Bio

Karen Kenyatta Russell a Harvard-trained employment lawyer, a human rights advocate, and political activist. Karen has a BA in Government and Philosophy from Georgetown University.

Karen has won awards for her groundbreaking Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work. Including corporate and not-for-profit programs. Karen loves coaching inclusive leaders. She helps them make change and use their resources to foster progress.

Karen is on RFKHumanRights Leadership Council. RFK is one the world’s leading Human Rights organizations that continues Robert F. Kennedy's work around the world. 

Karen is an author, content creator, and producer. Karen has produced TV Shows, Documentaries, and Movies. Her work has appeared in New York Time Sunday Magazine, Huffington Post, and the Seattle Times.  

Karen’s Dad NBA Icon Bill Russell has won more NBA Championships than anyone . He was the Captain of the Boston Celtics and the first Black Coach in the NBA. 

Karen is the proud daughter of Rose Swisher. Her Mom was a Black Panther, feminist, and music lover.

Karen’s parents marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr,. Her Dad stood with Muhammad Ali when he refused to be drafted for religious reasons. Maya Angelou even wrote a poem about Karen as a child. 

Karen stands on the shoulders of giants. Sharing stories from the frontlines of the Civil Rights movement. She’s committed to empower the next generation of leaders.

Karen’s Dad was cut from his high school basketball team. His Coach and mentor paid for Russell's Boy’s Club membership. This act of kindness started his mentoring journey. He co-founded Mentor.org, the premier youth mentoring group in the world. Karen continues his work. 

Karen’s past and present client/partner list: United Talent Agency, Seattle Children’s Hospital, MSNBC, Reebok, United Way, Sundance Channel, Grey Goose, City Year, Seattle Urban League, Starbucks, Amazon and Microsoft, and NBA Entertainment.