Ashley Russell is an educator, researcher, and technology integration specialist whose work bridges critical pedagogy, digital equity, and transformative learning in 21st-century education. With over a decade of experience in both classroom instruction and instructional design, Russell has dedicated his career to empowering learners and educators through inclusive, justice-centered approaches to teaching and learning. As Lead Technology Instructor at Year Up Inc., Russell developed scalable digital literacy and career-readiness programs for underserved young adults, integrating culturally responsive pedagogy with emerging technologies. His instructional design work emphasizes the role of technology in fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity among students, aligning with the "Four Cs" framework for 21st-century skills. In his latest book, Critical Pedagogy for the 21st Century, Russell synthesizes his practical experience and research to offer educators actionable strategies for implementing critical pedagogy in contemporary classrooms. The book addresses the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology, fostering student agency, and promoting social justice in education, providing a roadmap for educators committed to transformative teaching practices. This timely and provocative work reimagines education through the lens of Paulo Freire's critical pedagogy, addressing urgent 21st-century challenges, including digital inequity, systemic oppression, and cultural erasure. Against the backdrop of political shifts, such as the 2025 dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, the book argues for a transformative educational model that centers on marginalized voices, harnesses technology for liberation, and fosters critical consciousness.