Communications and Strategic Partnerships Manager
Russell first developed a passion for disability rights advocacy after serving for seven years as President of DOGFITE (Disability Organizing Group For Initiating Total Equality), a Sacramento-area disability advocacy group established in the early 2000s at Resources for Independent Living (RIL). While educated in the Independent Living Movement through his nearly 20-year experience as both a leader and facilitator with DOGFITE advocates, Russell was introduced to the transformational power of community organizing as an early participant in Occupy Sacramento. From this experience, he developed a commitment to accessible, affordable housing advocacy and intersectional anti-poverty community organizing.
Russell has previously served as Chair of the Sacramento City Disabilities Advisory Commission, Vice-Chair of the Disability Action Coalition (DAC), and board member of Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness. He is also a graduate of Sierra Health Foundation’s Health Leadership Program (Class XV) and Sacramento’s Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI).
Russell is honored to serve as CFILC’s Communications and Strategic Partnerships Manager. His personal community organizing philosophy is grounded in the promotion and development of Disabled leaders working to build power and achieve an equitable, accessible transformational justice for all people. Russell believes Disability community leaders must be at the forefront of a progressive society, because barriers to access are also barriers to progress.
Russell lives with his wife April and their ever-present canine companion, Sammie. When not working, he can occasionally be found performing standup or improv comedy — or catching a local Sacramento band.