IYT Spotlight: Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ
IYT Mississippi Launches Under the Leadership of Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ
Equity Leader, Educator, and Statewide Advocate Joins IYT to Build Opportunity for Young Men of Color Across Mississippi
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI —Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Kimberly R. Smith-Russ as the Executive Director of our Mississippi region. With over two decades of leadership in education, community engagement, and program development, Dr. Smith-Russ brings a deep commitment to equity and a bold vision for expanding opportunity for young men of color throughout the state.
“Dr. Smith-Russ is a transformational leader who blends strategy with heart. Her ability to build coalitions, engage families, and center community voice makes her the ideal leader to launch this initiative in Mississippi.”
Dr. Smith-Russ has served in leadership roles across the education and nonprofit sectors in Mississippi, including as State Deputy Director at Save the Children, Mississippi State Director for the Black Alliance for Educational Options, and most recently as the Family and Consumer Science State Specialist for the Alcorn State University Extension Program. Her work has touched every corner of the state, spanning 20+ counties and engaging thousands of students, families, educators, and stakeholders.
A native of Mississippi and an Alcorn State and Mississippi State University graduate, Dr. Smith-Russ has dedicated her career to closing opportunity gaps and empowering youth through education. Her leadership has led to measurable results—boosting client engagement by 30%, increasing statewide program participation, and securing over $600,000 in grant funding to support rural and underserved communities.
“IYT’s mission is personal to me. I’ve seen the challenges facing young men of color in Mississippi, and I know what’s possible when they’re surrounded by support, mentorship, and opportunity. I’m honored to lead IYT Mississippi and excited to work alongside our partners to create lasting change.”
As IYT Mississippi takes root, Dr. Smith-Russ is focused on building comprehensive mentorship programs, developing academic support systems, creating career pathways through internships and job shadowing, and collaborating with schools, colleges, and community leaders to expand access and impact. With her extensive experience, local knowledge, and unwavering dedication to youth success, we are confident Dr. Smith-Russ will lead IYT Mississippi with excellence, equity, and purpose.
We’re also proud to also announce our first school partners in the state: Powell Middle School and Blackburn Middle School—both part of Jackson Public Schools (JPS)—as well as Ambition Prep Charter School. These three programs will serve over 130 students and marks the beginning of IYT’s presence in Mississippi, where comprehensive mentorship programs and academic support will be delivered to young men of color in historically under-resourced communities.