Carmita Semaan, founder and CEO of The Surge Institute, is a transformative leader dedicated to reshaping educational equity and empowering diverse leadership in the nonprofit sector. After a successful early career as an engineer and strategist with Fortune 500 giants like Procter & Gamble and Danaher, Semaan pivoted to tackle systemic issues in K-12 urban education. She founded The Surge Institute to elevate emerging and seasoned leaders—especially women and people of color—providing them with the resources and mentorship to drive meaningful change.
A proud native of Birmingham, Alabama, Semaan’s deep commitment to service and social impact fuels her mission. She has collaborated with prominent figures in education reform, including former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Gen. Colin Powell. Semaan has earned recognition as a Pahara Aspen Fellow, Marshall Memorial Fellow, and Procter & Gamble “40 Under 40” alumna. Through her leadership at The Surge Institute, she is fostering a new generation of leaders who are championing equitable and inclusive educational environments, paving the way for lasting systemic change.
