Myra Renee McNair

08/13/2025

Understanding Equity vs. Equality: The Bike Ride Analogy

Angela Russell shares a clear, relatable example to illustrate the crucial difference between equality and equity:
"In an equality model, you give everyone the same bike regardless of their height or ability—but that doesn't ensure everyone can participate," explains Angela, Chief Diversity Officer at TruStage.

She points out how providing identical bikes to people of different heights (from 4'11"" to 6'5"") or someone who doesn't have use of their legs fails to create true inclusion.

"Equity is making sure that everyone has what they need in order to participate in the bike ride," Angela clarifies.

This practical analogy helps demystify a core DEI concept that's often misunderstood in workplace and community settings.

Watch the full episode for more insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion fundamentals from one of Black Enterprise's most powerful diversity executives.

The Making Progress Podcast is available on YT and all Podcast platforms.

08/08/2025

A much needed conversation. "DEI is not hiring unqualified people for positions. DEI is not discrimination—that would be illegal," Angela explains.

Angela Rusell shares how former Governor Jim Doyle demonstrated effective inclusive hiring by "casting a wide net to get the best candidate." When organizations expand their search, they naturally find more diverse candidates and can still select the most qualified person for the role.

This important distinction helps us understand how proper DEI practices actually improve hiring outcomes rather than compromising standards.

Listen to the full episode on YT and all podcast platforms: Making Progress Podcast

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08/07/2025

Life transitions are some of the most challenging experiences we face as humans, even when they're changes we've chosen. Your nervous system doesn't distinguish between 'good' change and 'bad' change—it just knows something is different, and that can feel overwhelming.

Whether you're starting a new job, ending a relationship, moving cities, or stepping into a new phase of life, these strategies can help you navigate the uncertainty with more grace and self-compassion.

I've walked through my own major transitions—building this practice, personal growth, life changes—and I've learned that expecting discomfort doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. It means you're doing something brave.

The key is learning to support yourself through the process rather than fighting against it.

08/05/2025

Huge thank you to the amazing Angela Russell for joining me on the podcast!

Your insight, energy, and authenticity made for such a powerful conversation. I’m so grateful for your time, your stories, and your willingness to share your wisdom with the listeners.

If you haven’t heard the episode yet, don’t miss it, Angela dropped some serious gems!

real people. real stories. real progress.Hosted by Myra ReneéAs Chief Diversity Officer at TruStage and one of Black Enterprise's most powerful diversity exe...

08/01/2025

Healing isn't always the big breakthrough moment we expect it to be. Sometimes it's the quiet Tuesday when you realize you didn't spiral after someone didn't text you back, or the moment you catch yourself setting a boundary without the familiar wave of guilt.

The most profound changes often happen so subtly that we almost miss them. Your nervous system is literally rewiring itself, creating new pathways that support your wellbeing.

The signs aren't always obvious, they're often found in the space between what used to trigger you and what doesn't anymore. They're in the way you speak to yourself when you make a mistake, or how you navigate conflict without losing yourself.

Which of these resonates with where you are right now? The pace of your healing journey is valid, even if the steps feel small.

07/22/2025

In this week’s episode, I sat down with Sara Alvarado ( ) for a conversation that shows what happens when healing becomes actionable. In this powerful episode, Sara shares how her personal journey from trauma to renewal led to creating innovative solutions for the racial wealth gap in real estate.

Sara went from writing raw truths on Facebook to co-founding Own It: Building Black Wealth, helping 18 families secure their first homes through what she calls “family money” for communities denied generational wealth.

“Once you see systemic racism, you can’t unsee it” — Sara doesn’t just talk about problems, she’s actively dismantling them within the industry she knows best.

This conversation goes beyond inspirational platitudes to explore the messy, non-linear reality of what progress actually looks like. From spiritual awakening on a Puerto Vallarta beach to challenging conventional wisdom in business, Sara reminds us that authentic transformation happens when we show up fully—imperfections and all.

Listen now to discover how justice work begins exactly where you are. Available on all podcast platforms.

07/14/2025

Can we normalize the messy middle of growth?

When people ask why I named my podcast "Making Progress," this is why.

I've spent years understanding that real growth isn't what we've been sold. It's messy. It's often invisible. It's deeply personal.

The podcast was born from watching clients, colleagues, friends (and myself) get caught in the trap of believing we weren't moving forward because our journey didn't look like someone else's highlight reel.

Progress isn't a straight line from A to B. It's a winding path with pauses, pivots, and sometimes painful backtracking. But every step – even the ones that take us sideways – is part of the journey.

As someone who's navigated my own healing while supporting others through theirs, I've learned that the most important work often happens when nobody's watching. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came during seasons that felt like complete standstills.

Trust your timing, even when it doesn't make sense to anyone else.

Which of these truths resonates most with you today? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

07/11/2025

📸 may // june // family transitions, sisterhood, road trips, plane rides, full plates, louder laughs.
identity? loading… but cuter this time.
turns out becoming me includes them too.

07/07/2025

The stories we tell ourselves become our reality.

I've been reflecting on how the narratives we repeat internally can either fuel our growth or keep us stuck in cycles that no longer serve us.

What if the way you talked to yourself became the foundation for how you show up in the world? What would change?

Your internal narrative has the power to transform not just how you feel about yourself, but how you navigate relationships, career challenges, and life transitions.

The phrases you retire and the truths you embrace can literally reshape your reality. Which truths will you choose?

05/09/2025

Beautiful reminders.

05/07/2025

This has been in the works for a while now & I’m excited to finally share that Anesis will be expanding outside of Wisconsin!

To a place where everything is bigger, where the sun shines a little brighter, and where the need for accessible mental health services continues to grow.

Expanding our reach has always been part of the vision - not just for growth, but to bring our inclusive approach to therapy to communities everywhere.

Y’all know I don’t make these decisions lightly. This expansion represents countless hours of planning, tears, prayers, and an incredible team that believes in our mission as much as I do.

We’re bringing Anesis to the Lone Star State!

That’s right - Texas, we’re coming for you!

Stay tuned for more details about our newest location and how we’re planning to serve this beautiful community.

04/06/2025

This season has been full of transitions in my life, and one of the biggest ones coming up is watching my babies step into their next chapters. Tziah will be graduating from Howard University, and Iaonnes will be graduating from Middleton High School. I’m feeling all the emotions—pride, joy, nostalgia—but above all, deep gratitude. Grateful for the journey, the growth, and the village that’s helped get us here.