The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman

The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman

Indianapolis attorney Angela B. Freeman talks with guests about how the business community is tackling issues related to race, equity, gender and inclusion—in the workplace, the C-suite and in decisions about funding.

Episodes

April 30, 2025 34 mins
Our guest on this 45th episode is Leon Williamson, Indianapolis market president for iHeartMedia. Leon shared his career journey from his Jamaican roots to leading one of the largest media organizations in the world. Leon reflected on the cultural shifts he experienced moving from Miami to the Midwest, and the importance of building local community and cultural connection both personally and professionally. Leon also discussed how ...
Mark as Played
In this special Women’s History Month episode of The Freedom Forum, host Angela B. Freeman talks with Tiffany Munsell, senior vice president of mature engine programs at Rolls-Royce. An Indianapolis native, Tiffany shares her unconventional path from law school to venture capital to aerospace leadership, highlighting the grit and resilience required to balance motherhood, career pivots and professional growth. She discusses her ear...
Mark as Played
Our guest on this 2025 Black History Month (BHM) episode is John Gaidoo of Cummins Inc. John discussed his executive legal career journey culminated by his African heritage, Marine military service, and training as a labor and employment attorney. John also discussed his real life and sometimes disparate experiences as a diverse man in corporate leadership, and the importance of leading an organization that shares your personal val...
Mark as Played
Al London is the Community Impact Director and Sr. Vice President at Old National Bank. Al shared some great information on how the banking industry has become more intentional about supporting and educating diverse communities to successfully prepare to obtain funding for home or business ownership and to reduce the wealth gap by helping the underserved and underbanked grow generational wealth. Importantly, Al forecast his current...
Mark as Played
To round out our sports leadership focus this year, on this final 2024 episode of Indianapolis Business Journal’s podcast, The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman, we are excited to announce our guest is Mary Kay Huse of Indy Ignite Pro Volleyball. Mary Kay stopped by the studio to tell us all about this brand new professional women’s volleyball team beginning its first season here in Indianapolis on January 11, 2025. Specifically...
Mark as Played
In nearing the end of our focus this year on leadership in sports organizations in Indiana, we sat down with Sarah Myer of Indiana Sports Corp. Sarah dropped by the studio to provide some insights on how this sports-centered nonprofit, headquartered right here in the Hoosier state, has set the standard in our country as the first to ever facilitate the bidding and implementation of world class sporting events, such as the 2012 Supe...
Mark as Played
As we turn the page on another season in Indiana this year, we continue to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in Indiana’s major sports league. This month we shine light on a lesser known sports institution based in our state that is having local, national, and international impact. Our guest,  Evelyn Magley, is the CEO of The Basketball League (TBL). Ms. Evelyn is the first woman and/or African-American woman to own...
Mark as Played
Jasmine Park is the Vice President of People, Culture, and Inclusion for the Indianapolis Colts. In keeping with our focus on professional sports this year, Jasmine dropped by the studio to discuss her experience as a diverse woman in sports and how she was able to be particularly influential in the interview and hiring process that resulted in The Colts’ new head coach. Jasmine also described how she intentionally and authenticall...
Mark as Played
Randy Lewandowski is the President and CEO of the Indianapolis Indians. As we continue our focus on sports organizations in Indiana, we invited Randy to come by the studio to discuss the rich history and tradition of Indiana’s oldest Minor League baseball team, his significant tenure and advancement with their organization, and how their organization has evolved over the years. In particular, Randy was very transparent about the in...
Mark as Played
Kristin Weeden is the Chief Talent Officer at Penske Entertainment. As we continue our focus on sports organizational leadership in Indianapolis this year, we wanted to check back in with Penske, including Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR, and IMS Productions, to learn about what they are doing from a Human Resources perspective to continue to make the track an inclusive environment for its employees, interns, and fans. Kristin...
Mark as Played
Jamie Riley is the Chief Operating Officer at USA Football.  In keeping with our focus on professional sports organizations in our community, Jamie came by the studio to tell us about all the amazing things happening with football at the Olympic level and at the grassroots - not the kind you watch on Sunday - in light of their notably increased participation across the country. Jamie also described her experiences as a female execu...
Mark as Played
Halston Mavrick is the Director of Brand Partnerships at Indy Fuel Hockey Club. In continuing with our focus on sports organizations in Indianapolis, Halston dropped by the studio to provide some unique insights as to the origin of hockey in Indiana. She also discussed the sport’s growing following and fandom in the Hoosier state, and what exciting opportunities are on the horizon for this sports club, including a new venue and foo...
Mark as Played
Dr. Niya Blair Hackworth is the Director of Inclusion of the NCAA. In keeping with our sports focus and their organizational forces in Indiana, Dr. Niya came by the studio to discuss her career path in higher education administration and its evolution over many years at multiple universities prior to joining the NCAA. With an evolving focus on what is now called “diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB),” Dr. Hackworth sh...
Mark as Played
Dr. Allison Barber is the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Indiana Fever. On this Women’s History Month episode, Allison discusses her career ascension to her current role at the Indiana Fever by way of 8 previous roles in education, government, communications, and more. Allison also discusses her leadership role of the Indiana Fever, her day to day tasks, and her influence in business and women’s sports, such as ...
Mark as Played
Max Siegel is the CEO of USA Track and Field. In this episode, Max discusses his experiences and lessons learned over the course of his wide array of professional endeavors. Max also touched on his contributions and investments to diversify the racing industry and so many other industries and organizations he has engaged in and impacted through his historical leadership. Finally, Max provided some insights into what we can expect f...
Mark as Played
Mel Raines is the president and COO of Pacers Sports & entertainment. In this episode, Mel discussed her current position resulting from a career transition from politics to sports and her leadership of the Pacers organization in that role. Importantly, Mel also touches on all the things our community should know about NBA All-Star weekend coming up in Indianapolis next month, particularly how the organizing committee is encouragin...
Mark as Played
Robert Shegog is the President and CEO of a historically diverse media organization based in Indianapolis, Recorder Media Group. In this episode, Robert discusses how he has been perfectly positioned for his current role. Robert specifically describes how his unique experiences of being raised in the Deep South, being a Navy veteran, graduating from a HBCU, and overcoming a speech impediment have all collectively worked to develop ...
Mark as Played
Alan Mills, often referred to as “The Godfather” of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, is a partner at the Indianapolis office.  Moreso, Alan is the first African-American/Black employee, attorney, and partner at Barnes & Thornburg.  He has built a career, reputation, and legacy on doing great legal work and increasing the diverse representation of attorneys at Barnes & Thornburg and at all levels and facets of the legal industry. Alan is a c...
Mark as Played
Marisa Kwiatkowski is an investigative reporter at USA Today.  In this episode, Marisa talks about diversity, equity, and inclusion in journalism and media and how she’s seen the industry change over the last two decades. Marisa also discusses how the Hoosier state was critical to her success in this industry and why it’s important for aspiring journalists to know there is a future in Indiana for you.
Mark as Played
Juan Gonzalez is the President of the Central Indiana market for KeyBank. In this episode, Juan talks about his experiences in Indiana business over the last two decades. Juan was particularly candid about the wealth of opportunity he has found in Indiana after coming here from Colombia to attend graduate school and how his inclusion in the Hoosier culture continues to drive his corporate and community engagement today.       ...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Therapy Gecko

    An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.