FOUNDER and CEO

Russell Harris Jr. is a Chicago, IL native and the first male in his family to graduate from college. A former three-time All-American in Track & Field, Russell earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fitness Management and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Ashford University – Forbes School of Business. He furthered his education by studying business at Stanford University in 2013 and education at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education – Principals Center in 2015.

At the age of 25, Russell became the High School Principal of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit. Under his leadership, the academy achieved a 98% graduation rate among seniors, with students gaining acceptance into post-secondary opportunities. This accomplishment positioned the academy as one of the top-performing open-enrollment charter schools in Detroit. In 2018, Russell was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the Black Male Educators Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to the development and retention of Black male educators.

Russell founded a consulting company that supports national nonprofit organizations and played a pivotal role in launching virtual and in-person Boys and Girls Clubs across metro Detroit during the pandemic. In 2021, he became the CEO of Soar Detroit, a nonprofit organization addressing illiteracy rates among 2nd and 3rd graders in Detroit. Russell is also a retired chaplain in the United States Army, where he dedicated his service to supporting soldiers’ spiritual and emotional well-being.

Russell and his wife welcomed their first child, Kyndelle Belle, in 2021 and their second child, Kynsley, in 2024. A passionate advocate for mentoring young men, Russell is currently working on launching a boarding school for high school-aged boys in Detroit, aiming to provide transformative opportunities for future leaders.