Known for her role in running Concessions International LLC (CI) as the CEO, the Russell Family Foundation, and being on the Board of Directors and co-owner of H. J. Russell & Company, Donata Russell Ross shares intimate childhood memories that include swimming at the family home with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., along with how she’s managed the airport concessionaire business throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and the opportunities for women in the industry.  

“When I first started in the industry a little over 35 years ago, it was highly dominated by males, but recently, I’d say over the past 10 years, I’ve seen more women in leadership roles,” said Russell Ross. “In fact, I see women having major food and beverage companies and running airport concession companies. I think very highly of the hospitality business as a great industry for women. It’s a really fun industry.” 

Visit your favorite podcast app, like Apple Podcast or Spotify, to catch up on past episodes and to tune into future ones. Learn more from Donata Russell Ross, the CEO who listens to lead, about her life story, and hear her inspiring words for women, especially those considering the hospitality, food and beverage industry for a career. 

2021. J. Russell & Company (Russell), one of the largest Black family-owned construction services and real estate development companies in the United States, known for building iconic structures, debuted its company podcast, “We Build: The Podcast,” in April 2021. Hosted by Russell’s Director of Marketing, Lonoia Murphy and Paul Bryant, Vice President of External Affairs, the two help pull back the curtain to allow others access to the “how” and “why” of not just building structures, but also building communities, relationships, careers, and legacies in the industry with purpose. 

We Build: The Podcast airs on Thursdays on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcast, Spotify and Podbay.