Making Progress
The Making Progress Podcast, hosted by therapist and CEO Myra Reneé, spotlights individuals creating positive change in their communities. Unlike typical self-help content, this show features credentialed expertise alongside authentic stories of growth, challenges, and real-world impact. Real people, doing real things, making real progress.
Making Progress
Angela Russell on the frustrations of doing DEI work in 2025
real people. real stories. real progress.
Hosted by Myra Reneé
As Chief Diversity Officer at TruStage and one of Black Enterprise's most powerful diversity executives, Angela shares the real cost of being the messenger and why every DEI practitioner needs therapy.
In this conversation, you'll hear how Angela uses her Apple Watch to monitor stress during heated conversations, why she wears Harriet Tubman around her neck as a reminder, and the moment she realized people don't understand the difference between equality and equity.
What You'll Learn:
- The real definition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (and what it's NOT)
- How to handle resistance and heated conversations in DEI work
- The historical context most people in corporate America are missing
- Why community and mental health are non-negotiable for this work
- How to navigate being a Black woman leading change in predominantly white spaces
Featured Guest:
Angela Russell
Chief Diversity Officer, TruStage
Host of the Black Oxygen Podcast
Angela has nearly 20 years of professional experience in diversity and inclusion, with a master's degree in Population Health from UW-Madison. Named one of the nation's most powerful diversity executives by Black Enterprise magazine in 2018, she leads DEI strategy at TruStage while breaking down complex concepts with refreshing honesty.
