Leanna Russell is from Utqiaġvik. She is descended from a strong family legacy that has been integral to her upbringing. Her wealth of cultural and institutional knowledge are attributes of her Hopson and Akpik lineages.

Communal prosperity is an Iñupiat value instilled in her heart, which drives her to be an avid volunteer by mentoring indigenous youth and stewarding youth education programs. Being a part of community visions and seeing them into fruition through corporate giving and other philanthropic programs are what brought her back to the Arctic.

Specializing in Arctic advocacy, organizational and political strategy; She spent the last five years in Utqiaġvik working with the municipalities, tribal organizations, and native corporations in developing their government and community relations.