Nice to Meet You!
Did you know that the In and Out-of-School Time field has some of the greatest working professionals that ‘Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change’ year-round? TEAMBOOST proudly features BOOST Partners, Ambassadors, and Leadership Team members in the GTKY (Getting to Know You) collaborative blog series! With midweek’s arrival, let’s Get To Know BOOST Ambassador, Raynee Russell (She/Hers).
Thank you, Raynee, for your meaningful contributions to the BOOST community! We appreciate you!
Get to Know BOOST Ambassador Raynee Russell (She/Hers)
Raynee is the Operations Manager and Lead Teacher for the Global Kindness Initiative in Paradise, CA.
What is one thing that motivates you? Share your inspiration. 
A huge driver of my motivation is my guiding principle to show up for others (my children, students, and the people I encounter) how I would have wanted the adults around me to show up for me as a child, teen, and young adult. My inspiration comes from personal adversities; instead of allowing adversity to define me, I use it as a catalyst for inspiration and change. My goal is to inspire others to create social change through Love, Logic, and Resilience.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!
I have one pet, a Veiled Chameleon named Kermy. He is about 3 years old.
What go-to song would you sing at Karaoke night?
An oldie would be Hotel California by the Eagles, and a newbie would be See You Again by Tyler, The Creator & Kali Uchis.
Share any unique hobbies or talents.
I am an aspiring MUA (make-up artist) and that is a big passion/talent of mine. Other hobbies include writing/poetry, graphic/digital art, and family gaming night.
Favorite animal noise? 
Hummingbird Chirps
What is your most treasured book to read? What are you currently reading?
My most treasured book is one my dad sent to me years ago called The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (published 1923). I’m currently reading The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal (published 2016).
Share an inspirational quote that resonates with you.
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer
If you could be any person for a day, who would you be and why?
If I could choose to be any person for a day, I would choose myself! I believe each person is unique with their own experiences and perspectives which could never be replicated. By choosing to be myself I am choosing to love myself and commit to my personal growth and progress, and embracing my journey with all of the ups and downs fosters my resilience.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
If I could go back in time and speak to my teenage self, I would tell myself that I am a strong, intelligent, capable young woman who doesn’t need to rely on anyone else but myself. I’d remind myself to stay strong and focus on bettering my life. I’d tell myself to turn the negative messages I send myself into positive ones and focus on my continued education and personal growth. Most importantly, I’d tell myself never to settle for less than I know I deserve.
If you really knew me you would know that…
I’m a mother to 7 children from the ages of 2-23. I am a very compassionate and kind person, and I like to focus on the big picture in the scheme of things. I strive to make everyone feel included, comfortable, and welcome, and to understand those around me. I’m great at observing & doing “vibe-checks.” Sometimes I am introverted, other times I am extroverted, just depends on the day and the needs of the group I am in. I am comfortable being a leader as well as being a support person. I’m always working to “hear the need” and provide what needs to be brought to the table.
Today for breakfast I had…
Tea and toast!
From all of us here at TEAMBOOST, thank you, Raynee, for sharing your leadership with us. You are a wonderful partner and a shining light for youth!