RUSSELL HARRIS

Russell Harris Jr. is a Chigao, IL native and the first male to graduate from College in his family. In College, Russell was a 3X All American in Track & Field and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fitness Management. Russell went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Ashford University- Forbes School of Business. In 2013 Russell studied business at Stanford University then education in 2015 at Harvard University, GSE – Principal’s Center.

At the age of 25 Russell became a High School principal at the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy – Detroit, where under Russell’s leadership, over 98% of all senior classes graduated and gained acceptance to post-secondary opportunities, making the academy a top open enrollment charter school in the city of Detroit. In 2018 Russell was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for Black Male Educators Alliance, a nonprofit focused on the development and retention of black male educators.

Russell founded a company providing consulting support to national nonprofit organizations, where, during the pandemic he helped launch virtual and in-person Boys and Girls Clubs across metro Detroit. In 2021 Russell became the CEO at Soar Detroit, a nonprofit focused on curbing illiteracy rates among 2nd and 3rd graders in the city of Detroit. Russell also serves as an engineer in the Army National Guard.

Russell and his Wife welcomed their first child, Kyndelle Belle, in 2021 as well. Russell loves serving the community and mentoring young men. He is currently in the process of launching a public charter, all-boys boarding school in Flint, MI.