Reid Russom: A Visionary Leader in Education and Tech Equity

Reid Russom stands out as an inspiring figure in the worlds of education, nonprofit leadership, and technology. His career reflects a strong commitment to equity, innovation, and community building. As the Curriculum & Instruction Manager at Code the Dream, Russom has empowered underrepresented communities with coding education and real-life opportunities in tech. His approach blends expertise, compassion, and vision, showing how thoughtful leadership can create meaningful social impact. Through his work, he demonstrates that education is not just about teaching skills but also about opening doors for marginalized groups.Russom’s story resonates with anyone who values service, mentorship, and social justice. He is known for designing programs that bridge the digital divide and make tech careers accessible to all. His work goes beyond curriculum design; it involves volunteer coordination, program evaluation, and mentoring learners who might otherwise be overlooked. In this article, we explore Reid Russom’s life, education, career, advocacy, and personal journey, showing how one individual can create lasting change in both education and technology.

Early Life Education Reid Russom

Reid Russom grew up in a community that valued learning, service, and social equity. From an early age, he developed a passion for mentorship, literacy, and helping others. These values guided his academic and professional choices later in life. Russom’s formative years were marked by engagement with community programs and volunteer opportunities that reinforced his commitment to social justice. He learned the importance of equity and inclusion, setting a foundation for his future work in education and tech.For higher education, Russom pursued graduate studies with a focus on leadership, curriculum development, communication, and data-driven program evaluation. These academic experiences gave him the skills needed to manage complex educational programs, analyze data effectively, and develop curricula that address the needs of diverse learners. His education prepared him for a career that would combine teaching, nonprofit leadership, and innovative program design.

Professional Career and Entry into Education

Russom began his professional journey as a Middle School English Teacher. In this role, he focused on student engagement, literacy, and incorporating STEM-focused learning. Working in underserved communities, he understood the challenges students face in schools with limited resources. These experiences shaped his belief in systemic change and equity-driven education.Teaching provided Russom with first-hand insight into what learners need to succeed. He saw that access to technology and personalized mentorship could transform educational outcomes. His early classroom experience inspired him to create programs that empower students beyond traditional learning environments. These lessons laid the groundwork for his future leadership in nonprofit tech education.

Code the Dream and Nonprofit Mission Reid Russom

In 2019, Reid Russom joined Code the Dream as a Volunteer and Data Coordinator through the Johnson Service Corps. Code the Dream is a nonprofit dedicated to providing free coding education and paid apprenticeships to underrepresented groups in tech. Russom’s work involved supporting immigrants, women, and people of color, giving them access to training and mentorship that many traditional programs overlook.Over time, Russom rose to become Curriculum & Instruction Manager, leading curriculum development, volunteer coordination, and program evaluation. He ensures that Code the Dream’s programs are effective, equitable, and scalable. His strategic leadership has expanded CTD’s reach, allowing more students to access tech education and meaningful career pathways.

Professional Roles and Affiliations

Russom holds several key roles in education and nonprofit leadership. At Code the Dream, he manages curriculum design, instructional strategies, and volunteer engagement. His work integrates STEM education with social equity, ensuring that learners from marginalized communities gain practical tech skills.He is also connected to the Johnson Service Corps, which supports service-oriented leadership and community engagement. Through his professional affiliations, Russom promotes digital equity, mentorship, and advocacy for underrepresented communities. His work demonstrates how educational expertise and leadership can combine to create broad social impact.

Advocacy and Social Impact

A cornerstone of Russom’s career is his dedication to diversity in technology. He actively designs programs that bridge the digital divide, empowering learners who are often excluded from tech careers. By integrating social justice, inclusive education, and mentorship into every program, he ensures that students not only learn coding but also gain confidence, problem-solving skills, and professional guidance.Beyond technical education, Russom focuses on community building. He organizes initiatives that connect learners with professional mentors, creating networks of support and guidance. These programs teach more than technical skills—they foster resilience, communication, and real-world problem-solving, helping students navigate both career and life challenges successfully.

Public Writing and Thought Leadership

Russom is also an accomplished writer and public speaker. He contributes to the Code the Dream Blog, where he highlights the achievements of volunteers and learners alike. Through storytelling, he celebrates success, recognizes effort, and raises awareness about the challenges underrepresented communities face in technology.His writing combines insight with empathy, showing how data and human experience intersect. By sharing narratives of real learners, Russom creates educational content that is both informative and emotionally engaging. His thought leadership extends to public speaking, where he advocates for inclusive education and equitable access to tech opportunities.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of work, Reid Russom maintains a strong personal foundation. He is married to Gabi Jackson, with whom he shares mutual respect, empathy, and shared values. Their relationship reflects the same commitment to community and support that characterizes his professional life.Russom enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors. These personal interests provide balance, supporting his mental health and overall well-being. By prioritizing holistic health and personal growth, he models a balanced lifestyle for both learners and colleagues.

Conclusion

Reid Russom is more than an educator or nonprofit leader—he is a changemaker in the world of tech education. His work at Code the Dream breaks barriers, promotes equity, and provides underrepresented communities with real opportunities to succeed. Through curriculum innovation, mentorship, volunteer engagement, and public storytelling, Russom demonstrates the power of combining expertise with empathy.By creating programs that are inclusive, scalable, and impactful, he continues to shape a more equitable future in education and technology. His personal journey, professional achievements, and commitment to social justice make him a true visionary, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and make a lasting difference.

FAQs

Who is Reid Russom?
Reid Russom is an educator, curriculum specialist, and nonprofit leader known for his work at Code the Dream.

What is Code the Dream?
It is a nonprofit organization that provides free coding education and apprenticeships to underrepresented groups in technology.

What is Reid Russom’s educational background?
He has a graduate degree in education, leadership, and program evaluation, preparing him for diverse instructional and nonprofit roles.

Is Reid Russom married?
Yes, he is married to Gabi Jackson, and they share a strong personal and professional bond.

What are his hobbies?
Russom enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and advocating for mental health awareness.