Madison, Wisconsin – 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, has announced its hire of Madison area native, Christine Russell, as its new Director of Health & Wellness Programs.
Russell joins the Foundation after nearly 15 years in Corporate Wellness leadership and personal wellness practice. She most recently served 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. Christine is also a trained wellness professional with certifications in yoga and fitness instruction. She is a native of Stoughton, Wisconsin and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
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. The Foundation’s programming promotes healthy lifestyle behaviors, chronic illness and disease prevention, and supports women in building a culture of wellness for themselves and their families that enhances their overall quality of life. Russell will play a major role in growing these and other efforts as the organization extends its reach to more women across Dane County and Wisconsin.
"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. 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."
Since its inception a decade ago, the Foundation has engaged thousands of women in its wellness programming which, until recent years, was largely organized and led by its founder with the support of volunteer Wellness Ambassadors. Founder, CEO & President Lisa Peyton-Caire says the addition of Mrs. Russell to the team will triple its programming reach, and increase the organization’s capacity to refine and grow its offerings for 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.”
Established in 2012, the Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. To learn more, visit www.ffbww.org.
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ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR BLACK WOMEN’S WELLNESS
Established in June 2012, the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness is committed to our mission to energize, mobilize and support Black Women to transform their health and their lives through education, advocacy, and powerful partnerships. A central part of our work involves efforts to eliminate health disparities and other barriers impacting the lives of Black women and their families by working with community members, partners, and allies to influence systemic change. Each year we reach, engage, and support over 7,000 women and girls in Dane County and across Wisconsin to build healthier lives, and impact and inspire thousands more through our advocacy work and social channels. To learn more, visit www.ffbww.org.
