Carmita is the Founder and President of the Surge Institute, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the elevation, advancement, growth, and achievement of youth and communities of color. Carmita's expertise is supporting and elevating the genius of emerging and seasoned leaders -particularly women and people of color- and shining a light on the brilliance and ingenuity that is too often overlooked and untapped in solving systemic issues. Her guiding principle is the connection of head, heart, and soul in leadership to drive sustainable impact and lasting partnerships. Though an adopted Chicagoan after 16 years, Carmita was raised in Birmingham, AL and proudly professes that her hometown made her who she has become. Birmingham's history has greatly shaped what she feels called to do and the hustle, horsepower, and heart she exhibits. Carmita holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan.