Through July 4, The Post, in conjunction with the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, is featuring US citizens explaining what the American dream means to them in 2026 — including New Yorker Angela Yee, host of the syndicated radio show “Way Up.” Born to a Chinese father and a Caribbean mother, Yee was a host on The Breakfast Club before leaving to host her own national program in 2023.
My definition of the American dream has definitely evolved. But right now, personally for me, it’s to be self-reliant — to know I’m not dependent on anybody else. I’m a risk taker — I’m a calculated risk taker … I have a coffee shop, a coffee brand, I have a juice bar in Brooklyn, I have a hair store in Detroit. I do different things! And everything does not always work out. I’ve launched businesses that I’ve had to just give up. I look at it as an education …
Networking has always been critical for me … And I know that I haven’t burned bridges, that I have good relationships and a good reputation. So I’ve always felt confident that I would land on my feet somehow.
I’ve seen people go from literally working in the mailroom to becoming an executive, and they remember me from when they worked in the mailroom — how I definitely treated them like everybody else. I’ve seen people really be negative and talk down [to] people based on their position. And I treat people like human beings.
Just be sure that you keep your humanity. Sometimes it can be really tough everyone is not going to do great things to you. Everyone’s not a good person. But don’t let that change who you are. Always make sure you have your morals, and work hard — because there’s no shortcuts …
Always keep on educating yourself, too. If there’s courses you need to take, certifications you need to get, if there’s events that you need to go to, if there’s panels you should attend, make sure you do those things. Because nothing is better for you than educating [yourself]. Things are always evolving. We see what’s happening right now with AI. We see what happens with tech. You have to be involved in all of that and know what’s going on [to have a long career].
The American Dream Video Project showcases real stories that illuminate pathways to opportunity. Featured at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD), this series is part of the Center’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. MCAAD is Washington, DC’s newest cultural institution, offering interactive exhibits and stories about achieving the American Dream. For more information, visit mcaad.org.