In a year where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is facing growing political backlash and public scrutiny, this special solo episode of The Jali Podcast cuts through the noise with truth, intention, and heart. Host Melyssa Barrett reflects on over 100 episodes of conversations with changemakers—from CEOs and artists to educators and everyday heroes—and asks: What does it really take to build communities where everyone belongs, especially when DEI is under fire? This episode goes beyond buz...
Jul 02, 2025•8 min•Ep. 173
Did you know the median wealth of a single Black woman in America is just $100, while the median wealth for white men exceeds $28,000? Or that the racial wealth gap between Black and white families hasn’t changed in over 30 years? This is not about a lack of hard work. It’s about systemic barriers—generations of missed opportunities caused by inequities in access, education, and estate planning. That’s why this episode is so important. We’re sharing a powerful replay of Pass the Power, a live we...
Jun 04, 2025•57 min•Ep. 172
In this inspiring episode, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Dr. Nancy D. Young, a transformational leader, speaker and author who made history as the first elected African American and female mayor of Tracy, California. Dr. Nancy shares how faith, resilience and unapologetic leadership shaped her path from Compton to public office, rising above adversity and racial harassment along the way. They explore powerful themes from her book Unapologetic Leadership, including how to unleash your inner...
May 28, 2025•52 min•Ep. 171
In this inspiring episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur and thought leader Stacie Selise—a proud Delta and legacy-builder making waves both personally and professionally. From a fun sorority moment to a heartfelt discussion about the values shared across the Divine Nine, this conversation is a true celebration of sisterhood, service, and strategy. Stacie shares her journey of empowering individuals to step fully into their purpose and lead with ...
May 22, 2025•35 min•Ep. 170
At just 16 years old, Miles Lima is breaking barriers in leadership, education, and global opportunity. Blind since childhood and a three-time cancer survivor, Miles is the founder of Manteca Scholars LLC - a student-led program bringing public school students into the prestigious World Scholars Cup, an international academic competition blending debate, collaborative writing, and team challenges. In this episode, he shares how he built a network across continents, launched a high-performing tea...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 5Ep. 169
In this inspiring episode of the Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Tamara Shiloh—author, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of the Multicultural Children’s Bookstore—to explore how she's transforming the way we teach and understand diverse history. From her acclaimed children’s book series like Jaxon’s Magical Adventure with Black Inventors and Scientists to launching inclusive lesson plans and a new K-6 micro school rooted in Black culture, Tamara shares how she’s rewriting the...
May 07, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 168
Join us as we sit down with Ronaldo Hardy, a transformative leader in the financial education sector. As the CEO of BALANCE, Ronaldo is at the forefront of providing essential financial wellness programs across the nation. In this episode, he shares his insights on the importance of financial literacy, the challenges and strategies for inclusive financial education, and his passionate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Dive into a discussion that not only enlightens...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 167
In this episode of the Jali Podcast, we delve deep into the inspiring stories of three trailblazing African American women in horse racing - Eliza Carpenter, Sylvia Bishop, and Cheryl White. These remarkable figures broke barriers in a dominantly male sport and left an indelible mark on its history. Join us as Emmanuel Waters from Old Hillside Bourbon Company discusses their unique contributions, the creation of the 'Trifecta' bourbon in their honor, and the impact of their legacies on both the ...
Mar 31, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 166
On today’s podcast, I want to shine a light on the recent cutbacks to DEI initiatives that have been happening as of late. I’ll explore the pushback against these efforts and discuss how we can reenergize the movement through the teachings of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. As corporations and governments scale back their commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, what can we do to keep the movement strong? Let's explore ways to reclaim the power of DEI through community action, advocacy,...
Mar 12, 2025•19 min•Ep. 165
Amidst this month's critical economic discussions and the rising economic boycotts—Target, Amazon, Walmart—Dr. Shelley Jones-Holt joins Melyssa Barrett on The Jali Podcast to address courageous leadership and economic empowerment. With DEI under attack, Dr. Shelley shares vital strategies for building Black wealth, leveraging cooperative economics, and fighting back against erasure. Discover the power of strategic ownership and community-driven resilience in these challenging times. Tune in for ...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 164
Dive into Episode 163 of The Jali Podcast featuring C.G. Lewis—business leader, inspirational speaker, and author. This episode focuses on leadership, self-empowerment, and intentional living, particularly aimed at women navigating career transitions and economic uncertainties. C.G. Lewis shares essential tools and strategies for fostering values-driven leadership and achieving genuine self-realization. Discussing her newly released book, “Brown Sugar Goals: Sweet Success,” she provides insightf...
Feb 26, 2025•43 min•Ep. 163
In this powerful episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with the esteemed LaJuana Johnson Bivens—civil rights activist, government leader, and champion for socio-economic empowerment. From her roots in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to her influential work in Stockton, California, LaJuana has dedicated her life to advancing equity and justice. As the CEO of Equity Alliance Group, Inc., a longtime leader within the NAACP, and the current President of the Mu Zeta Omega Chapter of Alph...
Feb 19, 2025•56 min•Ep. 162
In this episode, I reflect on the Kendrick Lamar’s electric Super Bowl Halftime presentation showcasing DEI center stage during the most-watched event nationwide. Join me as we deep dive and unpack the cultural significance, legacy and contemporary storytelling of the performance.
Feb 12, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 161
This week I am joined by Self-care Surgeon Benita Williams. Benita is the founder of a boutique coaching and consulting company that aims to relieve women executives from burnout while restoring their purpose to pursue their business endeavors. This episode will explore promoting self-healing using a holistic restoration method to achieve mental clarity and prioritize one’s well being. Benita Williams, The Self-Care Surgeon, is an International Bestselling Author and CEO of Benita Williams Enter...
Jan 15, 2025•53 min•Ep. 160
In Episode 159 of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett engages with the dynamic Kelli Lester, an acclaimed change management consultant and founder of Onyx Rising. This insightful conversation dives deep into Kelli's transformative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which she integrates with her extensive background in communications and HR. Listen as Kelli shares her personal journey of embracing constant change, from her childhood moves to her impactful career shifts that led her ...
Jan 08, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 159
Join us on this episode of The Jali Podcast as we delve into the transformative world of smart cities and digital integration with Lawrence Eta, a global expert in digital transformation and former Chief Technology Officer of Toronto. With over two decades of experience, Lawrence has been pivotal in advancing technological infrastructures to foster innovative, equitable, and inclusive urban environments. In this episode, he shares his unique journey from his early days in Nigeria to his influent...
Dec 18, 2024•59 min•Ep. 158
In this episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Michael Paciello, a pioneer in digital accessibility and the Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye, Inc. With over four decades of experience, Mike has played a transformative role in making the digital world more inclusive. From receiving recognition by President Bill Clinton for his work with the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative to founding The Paciello Group and authoring the first book on...
Dec 11, 2024•46 min•Ep. 157
Joel Quintela, CEO of Quintela Group, a minority-owned business that's transforming the HR tech world. He has a Ph.D. in Business Psychology and a background in computer systems engineering. Joel is not your typical HR guru - he's the tech genius streamlining HR processes for Fortune 500 companies and tech giants. For more than 25 years, Joel's been in the trenches of HR technology innovation, experiencing and propelling the evolution from clunky, complex systems to efficient solutions. With his...
Dec 04, 2024•49 min•Ep. 156
Join us on this exciting journey in the latest episode of The Jali Podcast where we sit down with Nic Raboy, an influential technologist and community builder in Tracy, California. Discover Nic's compelling story from a computer science graduate struggling to find local work, to a leader fostering a vibrant tech community outside the traditional hubs. In this discussion, Nic shares his experiences of founding a meetup group aimed at uniting Central Valley tech professionals and enthusiasts to le...
Nov 27, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 155
As a seasoned technologist, Vincent Broyles brings a wealth of experience in shaping strategic and technical direction across a wide range of industries. With a background in Industrial IoT, energy conservation, and sustainability, Vincent has spent his career developing and monetizing innovative technologies that drive both business and environmental success. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Vincent transitioned into technical and leadership roles, excelling in areas such as satellite communicat...
Nov 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 154
Born and raised in North Carolina during the Jim Crow era, Lester Patrick takes us through America’s history of segregation and restrictions imposed by the government for Black Americans. Mr. Patrick is a retired federal employee with a combination of over 40 years of experience as a Senior Telecommunications Specialist, Information Technology Management Specialist, and Technical Security Officer working for three federal agencies; designing, planning, developing, testing, and implementing natio...
Nov 13, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 153
In this episode, we’re joined by Nadeja Steager, a dedicated leader in healthcare advocacy and equity for underserved communities in California’s Central Valley. As Executive Director of the Community Health Leadership Council San Joaquin and former Director of the San Joaquin Pathways Community HUB, Nadeja has spearheaded initiatives to improve Black maternal and infant health, address homelessness, and increase access to quality healthcare. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey, strategi...
Nov 06, 2024•47 min•Ep. 152
We’re excited to bring you part two of our powerful discussion from the Securing Our Future: Pathways to Affordable Housing and Stability webinar. In part one, we heard from experts Lester Patrick, Rhodesia Ransom, and Kimberly Nash, who explored housing policy, resources, and economic stability. With Deidre Davey—California Hawaii NAACP Housing Committee Chair and seasoned realtor—moderating, the conversation laid the foundation for addressing housing challenges and opportunities. Now, in part ...
Oct 30, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 151
This week I want to share Part 1 of an insightful webinar hosted by the Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter (TAAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and the NAACP Stockton Branch. The webinar entitled Securing Our Future - Pathways to Affordable Housing and Stability. The webinar kicks off with brief greetings from TAAC President Liz Baker and NAACP Stockton Branch President Robert “Bobby” Bivens. Moderated by the NAACP Stockton Branch Housing Chair D’Adrea Davie and including the esteemed panel...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 150
In this episode, I explore the benefits of integrating digital technologies with DEI practices and how this can help reshape workforce operations.
Oct 16, 2024•15 min•Ep. 149
In this episode, we explore Dipti's incredible journey—from her early years growing up in Kenya and Nigeria to her impactful career in technology and financial services. She shares how a significant life event catalyzed her transition from corporate leadership to the coaching industry, where she now guides women to step into their power and achieve the lives and careers they truly deserve. Join us as we discuss the challenges women face in the workplace, the importance of redefining success on o...
Oct 02, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 148
In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in organizations. Join us as we discuss the ways AI can enhance recruitment processes, eliminate biases in hiring, promote equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups and share success stories from companies leveraging it. Tune in to discover how AI can be a powerful ally in the pursuit of a more diverse and inclusive future while we begin to understand the risks.....
Sep 18, 2024•13 min•Ep. 147
In this episode, Melyssa dives into the importance of the upcoming election and why every vote counts. More than just a presidential race, this election shapes our communities, schools, courts, and environment. Melyssa highlights the historical struggles for voting rights, the ongoing challenges, and why voting locally is critical. From checking your registration to holding elected officials accountable, she provides a roadmap for making your vote matter. Tune in to learn how you can make a diff...
Sep 11, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 146
On today’s podcast, I am joined by Jennifer Schmitz, CEO of Lattice Industries Inc., as we dive into her role in transforming digital infrastructure with a focus on enhancing financial organizations globally. We discuss her mission in pioneering reshaping financial technology that builds smarter digital infrastructure to strengthen communities. Jennifer Schmitz is a dynamic leader with a robust background in financial strategy, global management, and data innovation. She currently serves as the ...
Sep 04, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 145
Join me as I chat with Christian Chukwuma, an independent Financial Planner and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® with Osaic Wealth as we navigate financial strategies that align with your vision for the future and build your wealth to achieve personal financial security goals. Christian is more than just an independent Financial Planner and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® with Osaic Wealth. He is a partner in your financial journey, someone who listens deeply to your hopes, dreams, and concerns...
Aug 28, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 144
