Russia brings over 15 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, social impact, and nonprofit management, focusing on public policy and community advocacy.

Russia was previously the Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs at Community Health Councils in Los Angeles as well as Deputy Secretary for Budget and Finance at the California State Transportation Agency in Sacramento. Russia has deep policy analysis and policy implementation skills, and worked at the California Legislative Analyst’s Office early in her career, drafting analyses of ballot measures. She serves as a national advisor for the University of Southern California Center for Inclusive Democracy and facilitated the Center’s training and community learning for underserved communities to participate in local and statewide redistricting processes. Russia has a deep passion for racial equity and leveraging her policy experience to increase civic engagement within communities of color.

Russia has a Master of Public Policy from the University of Southern California, Sol Price School, and is based in Los Angeles.