Board Member Focus: Jade Brown Russell

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
 ― Mahatma Gandhi

For the last three and half years, Jade Brown Russell has served as the local general counsel for Caesars Entertainment Corporation.  Her skills at advising clients with respect to various gaming, employment, regulatory and corporate issues, as well as budget preparation make her a highly qualified and competent board member at both New Beginnings Schools Foundation and Bricolage Academy.

“I serve because I don't want to just talk about all the things that need to change in our education system. Instead, I want to be a part of effectuating change. Our schools are our most valuable corporations--we have to begin investing in them as we would a blue chip company. For me, that investment manifests itself in my board service. The return on my investment comes through the prosperity of the children I serve,” reflects Russell.
 
Bricolage Academy advances educational equity by preparing students from diverse backgrounds to be innovators who change the world.  In its first year of operation, Bricolage Academy serves Kindergarten and will add a grade each year.
 
“Jade brings a thoughtful approach to every issue that comes before the board,” said Ramsey Green, fellow board member at New Beginnings Schools Foundation. “Her legal background and financial acumen are incredibly useful to the board as we deliberate and discuss governance and policy.  Jade is a great partner on the NBSF board and brings valuable insights for the benefit of children.” 
 
A network of four schools across the city, New Beginnings Schools Foundation is comprised of:
Gentilly Terrace Charter School, Lake Area New Tech Early College High School, Medard H. Nelson Charter School and Pierre A. Capdau Charter School.


The Top Shelf
The success of a charter school hinges largely on the decisions of its governing board. The Top Shelf enhances the capacity of charter school boards through professional development, board recruitment and community engagement. 

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