It’s estimated that between $1.2 and 1.5 billion dollars in investments were lost between 1989 and 2009 because of nonfunctional water wells. That’s decades of water access work and billions of dollars wasted, a significant disservice to the very communities that were intended to benefit from the water projects. Water user committees are an integral […]
First periods can be scary. Even scarier is menstruating but not knowing what is going on with your body. In Kaberamaido and Kalaki Districts in Eastern Uganda, first periods can be associated with illness or death, as shared by these girls: “The first time I menstruated, I was scared my liver was damaged and flowing […]
Lorensius Gatot Widyartoak (Pak Gatot) & Monica Anitya Delmuti (Ibu Anit) represent Surge for Water’s implementing partner, Yayasan Labda Radmila Agrapana (YLRA) in Sumba, Indonesia. Pak Gatot has always been passionate about working on social programs, social development, and political organizations. In 2019, he got together with his friends to start YLRA and do meaningful […]
“If you are on Mother Nature’s side, Mother Nature will be on your side,” Chakra shared heartily, shrugging his shoulders with a smile. I Made Chakra Widia founded the Tri Hita Karana foundation in 2012 to launch sustainability and environmental awareness projects within communities in Bali, Indonesia. I interviewed Chakra to learn about his inspiration […]
With our latest pilot, we are excited to announce that we have expanded our signature Menstrual Health Trainings to Sumba, Indonesia. In partnership with Yayasan Labda Radmila Agrapana (YLRA), our team of local program facilitators and trainers has been training adolescent girls on menstrual health and hygiene since September this year. As with any pilot […]
In addition to expanding our Menstrual Health Training program, we are also excited to announce our first project on the island of Bali. In partnership with Tri Hita Karana, we have successfully constructed the first rainwater harvesting system for a community in Seraya, on the eastern side of Bali. Now, 300 people have access to […]
Did you know that if everyone washed their hands routinely, one million deaths a year could be prevented? This October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, a day focused on increasing global awareness about the importance of washing your hands with soap. As part of our sustainable program solutions, we deliver game-based sanitation and hygiene training […]
Menstruation. In the West, this word might conjure up images of TV commercials featuring blue dye and a woman holding her abdomen in pain. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the images are quite different. Menstruation is often a taboo topic, with menstruating girls seen as “contaminated” and excluded from normal parts of life. One in 10 girls […]
In the past few months, in addition to rehabilitating four boreholes in Uganda, we also built three school latrines. These latrines have impacted a total of 1,087 students at two primary schools. With one in three schools lacking access to safe water and sanitation, it’s important to provide holistic solutions that cover both basic needs. […]
In the past few months, we have rehabilitated four boreholes, impacting a total of 4,590 people in Kaberamaido and Kalaki, Uganda. Uganda has been under some of the strictest COVID-19 lockdowns in Africa, but thanks to our local implementing partner POPOW, our essential work has continued. While businesses were forced to shut and travel was […]
Did you know that proper hand washing with soap can reduce the spread of waterborne diseases by 30 to 60 percent? When we invest in communities through water and sanitation solutions, we also implement Hygiene Education training in an effort to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases. Surge’s training is game-based and delivered to households, […]
The work we accomplish each year would not be possible if not for our strong partnerships with local communities, organizations, and people. Surge allows locals to take the lead — we fund projects only where the community has determined the need. From start to finish our projects are focused on the local communities, from hiring […]
Global WASH Manager
Rachel has over 13 years of experience managing rural WASH programs and enterprises across Southeast Asia and Africa. She is passionate about designing and delivering human-centered WASH solutions—working closely with enterprises, non-profits, and local governments to create lasting services. She has led large-scale initiatives focused on scaling practical solutions that increase equitable access to safe water and sanitation.
Prior to joining Surge, Rachel served as the Water Sector Lead for SNV in Lao PDR, where she managed a climate-resilient and inclusive WASH program that improved access to services for over 230,000 people. In addition to program management, she led research initiatives that informed key policies, including national guidelines on community-based water safety planning and strategies to achieve full sanitation coverage by 2025.
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Director, UAE
I’m passionate about Surge’s mission to provide clean water to those most in need. It’s touching to hear the experiences of our team who’ve witnessed and contributed first-hand solutions to the communities Surge works in. As the mother of Surge’s founder, it is extra-special to see my daughter’s vision and hard work come to life and make a difference in so many lives. I’m also happy to apply my strong organizational and administration skills from my 35-year career in the oil industry towards Surge.
I want my life to be about the positive impact that I make on other people’s lives. I’m blessed and I’m compelled to use my blessings to help other people; this is why I’m a part of Surge. Traveling to Uganda with Surge changed my life. Every day, I see the faces of the beautiful people we met, and it gives me the drive to do what I can for them. As a professional interior designer, it was an honor to use my talents to create and help launch Surge’s annual UAE gala and design competition: Design, Dine, Make a Difference. It’s been a surreal experience to see the interior design industry come together to support our cause, and thus change the lives of communities around the world.
With over 25 years’ experience across the US, Middle East, and Africa as an Ergonomic Specialist, Wellness Consultant, Trainer, Interior Designer, and self-proclaimed furniture guru, Jennie has been driven to help create spaces where people can thrive.
Jennie stumbled across Surge after attending the second annual gala, Design, Dine, make a Difference, and has been involved ever since. Whether she is in a ball gown in Dubai or a Surge t-shirt, she passionately supports Surge in any way her skills can allow her to be of service.
I love that Surge is committed to helping our global communities be healthier and happier. I resonate deeply with Surge’s sustainable approach that allows communities to stand on their own and flourish. I feel very fortunate that I get to volunteer with some amazing passionate people; it makes me feel like I’m part of a global family. Professionally, I work in audit and compliance, and I enjoy applying these analytical skills, as well as my creative side, towards growing Surge.
I believe access to clean water is a human right. I love how Surge provides sustainable solutions to communities with the goal of ending the cycle of poverty. I am passionate about leveraging my 20 years in the retail industry and nonprofit management experience to help provide access to clean water to those in need.
I love devoting my time as a marketing professional to an organization that cares about providing for children and families’ basic needs — and creating a better future. It’s been exciting to see Surge grow through the years, starting as an idea and now becoming a major force in the water and sanitation space. Outside of Surge, I’ve been in corporate marketing for more than 15 years, working on dynamic food and beverage brands such as Land O’Lakes®, Baileys®, Ketel One®, and most recently V&V Supremo Chihuahua® Cheese.
Josh is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in finance, non-profits, and social businesses. With a passion for sustainable development, Josh takes a “listen first” approach and has spearheaded community-based disaster response efforts as well as initiatives designed to assist individuals combating rural and urban poverty both domestically and abroad. He currently serves as COO of a healthcare technology company, overseeing operations and implementing innovative solutions to improve health equity and access to expert care.
I volunteer for Surge because of the commitment to provide sustainable and community-driven solutions to help end the cycle of poverty. There is a humility in partnering with communities that is truly transformative and long-lasting. Visiting Haiti and working directly with Surge’s field partners has so far been my most compelling experience with the organization. For me, seeing the strong community relationships reinforced the uniqueness of Surge’s approach to locally-led development. Through my professional consulting experience, I’ve provided strategic direction to several leading corporations. I really enjoy offering this service to Surge and simultaneously turning it into tactical execution. In my free time, you’ll likely find me training for my next marathon.
Chris has spent over 25 years in software and IT working across the globe. He has lived in London, Canada, China and Taipei while managing teams and traveling with family all over APAC. Currently, he advises some of the world’s biggest retailers as a Distinguished Enterprise Architect at Salesforce. His family mantra and giving focus is “God, Kids and Animals” and is very excited to join the board at Surge and bring his expertise to help bring clean water and sanitation to children around the world.
We’re so lucky to not have to think about the safety of our water. No one should have their future limited by access to safe water and sanitation. I dedicate my time to this cause because of the inspiring way Surge integrates with communities and becomes a part of them to solve this global issue. I know we are making a sustainable difference. Professionally, I’m an administrator and an organizer, and I apply these skills to to my work with Surge — where I get things working better and more efficiently. In my free time, you’ll find me at a fencing tournament.
Executive Director, POPOW, Uganda
I’ve ended up where I am because I have the passion and will to help the poor, needy, vulnerable, voiceless and invisible people especially women, children and the youth. My personal mission is to empower women, youth, orphans and vulnerable children to realize their full potentials for sustainable livelihoods. Surge is a Great, Reliable, Flexible and passionate partner. Before Surge, much of POPOW’s ideas remained in the book with no funds or additional ideas to bring them to reality. We were like a bird without wings to fly. We are so grateful and appreciative of Surge’s immense, invaluable support. Together, we’ve transformed and changed lives.
Director, ASSHLA, Haiti
I’m a Doctor that cares about helping the most disadvantaged people improve their living conditions and live with dignity. I built an organization with friends to do this in Haiti in service of better drinking water, health, employment and housing. With a global vision to live in a world of solidarity, I looks forward to continued work with Surge and other partners to deliver on economic self-sufficiency. My partnership with Surge for Water has already helped me a lot in my mission.
Operations & Development Manager
As Surge’s Operations & Development Manager, Ashley helps oversee every community partner to support their work and success. She’s passionate about supporting solutions that serve both people and the planet.
Ashley holds a BS in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago and has had the chance to call Vietnam, Croatia, and Portugal home. In her free time, you can find her taking language classes, exploring her community, attempting embroidery, or reading.
Executive Director, UAE
Surge’s mission to uplift and empower those most in need through life-giving water resonates deeply with me. My deepest desire is to do as much as I can for humanity, and Surge enables me to do so. Visiting Surge’s field partners and working, dancing and singing with the community is what I love the most. My passion for the cause gave me the courage to leave the corporate path and instead be a voice for our planet and its people. My diverse experiences in finance, human resources, sales, and parenting are all skills I use every day in running Surge’s UAE chapter.
Founder, Executive Director, Board Member
I started Surge in response to a deep calling to give back to people who were less fortunate than me, and to be an active part of addressing poverty, injustice, and inequality in our world. Through Surge’s mission and model, I found an unanswered need and a way to fulfill my calling. Surge is one of my life’s biggest loves — it’s truly an extension of my mind, heart, and soul. It’s been so fulfilling and motivating being a part of Surge’s story and its global family, who are all connected by love and a desire to make our world a better place. My professional and educational experiences in engineering, public policy, supply chain, and management consulting are effectively put to use in running the organization.