Christine Russell has been named the director of health and wellness programs for The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit committed to advancing Black women’s health and reducing racial health and birth disparities. The organization, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, made the announcement on Thursday morning.
Russell joins the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (FBWW) after nearly 15 years in corporate wellness leadership and personal wellness practice, most recently serving as client solutions manager for San Diego-based American Specialty Health where she supported and led enterprise wellness programs and communications for corporate clients across the United States.
“I am honored to be part of a team that truly recognizes the priority of self-care, in order to selflessly pour into the community with such passion and dedication,” says Russell in a press release. “I’m excited to pull from my background in corporate wellness and health promotion, and root those skills into the community health space to support the work of this powerful organization.”
Established in June 2012, The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness engages and supports thousands of women and girls each year to build healthier lives through education, outreach, support circles, powerful partnerships, and by influencing systemic change.
In her new role with the Foundation, Russell will lead the organization’s suite of health promotion and wellness programming that engages women in year-round opportunities to improve their mind-body-spirit and financial health through in-person and virtual workshops, educational classes, and special events, according to a press release from FBWW.
FBWW CEO and President Lisa Peyton-Caire says the addition of Russell to the team will triple its programming reach and increase the organization’s capacity to refine and grow its offerings for the greatest impact.
“We’re excited to grow to the place where we can now dedicate a full-time role to leading our health and wellness programming which truly sits at the core of our work to support Black women to transform their health right now”, says Peyton-Caire. “It’s where our work began, and the most effective pathway we have to helping women save and secure their lives today as we work on other fronts to address long-term health equity. We’re thrilled to have a capable and experienced leader in Christine to help take our efforts to the next level.”
Russell is a native of Stoughton and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She is also a trained wellness professional with certifications in yoga and fitness instruction.
