Jada Russell represented high-powered clients as the founder of her own publicity and marketing firm, and was passionate about promoting unsung heroes in Chicago’s African American community.
Her services were in constant demand, and her powerful presence dominated every room she entered. She was rooted in community service, and “never asked to be in the limelight.” Friends said she was the epitome of someone you’d want in your inner circle.
Mrs. Russell died Tuesday after a battle with breast cancer at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Her husband, Chef Julius Russell, said she was diagnosed in April. She was 45.
She grew up on the Southwest Side and founded High Style Marketing & PR (HSMPR), where she worked as a chief strategist. Her clients included retired NBA star Dwyane Wade, Common, Rhymefest, Rainbow Push founder Rev. Jesse Jackson and U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush.
For nearly two decades, she created and promoted events in the Chicago area and beyond, including soirees for A Tale of Two Chefs, 47 W. Polk St. Suite 140, her husband’s food and catering service.
Before her journey as an entrepreneur started in 2001, Mrs. Russell graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in fashion buying and merchandising, as well as marketing communications and public relations. She then landed a job as an assistant executive at GUESS? Jeans and later went on as an account executive assistant at Conde Nast in New York. She also worked as a publicist for Johnson Publishing Company.
“Jada was known to many as one of Chicago’s PR geniuses,” said Juan Teague, her business partner. “She used her talent to help not only celebrity foundations but helped push for economic development in underserved communities – creating a platform for corporate, government and community to develop relationships on creating a better Chicago.”
Deborah O. Farmer met her in the late 90s when Farmer worked as a segment producer at WGN TV. She used to pitch Farmer story ideas about unsung heroes within the community.
“Jada always pitched stories about people who were often unheard of and she wanted to make sure there was a space for those to tell their story,” Farmer said. “I remember specifically a time when she pitched having a story about celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine – I ended up being the model for the story.”
Mrs. Russell and Farmer were also members of an investment club called S.A.V.E. Farmer loved how she was passionate about working with clients who gave back to the community.
“She had a lot of clients who were mission-driven and wanted to give back to the community,” she said. “From her work with Congressman Bobby Rush, being a faithful member of Apostolic Church of God and a loving wife, I just admire how passionate she was about everything.”
Rhonda McFarland called Mrs. Russell a brilliant marketing strategist who was focused on the community by her activism within Bronzeville.
“Jada had multiple clients, some with the same concerns, but whenever she worked with you, she was 100% focused on you and her work,” said McFarland a friend and client of three years. “She was a woman that made it happen and never asked to be in the limelight.”
Mrs. Russell also loved fashion, the arts and traveling.
McFarland said Mr. and Mrs. Russell’s favorite vacation spots were Miami, Barcelona, London and New Zealand.
Tyra Martin, senior segment producer at WGN-TV, a friend for more than a decade, remembers her as being one who admired beautiful things – especially when it came to fashion.
“She had such an eye for detail,” Martin said. “It was the little touches that she brought to a situation or a story that left a mark and made a difference.”
Ira Staples, another longtime friend, met through their mutual love for fashion and arts. He called her “a workaholic with a purpose.”
“Jada was a selfless individual and she was constantly working on her work and her brand,” he said. “If Jada was to do something for you or with you, it was going to be done.”
Growing up, Mrs. Russell took ballet classes up until high school by artistic director Homer Bryant.
Mary Datcher, another friend, said she inspired younger and older generations, including Datcher’s niece.
“When my niece was three years old, I enrolled her into the very school Jada went to because she told me if it wasn’t for dance and being in that world of understanding what discipline, poise and how to carry yourself as a young black women, then it would not have opened other doors for her,” Datcher said.
Mrs. Russell is survived by her husband, sister Sybil Goodlett Smith and father Bill Goodlett.
Services are pending.
