Back in 2016, New Orleans native, Jade Brown Russell set out on a mission to develop solutions for the systemic inequities in policies and programs across the Southeast Louisiana region. From government to corporate sectors, Jade’s work is grounded in providing systemic, sustainable and equitable reform through equity, legal, and governmental relations consulting services.

Jade’s philosophy on building an equitable ecosystem includes a multi-strategy approach to include dismantling systemic racism, promoting racial equity and building the capacity of people for economic and social resilience.

Through her personal entrepreneurial journey, one recurring theme became apparent: Black Americans have never had an equal ability to reap the benefits of business ownership.

Frustrated with the lack of representation for Black Americans and safe spaces to build community, Jade came up with a concept to build a home for changemakers to foster innovation, collaborate with like-minded people and embrace equity. The goal of Maroon is simple: build more black-owned business through a community of kinship, alliance and power.