Kimberly Smith-Russ

Kimberly Smith-Russ By day, I'm a Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist with Alcorn State University's Extension Program.

By vocation, I'm a connector of people, resources, and possibilities. I am also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. šŸ’•šŸ’š

Kimā€™s Corner | The Legacy of a Leadership SeasonEvery season of leadership eventually comes to an end.The Grand Finale h...
07/26/2026

Kimā€™s Corner | The Legacy of a Leadership Season

Every season of leadership eventually comes to an end.

The Grand Finale honoring our 31st International President and CEO, Danette Anthony Reed, was more than a celebration of four years of service. It was a reminder that leadership is measured not only by what happens during an administration, but by what remains after it.

The work remains.

The relationships remain.

The people who were encouraged, developed, and inspired to serve remain.

As I spent the evening reconnecting with committee members, celebrating newly elected Regional Directors, and enjoying the fellowship of sisters, I was reminded that no leader carries a vision alone. Progress happens because people choose to serve together and remain committed to something greater than themselves.

Congratulations, Madam Supreme, on a meaningful season of leadership and service.

Kimā€™s Corner Reflection

A leadership season may end, but its true legacy is found in the people prepared to carry the work forward.

Stay ready, so you donā€™t have to get ready.

ā€” Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ

Some assignments give you a title. Others change how you lead.During the Soaring Administration, I had the honor of serv...
07/25/2026

Some assignments give you a title. Others change how you lead.

During the Soaring Administration, I had the honor of serving as the South Eastern Representative to the International Constitution Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, IncorporatedĀ®.

Under the leadership of our incomparable Supreme Parliamentarian, Martha Parine Beard, affectionately known as ā€œThe GOAT,ā€ I learned that good governance requires more than knowing the rules. It requires preparation, discipline, fairness, sound judgment, and the courage to protect the integrity of the organization.

This weekend, our committee completed its final assignment by presenting the Constitution Forum during the 72nd Boule. It also marked the conclusion of my term as a ā€œParliamentary Pearl.ā€

I leave this assignment grateful for the lessons, the sisterhood, and the opportunity to serve at the international level. The term may have ended, but the responsibility to remain informed, prepared, and ready to serve continues.

Leadership lesson: The strongest leaders do not wait until the meeting begins to get prepared. They study, listen, and arrive ready.

Because when we stay ready, we donā€™t have to get ready.

Kimā€™s Corner | Leadership ReflectionOne of the things I admire most about my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inco...
07/21/2026

Kimā€™s Corner | Leadership Reflection

One of the things I admire most about my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, IncorporatedĀ® is that we intentionally celebrate excellence.

Todayā€™s announcement of our Honorary Sorors is a reminder that leadership comes in many forms. Some lead through scientific discovery. Others through business, philanthropy, the arts, technology, or public service.

Different paths. One purpose.

Each woman has used her gifts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

As I reflected on this announcement, I was reminded that recognition is never simply about celebrating achievement. It is about highlighting examples that inspire the next generation to believe that excellence and service can exist together.

Congratulations to the 2026 Honorary Sorors. May your journeys continue to encourage all of us to lead with purpose and serve with excellence.

Kimā€™s Corner Reflection

Leadership is not measured only by what we achieve, but by how we use our influence to open doors, create opportunity, and serve others.

Stay ready, so you donā€™t have to get ready.

ā€” Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ

One of the most important leadership lessons Iā€™ve learned didnā€™t happen during a keynote address.It happened in a hallwa...
06/28/2026

One of the most important leadership lessons Iā€™ve learned didnā€™t happen during a keynote address.

It happened in a hallway.

In 2011, after attending a workshop led by Charletta Wilson Jacks, I accidentally left behind two gifts I had purchased for my family: a Future AKA doll for my daughter and an Omega backpack for my husband.

When I called, she graciously met me to return them.

As she handed them to me, she smiled and said,

ā€œSomeone was going to be sad that they didnā€™t get their gift.ā€

It was a brief interaction.

She probably doesnā€™t remember it.

I never forgot it.

Years later, I invited her to be the speaker for my first Foundersā€™ Day as Basileus of Rho Lambda Omega Chapter. Her message, ā€œBe Ethel,ā€ challenged me to think differently about leadership, legacy, and service.

As Charletta Wilson Jacks prepares to be installed as the 32nd International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, IncorporatedĀ®, Iā€™ve been reflecting on a simple truth:

Leadership is built long before it is recognized.

Titles donā€™t create leaders.

They reveal the leaders who have consistently shown up with integrity, humility, compassion, and excellence.

Congratulations, Madam President.

Thank you for reminding so many of us that leadership is measured not only by the positions we hold, but by the lives we touch along the way.

Leadership Lesson: Never underestimate the impact of a small act of kindness. You may forget the moment, but someone else may carry it with them for a lifetime.

@32 International AKA President, , , , , Juanita Sims DotyCharletta Wilson Jacks

šŸ’—šŸ’š

ā€” Kimā€™s Corner

šŸ’—šŸ’š

Kimā€™s CornerTodayā€™s reminder:Leadership is not about feeling ready.Itā€™s about being willing.This morning, while moderati...
06/20/2026

Kimā€™s Corner

Todayā€™s reminder:

Leadership is not about feeling ready.
Itā€™s about being willing.

This morning, while moderating a panel of elected officials and civic leaders, I was struck by how many leadership journeys begin the same way: someone sees a need and decides to do something about it.

No perfect timing.
No perfect circumstances.
Just purpose.

The women on todayā€™s panel reminded us that leadership grows through service, preparation, and courage.

What opportunity might be waiting on the other side of your willingness to say yes?

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: July 1, 2026 šŸ—“ļøThe SHIELD Act is coming to Mississippi.If you or someone you know plans to register ...
06/04/2026

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: July 1, 2026 šŸ—“ļø
The SHIELD Act is coming to Mississippi.

If you or someone you know plans to register to vote after this date, you may be asked for proof of U.S. citizenship.

Save this post for the full list of accepted documents ā¬‡ļø

Questions? Contact your county Circuit Clerk or sos.ms.gov

Information is power. Share with a neighbor.
Your Voice. Your Vote. Our Power.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay READY . Kimberly R. Smith-Russ

Sisterhood will have you doing things you never imagined .Like walking the runway in silver sequins with my Rho Lambda O...
06/01/2026

Sisterhood will have you doing things you never imagined .

Like walking the runway in silver sequins with my Rho Lambda Omega Sorors šŸ’ƒšŸ¾

So grateful to our GenNEXT Committee for the Pearls of Wisdom Fashion Show honoring Silver & Golden members. We laughed, we celebrated the wisdom given by years of service, and we proved thereā€™s no expiration date on joy.

This is why I love my AKA. This is why I keep showing up.

Tag a person who pushes you to shine šŸ’•šŸ’š

R. Smith-Russ

March 2026: My baby girl (Jaycelyn Russ) became my soror šŸ’š May 2026: Attended her FIRST regional conference with me and ...
05/08/2026

March 2026: My baby girl (Jaycelyn Russ) became my soror šŸ’š
May 2026: Attended her FIRST regional conference with me and my sister Antrice Smith šŸ’•

From teaching her to tie her shoes to watching her, to giving her first set of Pearls, to participating in her 1st Regional Conference, the 94th SERC... my heart is so full. This is legacy. This is purpose. This is Alpha Kappa Alpha.

To my daughter: Welcome to a lifetime of sisterhood and service. To my sister Antrice: Thank you for pouring into her too.

05/03/2026

Eva seen a sorority stroll to gospel music? God donā€™t play about us!!! 94th South Eastern Regional: HBCU Gospel Brunch!

The 94th SERC HBCU Gospel Brunch was CHURCH! šŸ™ŒšŸ½šŸ’•Pastor Mike Jr. reminded us that weā€™re ā€œWinningā€ when we lead with faith...
05/03/2026

The 94th SERC HBCU Gospel Brunch was CHURCH! šŸ™ŒšŸ½šŸ’•
Pastor Mike Jr. reminded us that weā€™re ā€œWinningā€ when we lead with faith, authenticity, and service. From ā€œAmenā€ to ā€œBIG,ā€ the Ballroom was on fire for the Lord AND our HBCUs.

Nothing like praising God with my sorors, repping HBCUs, and being orchestrated for service at the 94th Southeastern Regional Conference. One heart. One voice. One purpose.

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