In 1921, in
Grand Rapids, Michigan, Russell became the president of the
Ladies' Literary Club, and then, president of the Grand Rapids Federation of Women's Clubs. She was elected president of the MSFWC in the following year. During her administration, she had four goals: she sought to bring about a much strong type of cooperation among the clubs and the women that comprised them, a greater responsibility among the clubwomen themselves, and enlargement of the scope of the federation, and the development of a new type of service to the community. The
Michigan Club Bulletin was the MSFWC's official organ from 1907 till 1927 when it was renamed the
Michigan Federation Forum. In 1919, Russell joined the board of directors of the
Michigan Club Bulletin as Recording Secretary, and during the two following years, she held the office of Vice-president-at-Large. In 1922, Russell became the board president. In October 1926, Russell became the editor of the
Michigan Club Bulletin ==Personal life==