Dashamelle “Dr. B” Bowie Russ

Director of Shelter Operations | Better Angels Los Angeles

“If we focus on the root cause of racism--especially anti-Blackness--in homelessness, everyone will benefit. Focusing on the least advantaged benefits and everyone.”

Dashamelle "Dr.B" Bowie Russ, EdD, ACSW is the Director of Shelter Operations at Better Angels LA. In this role, Dr. B is responsible for identifying existing shelter facilities in Los Angeles, coordinating partnerships with shelter operators, and overseeing the implementation of high-quality shelter programs and technology to support our mission of ending the epidemic of homelessness in Los Angeles.

Dr. B has an extensive background in the homeless sector, both in New York and California, as well as in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion field, where she served as an organizational DEI co-chair at her previous organization--The People Concern located in California and servicing the unsheltered/homeless community. Before her move to Los Angeles, Dr. B resided in Brooklyn, NY. Bowie's previous position at the Venice Family Clinic, as the Director of Care Management, she provided management to the clinic's case management and care coordination departments. Venice Family Clinic serves over 40,000 patients from low-income, uninsured, and/or underinsured communities in SPA 5 and SPA 8 in Los Angeles County, California.

In addition to her role at Better Angels, Dr. B practices as a Psychotherapist in California and New York, specializing in trauma, depression, and anxiety within the Black community with a focus on Black youth, Black women, and Black LGBTQ+ folks. She is also an Adjunct Psychology professor at Pepperdine University, Antioch University, and Golden Gate University in California providing instruction in both universities' graduate programs.

Dr. B holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the illustrious Howard University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC), and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University. In September 2024, Dr. B will begin another doctorate journey, by starting the Doctorate in Social Work program at USC.