The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

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' bour...

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 way...

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 com...

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 release...

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 NAAC...

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...

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, fro...

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 ...

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 ...

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 evo...

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 ...

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;...

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 ...

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 f...

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 Br...

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...