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

“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.”

— Leyser Q. Hayes, Esq. Special Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General, State of 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.

IYT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of young men of color who attend and graduate from colleges and universities. Through long-term mentorship, academic support, college and career exposure, and community-building, IYT empowers students to thrive in school and in their communities. The organization serves young men of color across middle school, high school, college, and career transitions—creating a 12-year continuum of programs and services. Guided by its core values of Character, Service, Teamwork, and Liberation, IYT works in deep partnership with schools, families, and communities to dismantle systemic barriers and create pathways to success.

As IYT Mississippi takes root, the organization is proud to also announce its 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 footprint in Mississippi, where comprehensive mentorship programs and academic support will be delivered to young men of color in historically under-resourced communities.

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.

Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Smith-Russ shared:

“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.

---

Subscribe below to receive email updates on IYT Mississippi

Subscribe

When you subscribe to our newsletter, you're not just staying informed. You’re joining a community of people who understand that mentorship, education, and opportunity are the strongest predictors of long-term success.

Each month, we’ll deliver updates on how our programs are changing lives, share the stories behind the numbers, and give you clear ways to help young men of color chart a path toward college, career, and leadership.