In Kaberamaido, Uganda, Aguroi Village has faced a major challenge of lack of access to clean and safe water. The village would have to fetch water from unprotected springs that were shared with animals and that contained mud, animal dung, and garbage. Collecting and using water from contaminated sites led to outbreaks of waterborne diseases […]
In Acan Pii, Uganda — a place that literally means “water problem” — the majority of wells that the 14,000 residents rely on don’t function. During the original installation of these wells, low-quality materials were used, thus requiring constant repairs, and eventually becoming just too expensive to fix. Once the wells stopped functioning, community members […]
Biosand Philippines (BSF) works hard to ensure that people throughout the Philippines have access to clean, safe drinking water. We have partnered with them since 2015, working together to identify communities which need water filters and providing trainings on safe water and hygiene. To date, we have provided 5,173 people with 495 filters! This work […]
We are four Year 9 students from Dubai International Academy. As part of our community project, we decided to investigate the topic of hygiene and children’s health in remote communities. When we first researched different organizations that we could partner up with, who focus on a similar concept as our topic, we came across Surge’s […]
The Abola community in Uganda is one of the hardest to reach for our partners at Prince of Peace for Orphans and Widows (POPOW). During the rainy season, the roads are so bad that it is very hard to travel from Kaberamaido (where POPOW is headquartered) to Abola. In the community, there is a lack […]
“When my sister had her first period, she had stomach pain, fatigue, and a headache. She kept complaining that she was sick, but we did not take her to get treated because the sickness did not seem severe. One afternoon she was laying down because of the stomach pain and noticed she was bleeding. She […]
Surge for Water partnered with Project Hearts in 2016 to run a multi-year Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project in Baitoa, Dominican Republic. The aim of this project is to provide low-cost WASH infrastructure, training, and education to at-risk and under-served communities. In the first three quarters of the project, we have successfully reached more […]
We understand that access to sanitation in schools is critical to the student’s experience and their chance for success. To this end, in 2016, we took on several school sanitation projects — the most recent being latrines for the students at Abata Primary School in Kaberamaido, Uganda. These latrines ensure that students are able to […]
If you search for Bukompe Refugee Camp on Google, the results you get will be limited. There are no official news reports about what is happening there, nor are there any government reports about the people that live there. Instead, all of the information available is written by organizations who are trying to improve the […]
On a Tuesday afternoon at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, 11 students are meeting to discuss global water and sanitation issues. At Abata Primary School in Uganda, a group of 22 students are meeting to discuss water and sanitation issues in their community. These schools are over 7,000 miles away, but they are connected. […]
100% of your donation directly supports relief efforts and sustainable water and sanitation projects The Damage. The death toll passed 800, tens of thousands are homeless and crops are destroyed. The massive flooding and its impact on water and sanitation infrastructure will increase cholera outbreaks and claim even more lives. Government and UN officials estimate that […]
My six days in Haiti by no means made me a “changed” person. It didn’t make me an expert on the problems the country faces. My trip also did not make me an authority on Haiti’s land — its wild terrain and beaches — and the beautiful people who inhabit it. My six days in […]
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.