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 […]
In the past 6 years, Surge has fixed over 100 water sources in Kaberamaido and Kalaki in Uganda. This year we’re excited to announce that with the support of long-time Surge ambassador Shereen Mitwalli, we have expanded into drilling new wells! The Issue At the Kacamidako Community Mosque, 1,800 water users were walking up to […]
Yaron, a twelve-year-old from Chicago, is celebrating his upcoming Bar Mitzvah by giving back to the global community. Yaron is walking 60 kilometers, 6 kilometers a week, between now and August 22 in an effort to raise $2,500. The money raised from Yaron’s project won’t go towards his Bar Mitzvah, but will instead be used […]
It’s International Women’s Day, and we’re celebrating Hellen, Mary, Patricia, and Suzan from our Menstrual Health team in Kaberamaido, Uganda. They work in rural communities to train and educate young women and girls on menstrual health management. Their favorite memory of their work: “Interacting with girls from remote villages is always a memorable moment. […]
It’s International Women’s Day, and we’re celebrating Nakyese Mary, caretaker of the Police borehole in Kaberamaido, Uganda. With six children, she is a full-time mother and like many of us, she also enjoys chatting with friends. Her favorite memory of her work: “when the water user committees were brought together for training. It was fun […]
With nearly 36,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Uganda, our work in partnership with POPOW (Prince of Peace Orphans and Widows – Vision) is providing communities with the opportunity to practice safe hygiene and to receive education on the dangers of the virus and how to stay safe. In partnership with SBB Research Group, POPOW […]
With nearly 36,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Uganda as of January 4, our work in partnership with POPOW (Prince of Peace Orphans and Widows – Vision) is providing communities with the opportunity to practice safe hygiene and education on the dangers of the virus. So far, we have held 26 radio programs, distributed 273 […]
“[My self-confidence] has increased because I know that every girl has the power to do anything since I was told that women are also strong people in the community.” – Akamo Sandrah, age 16, Oyama Primary School Worldwide, women and girls face challenges in managing their menstrual cycles. Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated yearly on May […]
On May 9, our local field partner POPOW (Prince of Peace Orphans and Widows – Vision) hosted a radio show that allowed girls to talk about how they are maintaining menstrual health and hygiene during the COVID-19 lock-down. The talk show discussed the challenges girls are facing and how they are coping as well as […]
“In this critical time of COVID-19, I am overjoyed by the interventions in the hospital. There is so much need in the hospital – no sanitizers, no hand washing facilities, and no protective gear. But the health workers are expected to work and respond to this critical situation. Soap and hand washing facilities are among […]
When Uganda learned about its first COVID-19 cases, much like the rest of the world, it sparked a rise of emotions including panic, fear, and uncertainty. Guidelines were passed by the Ministry of Health on hygiene practices to be followed country wide. With water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) being Surge’s and Prince of Peace Orphans […]
Treasurer, USA
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.