroit Public Schools Community District, where she leads strategic initiatives to develop and sustain a high-quality educator workforce. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, an M.A.T. in English Education from Wayne State University, and professional certificates from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Relay Graduate School of Education.

Ryan Jones, DC22

Senior Business Development Manager, Growth and Innovation at the National Board of Medical Examiners

Bio coming soon. 

Ma'at Lands, INDY21

Founding School Leader and Executive Director | Rooted School—Indianapolis

Ma’at Lands is the Founder and Executive Director of Rooted School Indianapolis, a secondary school committed to serving students in Indianapolis, Indiana. With a deep passion for educational equity and innovation, Ma’at specializes in launching start-up educational organizations, coaching and developing school leaders and teachers, and partnering with communities to drive meaningful outcomes in schools. She is a certified facilitator in both Cultural Intelligence and Unconscious Bias, bringing a strong equity lens to her work. Ma’at currently resides in Indianapolis and is completing her doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership.

Jane Lee, OAK21

Director of Strategic Operations at Agency by Design Oakland | consultant/coach at People of Change.

Jane Lee builds systems with individuals and organizations to drive positive change. As a full-time truth-seeker and assets-based coach, Jane brings a wealth of professional experiences ranging from restaurant manager, math educator, and consultant for healing and liberation-seeking spaces. She is an expert facilitator and currently serves as Director of Strategic Operations at Agency by Design Oakland and consultant/coach at People of Change.

Jane’s life mission is to cultivate critical thinking, moral courage, and a profound love of self for every individual she encounters. Her top values are liberation, community and joy.

Jane holds a BA in Political Economics from UC Berkeley where she studied why things are the way they are and an MA in Education from Stanford University where she learned how to help people learn. Jane loves her Korean American identity, Frank Ocean, the Golden State Warriors, hot cheetos, and writings by Jenny Odell and Min Jin Lee.a’at Lands is the Founder and Executive Director of Rooted School Indianapolis, a secondary school committed to serving students in Indianapolis, Indiana. With a deep passion for educational equity and innovation, Ma’at specializes in launching start-up educational organizations, coaching and developing school leaders and teachers, and partnering with communities to drive meaningful outcomes in schools. She is a certified facilitator in both Cultural Intelligence and Unconscious Bias, bringing a strong equity lens to her work. Ma’at currently resides in Indianapolis and is completing her doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership.

Serena Monet-Lewis, DC23

Academic Dean | See Forever/Maya Angelou Schools

Bio coming soon. 

Brandi Whitfield-Lewis, TLC24

Assistant Principal | Chicago Public Schools

Brandi Whitfield-Lewis is a dedicated life-long learner, leader and award-winning educator. She has proudly committed her entire professional career to Chicago Public Schools (CPS). She is a Chicago native, a former CPS student, mother and wife. Brandi was also a CPS parent which gave her a unique perspective and new strategies to improve this district. Brandi has diverse leadership experiences with students and staff across the Chicago and is committed to ensuring equity in learning for all students.

Nigena Livingston, INDY22

Founder | The Living Education Access Project and 

Founder & CEO | URBAN ACT Academy

Nigena Livingston is a visionary leader, educator, and coach dedicated to holistic education. In 2022, she founded The Living Education Access Project to provide consultation and coaching support to schools navigating inequitable systems. She is also the Founder and CEO of URBAN ACT Academy, a K-8 Innovation School in Indianapolis focused on place-based instruction and Restorative Practices, fostering academic growth and community engagement. Previously, Nigena served as a school leader in Arkansas and Michigan and held director roles at TNTP and Teach For America. She is a Board Member of the Mind Catcher, an organization that supports the leadership and social emotional growth of educators and youth closest to the most vulnerable communities. Nigena holds a BA from SUNY Buffalo, an MA in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University, and certificates from Harvard, Indiana University, and Relay Graduate School of Education.She is also proud to be a member of the Surge Indy family, representing the X Factor cohort!

Grisel Maldonado, CHI15

Founder | Avanza Strategies

Grisel Maldonado is a social impact driven coach and consultant dedicated to empowering organizations to flourish and drive transformative change. She specializes in crafting mission-aligned strategic pathways and fortifying executive teams, enhancing the resilience and capacity of social impact organizations.

Grisel leads this work through Avanza Strategies, and also coaches leadership teams to achieve impact through The Bridgespan Group’s Leading for Impact (LFI) program, as well as their Creating an Adaptive Plan (CAP) program, and has similarly coached executive teams at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, IGNITE program. Prior to coaching and consulting, Grisel founded several postsecondary success entities aimed at dismantling inequality by bolstering youth of color with the tools they need to achieve their highest aspirations. Her work has included driving admissions at Brown University and founding research-based departments and initiatives at the Noble Network of Charter Schools, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago’s Urban Education Institute, and Chicago Public Schools. 

Grisel is a proud Pilsen, Chicago native focused on unlocking the power of social impact organizations that work with and uplift low-income, Black, and Latinx communities that have been systematically excluded and institutionally oppressed. She received a B.A. in History and Hispanic Studies from Brown University and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She is a proud alumnus of the Surge Institute Fellowship, member of Education Leaders of Color and Señoritas Latinas Unidas, Co-President of the Brown University Club of Chicago, and served on the board of Instituto del Progreso Latino. She was recognized on the 2019 Negocios Now list of Latinos 40 Under 40 for her leadership in the Chicago area and is part of the CatalystEd Postsecondary Expert Network with the Gates Foundation.

Dr. David McGuire, INDY22

Principal | Rooted Schools Indianapolis

David McGuire serves as Assistant Principal at Winding Ridge Elementary School in MSD of Lawrence Township. Previously he served as Principal at Tindley Accelerated Schools for six years at both the elementary and middle school levels. At Tindley, he led a school expansion, developed a teacher leadership program, and created a community learning center and community garden. David served on the Far Eastside Community Council and Far Eastside K-8 Initiative. David is a 2022 Surge Academy Indy Fellow and a 2017 Teach Plus Policy Fellow. David holds a BA in English from Central State University, a Master's in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan, and a Master's in School Leadership from Marian University.

Dana Mitchell, DC23

Executive Consultant and Founder | Engaged Spaces

Dana Mitchell (she / her) has over 20 years of experience supporting organizations and the people within them through change management, talent development, equity design, and educational excellence. She believes that through strong relationships with stakeholders, recognizing people's humanity, and reckoning with strengths and areas of growth, communities can disrupt exclusive culture and build inclusive and functional spaces. She has developed and evaluated curricula, trained “trainers”, and strategically planned alongside community stakeholders, executive suite leaders, and funders. As an educator and consultant, Dana has spent time serving educators, families, and students on the east and west coasts. Her success is largely attributed to recognizing the varying lenses that community members bring as assets that create value in a shared space.  As the Executive Consultant and founder of Engaged Spaces, Dana supports working professionals across the nation by engaging them in meaningful spaces—conversations, consultancies, and coaching sessions—to foster liberated and impactful community experiences. Through executive coaching, advising, strategic planning, and facilitated conversations, Dana’s partners at Engaged Spaces walk away energized, aware, and equipped for both the challenges and triumph ahead. Dana enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, eating crabs, playing Spades, and analyzing movies.

Natalie C. Neris, CHI17

Chief Executive Officer and Principal Consultant | Root and Reimagine Consulting Collective

Dr. Natalie C. Neris leverages her work in policy and community engagement to advocate for social justice and equitable access to education for all students and families. The first in her family to graduate from a 4-year university, Natalie began her career with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in her own Humboldt Park community. A part of Chicago’s educational ecosystem as a third-generation CPS graduate, parent, teacher, and administrator, Natalie is keenly aware that access to a quality education is a game-changer, especially for students living in communities most impacted by injustice. She has committed her life to this work. While in the classroom Natalie earned a Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching and became a Nationally Board Certified teacher. In addition, Natalie is a 2017 Surge Fellow, a 2020 CUE Fellow and serves on the board of directors for Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center and Epic Academy Charter School. She is  the parent of two teenage daughters, a plant mom, a lover of words, travel, food, connection, and a fighter for the underdog.

Ashley Ogbonna, DC23

Director of Student Policy and Title IX Coordinator | KIPP DC

Ashley C. Ogbonna is an Attorney and advocate for educational equity, shaped by firsthand experiences attending both a top-performing and an under-resourced school district in Dallas County. Matriculating through college taught her that the barriers to receiving a quality education were unrelated to the intellectual ability of marginalized groups, but due to the lack of resources and the unbelief that limited students’ potential. These early encounters and insights into stark inequalities ignited her commitment to securing remedies for marginalized students, families, and educators impacted by unjust policies and processes carried out by school systems. After earning her Bachelor of Arts at Spelman College, Ashley earned her Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center and an LL.M. in Constitutional Law and Civil Rights—with a specialization in Education Law—from American University. Ashley honed her legal expertise as a Senior Attorney at the U.S. Department of Education, where she investigated postsecondary institutions that misled vulnerable populations in search of a better life. Currently, she serves a charter school system advising 20+ schools on laws and policies that impact students’ and families’ educational experiences. She is intentional about engaging student and family voice, emphasizing internal accountability, and policy innovation. Throughout her career, Ashley’s mission has remained steadfast: to confront systemic inequities and ensure that legal and policy frameworks protect and empower the communities they are meant to serve. Her unique perspective—rooted in personal experience, rigorous legal training, and a steadfast commitment to justice—continues to fuel her efforts to transform education and advocate for those most in need.

Ashley Kerri Peel, TLC23, DC24

Regional Director | KIPP DC

Ashley Kerri Peel is a seasoned educational leader in K-12 education. She began her career as a teacher working in early elementary. She is passionate about early childhood education because she believes it is the foundation for lifelong learning! Ashley had the privilege to serve as a vice principal for four years before becoming the successor principal at KIPP DC Grow Academy in 2019, where she currently leads with a focus on unconditional love and high-quality instruction for all her students! Ashley brings her expertise in special education, childhood development, strategic planning, and leadership to her work. A Posse Scholar from the Bronx, New York, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dickinson College and an Executive Master’s in Leadership from Georgetown University. Ashley is a proud Surge Alum, a member of the inaugural TLC23 cohort The Agitators, and part of the WDC24 House of Vanguard(ia). On a personal note, Ashley is an avid reader and true crime enthusiast! She loves spending time with her wife, Cassie, and their dog, Nahla.

Naomi Fierro Pena, OAK22, ANGELS24

Founder | That Art Party 

Naomi is hosting a Play Station! Learn more.

Naomi Fierro Peña (she/her/ella) is a queer, Mexican-American artist, facilitator, and community-curator who specializes in creating artful wellness spaces for BIPOC adults. After a decade as an educator—teaching ethnic studies, bilingual social studies, and leading DEI initiatives at Lick-Wilmerding High School—Naomi redirected her passion into founding That Art Party. As Founder & CEO, she's on a mission to help BIPOC adults ritualize creative self-care and break free from perfectionism and toxic grind culture. Her Georgetown University background in Government and Education underpins her approach to community healing through art and play. Naomi's innovative work earned her the 2023 Surge Ambassador Award and $20,000 in the 2024 Surge Angels Pitch Competition. Through monthly in-person and virtual play dates, she creates sacred spaces that honor the inner child while connecting participants to their creative power. Born and raised in San Francisco, Naomi embraces the Bay Area's cultural richness as medicine. When not designing transformative experiences, you might find her dancing, exploring a new craft, or—practicing what she preaches—simply resting.

Cescily Phillips, KC20, ANGELS24

Founder and Executive Director| Inspired Aesthetics

Cescily is hosting a Play Station! Learn more.

Originally from Chicago, IL, Cescily is a passionate wife, mother, and entrepreneur. She loves spending time with friends and family, and believes in the importance of community, creativity, faith, and authenticity. Growing up, Cescily experienced firsthand the impact that amazing people and programs could have on your life, and as a result, is dedicated to giving back, and paying it forward. An alum of the University of Missouri, Cescily is a proud Tiger, holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education. With over ten years in education, Cescily is also the Founder and Executive Director of Inspired Aesthetics. A free, creative and performing arts, after school program in Kansas City, MO. Prior to starting Inspired Aesthetics, Cescily served as both a teacher and Dean of Students at both the middle and high school levels. Cescily believes that with the right tools and experiences, young people are capable of anything. Knowing how much access and opportunity have impacted her life, Cescily continues to seek out opportunities for growth and development. She is an alum of Surge Academy, 4.0 Schools, Fund for Teachers, and Leading Educators. And most recently an alum of the Surge Institutes, Surge Angels program, where she won 2nd place in her first pitch competition, taking home $30,000 for her organization, Inspired Aesthetics. In addition to her family, she also loves traveling, having dance parties with her tiny humans, playing basketball, listening to songs on repeat, good desserts, and of course the arts.

Nayesha Pruitt, CHI23

Co-Founder & COO | Project Restore Initiative

Nayesha A. Pruitt (she/her |they/them) is a healer, a writer, an educator, a mother, a wife, and a recovering people pleaser. Nayesha has served in various capacities within education since adolescence, both in high school and residential settings, as well as through various community programs and organizations, supporting marginalized BIPOC & LGBTQ+ youth, and Black women throughout the diaspora. She has supported others through workshops for well-being, mental health training for youth-facing mentors, individualized therapy, racial healing circles, and in the classroom setting. All of these experiences have shaped her approach to therapy and education, which sets out to first honor your humanity - helping us to remember that our dignity and well-being are of the utmost importance. Nayesha’s training and experience as both a School Counselor and Mental Health Practitioner have continued to help her understand everyone’s basic need for belonging. She recognizes that the spaces in which we exist do not always align with what we need to be fully human. As a result, our identity becomes fractured, disallowing the brilliance and beauty of our full selves to show up authentically. Nayesha strives to fully acknowledge and celebrate others’ humanity along with her own. Nayesha is a trained TRHT Racial Healing Practitioner, licensed therapist (LPC), Adjunct Professor and former CPS School Counselor. Nayesha is also the Co-Founder & COO of Project Restore Initiative, LLC, a trusted global partner standing in solidarity with communities of color and other marginalized communities in efforts to affirm the full dignity of their humanity and to make an impact on the disparities and inequities that so often create obstacles to collective well-being.

Terrence Pruitt, CHI19

Co-Founder, CEO, Principal Consultant | Project Restore Initiative

Terrence Pruitt is a creative, innovative educator, and a healer on a journey to find healing and restoration for himself, his family, and his ancestors. This pursuit inspires and compels him to stand in solidarity with, and support of, folx working to heal, liberate themselves and others, and affirm the fullness of their own humanity and the humanity of all who have been targeted, harmed, or dehumanized by systems of oppression - systems built to condition us to believe that separation, supremacy, and “unpeopling” are natural ways of being. He believes that together we can “re-member”, “re-people”, and restore our worlds.

Dr. Leslye Salinas, OAK21

Founder | La Casa de Jenny

Dr. Leslye Salinas is deeply passionate about families of color. As a Bay Area raised immigrant, Leslye uses education as a tool to create and promote opportunities for families of color. Through her time studying at the University of California, Berkeley and University of San Francisco she found her passion for educating and supporting the whole family unit. She finished her study focused on supports needed for newcomer students and completed her doctoral journey in 2021. Leslye is committed to use her knowledge and skills to support families and schools to be able to support and align to best serve the future - our children. Leslye had been a founding staff member at Roses in Concrete Community School and helped lead the process to merge a charter school with a traditional district school. She has been focusing her work on creating culturally competent and community responsive school operation procedures and practices. Through establishing partnerships with community-based organizations, Leslye has been able to establish a food pantry, laundry room and resource fairs for her school-based families. Leading family engagement in ways that centers families in the work is what she is most proud of this redesigned and merged school community being committed to. Dr. Leslye recently established her non profit, La Casa de Jenny. La Casa de Jenny which has the mission of serving as a navigation and case management center to aid recently migrated individuals to build toward self-sufficiency in their new homes. 

Dr. DuJuan Smith, CHI15

Director of Student Affairs for the MS in Applied Data Science | University of Chicago

Dr. DuJuan Smith (also known as Dr. Du) currently serves as the Director of Student Affairs for the MS in Applied Data Science program at the University of Chicago. In his role, he oversees graduate academic advising, student-related matters, and policy development to support the progression of over 600 graduate students in the program. Dr. Du also serves as a Part-time Lecturer with the Committee on Education at the University of Chicago. He obtained his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration in December 2020 at Illinois State University (ISU) in Higher Education Administration. Since the Fall of 2021, he has served as an Institutional Assistant Professor (Part-time Lecturer) at ISU, where he taught the following courses: Social Foundations of Education, The Philosophy of Education, and Historical Foundations of American Education. His impressive administrative career includes serving as the Assistant Dean of Student Life for Semester at Sea in the Spring of 2014 & Spring of 2020; Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Assistant Dean of Students for the University of Houston (UH), and Coordinator of Judicial Affairs at Moraine Valley Community College. He holds a B.A. in Applied Sociology with a minor in Black Studies and an M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University (NIU). In his spare time, he teaches youth photography, loves to travel, and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated!

Mary Thomas, OAK21

Senior Director, Training and Evaluation  | SMART

Mary Thomas is a Bay Area-based educator, dreamer, and thinker. Mary is currently Director of Training and Evaluation at SMART, a college-access non-profit in San Francisco. She holds an M.Ed and Single Subject Teaching Credential from Holy Names University, and a BA from UC San Diego. Mary is passionate about creating intentional learning spaces, designing systems for equity, and bringing people together. She enjoys reading, traveling, cooking and eating, yoga, movement, friendship, and finding joy in the day to day.

Marcus Wilson, DC22

Founder & CEO | The Village Network

Marcus Wilson, Founder and CEO of The Village Network, was born in New Orleans and raised in Atlanta. A University of Georgia graduate in Middle School Education (2015), Marcus began his career teaching 5th-grade social studies in New Orleans. In 2017, he founded The Gentlemen's Club, an after-school program for middle school boys emphasizing community, leadership, academics, and service. With experience across all student age groups, Marcus served as a Teaching Fellow, Instructional Coach, and Dean of Student Culture at Breakthrough New Orleans. In 2019, he moved to Washington, DC, teaching 6th-grade math before transitioning to CityWorks DC as Program Operations Manager. There, he launched the Embark program, supporting youth aged 18-25 with personal, academic, and career goals. Marcus also worked as a Student Success Coach for Arizona State University's DC campus. A certified youth life coach and founding member of Surge Institute's inaugural DC cohort, The Catalysts, Marcus reinvested in The Gentlemen's Club after his fellowship. In November 2022, he founded The Village Network, launching programming at EL Haynes in January 2023. Under his leadership, The Village Network has served over 80 students across three school partners: EL Haynes, Statesmen College Prep, and Ron Brown High School. Marcus's achievements include winning Surge's Innovator of the Year award in 2023, the DC Mayor's Hope Award, and securing a $50,000 grand prize at the Surge Angels' Pitch Competition. A lifelong advocate for young people, Marcus believes in the power of community, especially for Black and Brown communities to provide the support and resources necessary for thriving futures.