OUR MISSION

Bold Mindsets and Skillsets

OUR VISION

We create safe spaces for young men to thrive.

OUR CORE VALUES

In our programs, students will cultivate four essential values: Discipline for self-control and goal achievement, Respect for building strong, empathetic relationships, Leadership for inspiring and guiding others, and Resilience for overcoming challenges. These values will empower learners to succeed and make a positive impact in their communities.

RUSSELL HARRIS
FOUNDER & CEO

Russell Harris Jr., a Chicago native and first-generation college graduate, is a former three-time All-American track athlete with a Bachelor's in Fitness Management and a Master’s in Organizational Management and Leadership. He later completed business studies at Stanford University and education studies at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

At 25, Russell became High School Principal of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, where he led the school to a 98% graduation rate—making it one of Detroit’s top-performing open-enrollment charters. In 2018, he was elected Chair of the Black Male Educators Alliance, advancing the development and retention of Black male educators nationwide.

He founded a consulting company supporting national nonprofits and helped launch both virtual and in-person Boys and Girls Clubs across metro Detroit during the pandemic. In 2021, Russell became CEO of Soar Detroit, leading efforts to combat illiteracy among 2nd and 3rd-graders. A retired U.S. Army chaplain, he provided spiritual and emotional care to soldiers.

Russell and his wife are parents to two daughters, Kyndelle Belle (2021) and Kynsley (2024). He is currently focused on launching a boarding school for high school-aged boys in Detroit to create transformative pathways for future leaders.

JEREMIAH HARRIS
PARTNER

Jeremiah is an experienced educator and higher education leader with a background in mental health therapy, equity leadership, admissions, and academic advising. He holds a BA in Community Sociology with a Leadership minor from Wartburg College and an MA in School Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa.

He has led equity, retention, and community engagement initiatives, leveraging data-driven strategies, professional development, and strategic partnerships. His experience includes managing budgets, advancing DEI efforts, supporting college and career readiness, and teaching freshman courses with a focus on personalized guidance.

With additional expertise in diversity recruitment and postsecondary readiness, Jeremiah excels at building meaningful connections with students and community partners. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities, fitness, and hosting family and friends.