The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett - podcast cover

The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

Melyssa Barrettthejali.podbean.com
Welcome to The Jali Podcast, I’m your host Melyssa Barrett. This podcast is for those who are interested in the conversation around diversity, inclusion and equity. Each week, I’ll be interviewing a guest who has something special to share or is actively part of building solutions in this space. Let’s get started!
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Episodes

The Jali Ep 143: Pivoting Towards Success

This week I am joined by success coach, speaker and career marketer Stephanie Vedder as she shares key factors to achieve your career goals, offers her advice and best practices to build confidence to pivot careers and overcome barriers that prevent women from reaching their career potential. As a results-oriented marketing professional, Stephanie has always been passionate about helping others achieve their goals for growth. With over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, Stephanie has...

Aug 21, 202443 minSeason 4Ep. 143

The Jali Ep 142: Black Employee Collective

Join me as members of the Black Employee Collective, Yolanda Barial Knight, Yulie Padmore and Sabrina Pinell, delve into the impactful advocacy efforts within the East Bay Regional Park District in California shedding light on the profound legacy of the Port Chicago 50, highlighting the intersection of history, social justice, and community empowerment. Yolande Barial Knight is a co-founder along with Yulie Padmore and Sabrina Pinell of the Black Employee Collective of the East Bay Regional Park...

Jul 18, 20241 hr 19 minSeason 4Ep. 142

The Jali Ep 141: Showcasing: Becoming Socially Conscious

In this week’s episode, I wanted to highlight a previous episode featuring Steve Napolitan as we discuss the practice of mindset shifts and its effects on our personal growth and social consciousness. Producing award-winning content, Steven Napolitan has been recognized by national media as a pioneer in the new media market. His executive coaching and training has publicly served over 35,000 professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs on their businesses and taught them how to increase mark...

Jun 26, 202430 minSeason 4Ep. 141

The Jali Ep 140: Commemorating Juneteenth

Join me as I delve into the rich history of Juneteenth, exploring its origins from June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to deliver the news of freedom for enslaved men and women two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued to acknowledging the tireless efforts of Opal Lee who fiercely advocated for Juneteenth to be recognized as a federal holiday of Black independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jun 19, 202417 min

The Jali Ep 139: Supporting Black-Owned Business

As Co-Owner of Team Wellness Foundation and author of Black Pages Edition II, Raynisha McDonald seeks to invoke change in the world by helping clients navigate self-help and healing and promote Black-owned businesses and communities. Raynisha McDonald grew up in Stockton and was the product of a single parent. As a small child, she experienced poverty and abuse. Through her own self-healing she discovered a passion for mental health, and she set forth on a path to help others achieve healing and...

Jun 12, 202433 minSeason 4Ep. 139

The Jali Ep 138: Amplifying Communities

This week I am joined by the founder and CEO of Pro Audio Voices Inc. Becky Parker Geist as she shares how her company seeks to better communicate ideas and perspectives, overcome community barriers by amplifying voices through storytelling and offer advice for authors to enhance their audio presence effectively. Becky Parker Geist is the founder and CEO of Pro Audio Voices. Pro Audio Voices is a Portland based company serving clients internationally as a go-to place for exceptional audiobook &a...

Jun 05, 202444 minSeason 4Ep. 138

The Jali Ep 137: Create and Power a Purpose-Driven Culture

This week I am joined by the founder and CEO of SEE GOOD STRATEGY GROUP Shilpa Gadhok to discuss the benefits of implementing the purpose-driven approach when developing personalized brand and leadership strategies, how creativity can be used to foster meaningful connections, and explore the healing impact that mentoring has on mental, personal and professional growth. Shilpa Gadhok is an award-winning brand executive with a deep passion for unleashing the power of individuals, teams, and organi...

May 22, 202449 minSeason 4Ep. 137

The Jali Ep 136: Motherhood

I want to acknowledge and amplify the diverse experiences of mothers, especially those from marginalized communities. We need equity, inclusion, and support for all mothers, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 08, 20247 minSeason 4Ep. 136

The Jali Ep 135: Fostering Synergy: Bridging DEI through Collaboration

In this episode, Melyssa unpacks an essential component for DEI to flourish: Synergy. She discusses the beneficial results of breaking barriers by linking our history and empowering diverse voices to create common ground with our peers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 01, 202413 minSeason 4Ep. 135

The Jali Ep 134: Bridging to Thriving Communities: The Power of Arts and Entertainment

Step into the vibrant world of community-building with Bridging Communities: The Power of Arts and Entertainment. In The Jali Podcast, we uncover inspiring stories of individuals like Necola Adams, who are making a difference in their communities through creativity and collaboration. Join us as we explore how arts and entertainment events transcend barriers, foster a sense of belonging, and ignite a spirit of engagement. Discover the transformative impact of building bridges and celebrating dive...

Apr 24, 202456 minSeason 4Ep. 134

The Jali Ep 133: Restorative Justice

In this episode, District Attorney of Solano County Krishna Abrams delves into the role of promoting positive change and making a difference in her community. Abrams shares the collaborative efforts to establish community trust throughout Solano county through engaging in outreach and advocating for restorative justice. Krishna Abrams has served as Solano County’s District Attorney since 2014 where she is responsible for ensuring the safety of her community and creating a positive impact through...

Apr 17, 202443 minSeason 4Ep. 133

The Jali Ep 132: Raising Our Voices: Celebrating Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, join us on this special episode of The Jali Podcast as we amplify the voices of some of the remarkable women from my “tribe” sharing their stories, wisdom and lifting women, in response to two thought-provoking questions. Even I join in! 1.Advice to our younger selves: Listen in as we reflect on our journeys and offer invaluable advice to their younger selves. From navigating challenges to embracing self-love, each insight shared is a beacon of empowerment for ...

Mar 27, 202431 minSeason 4Ep. 132

The Jali Ep 131: Artistic Expression

This week I am joined by the founder and Director Lula Washington and the Associate Director Tamica Washington-Miller of the Lula Washington Dance Theater as they navigate through the history of dance serving as a vehicle of communication and self-expression. They explore the healing powers of expressing oneself freely through artistic movement and how dance can accomplish building meaningful connections with others. Lula Washington is Founder and Artistic Director of the Lula Washington Dance T...

Mar 20, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 4Ep. 131

The Jali EP 130: Awesome Women of Excellence

To celebrate Women’s History Month, I wanted to highlight the exceptional work of four powerfully, tenaciously brilliant women, Letitia Hanke, Jordan Gray, Tareka McClellan, and Aiko Bethea, all of whom are fierce trailblazers shaping their industry. Aiko Bethea is a leader, builder and connector who has successfully navigated leadership roles in government, philanthropic, nonprofit and private sectors. The founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting, Aiko guides leaders and organizations, includi...

Mar 13, 202447 minSeason 4Ep. 130

The Jali Ep 129: Black Employee Collective

Join me as members of the Black Employee Collective, Yolanda Barial Knight, Yulie Padmore and Sabrina Pinell, delve into the impactful advocacy efforts within the East Bay Regional Park District in California shedding light on the profound legacy of the Port Chicago 50, highlighting the intersection of history, social justice, and community empowerment. Yolande Barial Knight is a co-founder along with Yulie Padmore and Sabrina Pinell of the Black Employee Collective of the East Bay Regional Park...

Mar 06, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 4Ep. 129

The Jali Ep 128: Iota Phi Theta

Giving a shoutout to Iota Phi Theta, I had the pleasure of talking to Dominic Honoré from Iota Phi Theta, who shares the rich history of the organization, his unique crossing journey and how the fraternity seeks to build Brotherhood and community impact. Dominic Honoré was born in San Jose CA but raised in Manteca CA. Both of his parents are graduates of San Jose State University. His Father is a firefighter and his mother is a labor & delivery nurse. He is the oldest of two siblings having ...

Feb 28, 202431 minSeason 4Ep. 128

The Jali Ep 127: Kappa Alpha Psi

The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Samuel L Dacus II, Charles Lockard and Trenton Goudeaux share the organization’s commitment to service and excellence through brotherhood. Founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University-Bloomington, Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated is recognized as one of the oldest intercollegiate fraternities in the world. With the motto of “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor, the organization emphasizes academic excellence and leadership through its co...

Feb 21, 202452 minSeason 4Ep. 127

The Jali Ep 126: Celebrating Meaningful Connections

As we continue to celebrate Valentine’s Day and Black History Month, I wanted to take the time to spread the love through the lens of Kwanzaa as we embrace meaningful connections and Pan-African culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 14, 202414 minSeason 4Ep. 126

The Jali Ep 125: Being On Purpose

Best-selling author and CEO of Unity Labs Brandon Peele shares his work consulting global organizations in integrating a purpose-led leadership approach into their company culture and key steps to reactivating our purpose. Brandon Peele (he/him) is a best-selling author, the CEO of Unity Lab, and an expert in purpose, leadership, and culture change. He's trusted as a keynote speaker, consultant and program leader by organizations such as Google, Harvard Business School, Johnson & Johnson, St...

Feb 07, 202449 minSeason 4Ep. 125

The Jali Ep 124: Leveraging Collective Ethics and Innovation

Founders of Divergent CRO, Abiel Obanjo and Shone Williams-Adeniyi discuss their company's commitment to providing collective ethics in clinical research, and how the organization seeks to leverage innovation by bridging the community through impact, clinical trials, connectivity, and mentorship. Abiel Obanjo is a prolific clinical research professional with an impressive career spanning several key roles in the field. Currently serving as a Senior Global Clinical Trial Manager, he has earned a ...

Jan 31, 202448 minSeason 4Ep. 124

The Jali Ep 123: 5 Ineffective DEI trends and strategies from The Pink Elephant

I want to amplify the voice of Dr. Janice Gassam Asare, PhD by highlighting a recent topic from her Newsletter, “The Pink Elephant,” on identifying 5 ineffective DEI practices and offering strategies to create the changes needed to eliminate structural barriers and systemic challenges. Link to the “The Pink Elephant Newsletter: 5 Ways DEI Has Been Ineffective and How We Make It Better” https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-pink-elephant-newsletter-6761846236518641664/ Link to Decentering Whit...

Jan 24, 202419 minSeason 4Ep. 123

The Jali Ep 122: The Jali Podcast Presents a Series Showcase of More Business More Life Podcast: Unlocking Business Growth

In this week’s episode, I wanted to share an episode from the More Business More Life Podcast highlighting key takeaways to drive your business growth. Traditional business practices often neglect love as a driving force. In this episode of More Business More Life podcast, we'll dive deep into the connection between love, authenticity, and business growth. We will also discuss counterintuitive strategies, actionable tips, and insights that will help you propel your business to new heights in the...

Jan 10, 202457 minSeason 4Ep. 122

The Jali - Ep 121: Living Authentically

Psychotherapist and Author of The Art of Being Authentic, T. Mark Meyer discusses how to live a more purposeful life, offers tips on how to reconnect with your authentic self, and overcoming trauma through introspection. T. Mark Meyer is a psychotherapist and a consultant for the world’s largest corporations, leading workshops on conflict resolution, authenticity, and authentic management. He coaches professional athletes in discovering their purpose and counsels both couples and individuals. Af...

Jan 03, 202440 minSeason 4Ep. 121

The Jali - EP 120: Restoring Community

In this episode, Melyssa explains the history of the celebration of Kwanzaa, the holiday's significance of restoring African Americans to their Pan-African heritage and the tradition of building a community, as well as, highlights the sixth principle, Kuumba, the commitment to being creative. #Kwanzaaeveryday #Kwanzaa #Kuumba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 20, 202312 minSeason 4Ep. 120

The Jali - EP 119: “Being in the Loop”

Chief Strategy Officer at Substantial Sheryl Cababa discusses the equitable impact of incorporating a human-centered approach to UX Product design using the system thinking approach. Sheryl Cababa is the Chief Design Officer at the Insights, Design + Development Studio, Substantial, and a multi-disciplinary design strategist with more than two decades of experience. She is focused on reinventing the approaches of learning and collaboration in today’s educational environment to help equity-center...

Dec 13, 202347 minSeason 3Ep. 119

The Jali - Ep 118: Prioritizing Workplace Productivity

CEO & Founder of Trifectiv PPS Chantelle Marvin shares how her company aids in assisting large organizations to prioritize the human side of workplace productivity by breaking inefficient practices and guiding leaders through identifying better solutions and approaches to achieve optimal results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 06, 202344 minSeason 3Ep. 118

The Jali - Ep 117: Becoming Mindful

Dr. Peter Huang discusses approaches to disrupt racism, the benefits of becoming more mindful and how this practice is key to improving decision-making skills. Https://www.peterhenryhuang.co #disruptingracism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 202357 minSeason 3Ep. 117

The Jali - Ep 116: Creating Inclusive Holiday Celebrations

In this episode, I explore tips for creating inclusive holiday celebration that fosters a sense of community and recognizes diversity around your dinner table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 22, 20238 minSeason 3Ep. 116

The Jali - Ep 115: Achieving Your Dreams

This week, I am joined by educator, keynote speaker, actress and comedian Tareka McClellan to discuss her passion for serving as a role model for youths by providing a safe space for self-expression to thrive and her journey of overcoming her fears of pursuing a career in comedy as everyone's favorite granny, auntie and momma, MeMaw Jankins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 15, 202346 minSeason 3Ep. 115

The Jali - Ep 114: Creating Freedom

In this episode, I am joined by author, speaker and founder of More Business More Life for a discussion on building new habits, stepping out of your comfort zone, and creating better alignment to design a successful life. #morebusinessmorelife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 08, 202318 minSeason 3Ep. 114
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