Russella Davis-Rogers

Senior Manager, Development

Russella joined Turnaround for Children in 2017 as a Senior Manager, Development. In this role, she helps design and execute Turnaround’s Washington, D.C. fundraising strategy by managing relationships with key philanthropic partners.

Russella served in President Barack Obama’s administration as the chief of staff in the Strategic Partnerships Office at the U.S. Department of Education. In this capacity, she directed the administration of the department’s gift funds; enhanced partnerships by connecting philanthropic and business organizations with initiatives aligned with the administration’s priorities; and served as a deputy on President Obama‘s My Brother’s Keeper task force. Russella has received local and national awards for her service and volunteerism, including the “Spirit of Detroit Award” and the Martin Luther King, Jr. “Drum Major for Service Award.”

Russella holds an M.L.A. from Johns Hopkins University, where she studied African American studies, ethics and government, and a B.B.A. in Marketing from Howard University.

Who do you admire most in your life?

My great-grandmother Earline. She was the embodiment and living proof of all the good that can exist in this world. She was incredibly beautiful, the most intelligent person I have ever known and completely selfless. Every single memory I have of her treatment of me and care for me and others is good. My life was truly enriched by witnessing her independence, strength and dignified presence.

What book has influenced you most?

I have been influenced by several books, particularly ones written by my favorite author, Toni Morrison. However, Ebony Magazine actually had the earliest influence on me, inspiring me to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). My great-grandmother Earline had a subscription and every year we both looked forward to its Black College Queens edition. I vividly remember my excitement when it arrived in the mail and I knew that one day I would attend an HBCU and become one of those queens.