Meet Soror Kendria Russell - A Luminous Leader who embodies Greater Service

As we observe Women's History Month, we are proud to spotlight the #LuminousLeaders within our sisterhood. Since its founding in 2013, the Lambda Omega Sigma Alumnae Chapter has been a home for accomplished women dedicated to uplifting their communities through purposeful service. We are thrilled to introduce a Soror who personifies the fellowship and "GREATER" spirit of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Through her story, we see a powerful testament to the strength of our bond and the transformative influence of heart-centered leadership.

It is our absolute honor to introduce the amazing Soror Kendria Russell.

1. Throughout your professional or community journey, which milestone or award felt like the truest reflection of Your “Greater Service”?

The milestone that truly reflects my greatest service was receiving an award  from my former chapter Gamma Sigma. This recognition was meaningful because it acknowledged my contributions through the Swim 1922 initiative, where we helped educate young people about water and pool safety, and through hosting our chapter book club, which fostered engagement, learning, and connection among members. These efforts allowed me to serve both the community and my sorority in ways that align with our mission or service and empowerment.

2. When you look at the impact you’ve made in your field, what is the one “win” that you hope inspires the next generation of Royal women?

When I reflect as a former federal law enforcement officer my win is in a field where women are still underrepresented, I was proud to serve, lead, and show that women can thrive in law enforcement. My hope is that my journey encourages other women to step boldly into this profession, pursue leadership roles, and continue paving the way for those who will follow.

3. We often do the work behind the scenes; what is a recent achievement you’re proud of that the world might not know about yet?

One achievement I’m especially proud of, that many people may not know about yet, is being asked to serve as Vice President on the board of Global Acts of Kindness, or GAK. It was an honor to be recognized to contribute to an organization that focuses on service beyond our local communities. What excites me most is that this work allows us to expand acts of kindness globally, reaching communities across different countries and continents. Being a part of something that promotes on a global level is incredibly meaningful to me.

4. If there were no limits to your time or resources, what is the “Luminous” dream you’d manifest for your community this year?

My “Luminous” dream would be to expand the impact of service beyond what we think is possible. I never thought it was possible that I would be part of building a school canteen with Global Acts of Kindness (GAK). My dream would be to multiply that impact-creating spaces that nourish, educate, and heal communities around the world, because when we invest in people we’re building hope and opportunity for generations.

5. What is the “Blueberry on the top”- that one specific audacious goal you are currently chasing with everything you’ve got?

My “Blueberry on the top” is to teach on the continent of Africa and helping to expand educational opportunities. Education has always been the foundation of my service, both as a criminal justice teacher and through my work in communities. I’ve seen how access to learning can completely change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

6. How do you balance the drive for professional excellence with the soul-work of personal fulfillment?

I do this by aligning my professional excellence with the soul work of personal fulfillment by intentionally aligning my professional and personal ethics. It is important that work I do professionally reflects  the values that guide my life-service, integrity, and uplifting others. As an educator, I’m able to pour into students this is why I do what I do with Global Acts of Kindness (GAK). Not only do we serve communities globally, but we will also be bring young adults, many former students into that experience. In July 2026, seven of our former students will travel to Ghana to see the canteen we helped build and meet student’s from the school they’ve been connecting with via zoom throughout the year. I’m creating opportunities for student to see the world, build relationships and understand the true impact of service.

7. In five years, when we look back at this #Luminous Leadership spotlight what new territory do you hope to have conquered?

One of my biggest goals is to have new buildings with GAK weather canteens, schools or clinics across different continents to support communities that are truly under resourced. I have seen the impact that one structure can have on a community in at the Ampenyi school in Ghana.

8. How do you see your leadership style evolving as you move into the next half-decade of your career?

After more than 20 years in law enforcement and nearly 17 years in education, I’ve had the opportunity to serve, lead, and teach. When I retire  from education in May 2027, I hope to focus more on mentoring others and supporting community programs that help develop future leaders. My goal is to continue serving by sharing my experiences and helping guide the next generation towards success.

9. Every Soror has a “why”. What was that defining moment that told you Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was the only home for you?

Every Soror has a “why” -- Soror Elaine Williams (Omega Rho), she invited me to several events, giving me the opportunity to experience the sisterhood and service of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. firsthand. While I appreciated the fellowship, what truly captured my heart was learning about Swim 1922 initiative. Committed to community service, I was inspired to see a sorority intentionally going into underserved communities to teach water and pool safety. Knowing the importance of Black children learning how to swim and the lives that knowledge can save showed me this was the organization for me.

10. How has the sisterhood fueled your  “Light” and supported you in the reaching heights you’ve achieved so far?

Serving on the community service board at the regional level. Their belief in my abilities has motivated me to continue serving, leading, and creating opportunities that positively impact our communities. Through their encouragement and support, I have been able to expand. One experience that deeply shaped me was working with the GAK to support Ampenyi School outside of Ghana West Africa. The school didn’t have a proper place for student to eat or gather, so we (GAK) committed to helping change that. Through fundraising and collective effort we raised $5,000 to build canteen as they call it it, from the ground up. It became a space where children could receive meals, but also where the community could gather.