INvisible Women Podcast

In this empowering episode of the INvisible Women Podcast, host Melody and Monica sits down with award-winning writer, activist, and creator of The Great Exhale , Lisa Hurley. As we close out Autism Awareness Month, Lisa opens up about her lived experience as a Black autistic woman, the daily exhaustion of navigating professional spaces not built for her, and why she created digital sanctuaries wh...

In this powerful episode of INvisible Women , hosts Monica and Melody sit down with LaQuenta Jacobs —executive leader, inclusion strategist, and heart health survivor—for a deeply personal and urgent conversation on the intersections of Black womanhood, wellness, and the fight for visibility in healthcare. LaQuenta shares her extraordinary journey from heart failure to healing, walking us through...

In this powerful episode of Invisible Women , hosts Monica and Melody sit down with Erica Shoemate—The Policy Goddess —for a deep dive into AI, national security, and the realities of being a Black woman in leadership. From her beginnings in inner-city Memphis to shaping policies in tech and cybersecurity, Erica shares the resilience, strategy, and purpose that fuel her work. This conversation unp...

Welcome to a brand-new season of the Invisible Women Podcast ! Hosts Melody and Monica are back, reintroducing the mission, purpose, and power behind this platform. As Black women navigating leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate spaces, they reflect on their personal and professional journeys—why they started this podcast, how it has evolved, and why the mission of celebrating and empowering...

Summary In this episode, host, Melody and Monica discuss the excitement and hope surrounding Kamala Harris's nomination as the Democratic vice presidential candidate. They highlight the importance of representation and the need for black women to be seen in leadership roles. They also address the challenges and criticisms that Kamala Harris faces, including racism and sexism. The conversation emph...

Summary In this episode of the Invisible Women podcast, host Monica and Melody interview Corryn G. Freeman, the executive director of Future Coalition. They discuss the work of Future Coalition in supporting and empowering young change makers and change agents. They provide financial support through grants and offer fiscal sponsorship to organizations. They also discuss the importance of youth lea...

Summary In this episode, the hosts are joined by Iam_Z.Singleton on YouTube and IG to discuss various topics related to black women. They talk about Z's podcast and her journey as a podcaster. They also discuss the importance of awareness and acceptance among black women. The conversation then shifts to the topic of equal pay in women's sports, specifically focusing on Angel Reese's salary in the...

Monica and Melody discuss their experience at the Your First Million Live 2024 event in LA. They talk about the importance of networking and surrounding yourself with mentors to level up in business. They also discuss the value of working with people who don't necessarily look like you and the benefits of branching out. The conversation takes a turn when Monica shares her allergic reaction during...

Summary Shay Battle, the creator of Black Women's History Month, shares the story behind the initiative and her aspirations for its future. She started by creating a dating website called Chocolate Cougar and later founded Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Month. While researching black women to feature for an award show, she realized the need to celebrate and recognize the contributions of black w...

SummaryIn this conversation, Monica and Melody interview Robin Rue Simmons, the founder of First Repair, about her work in implementing a reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. They discuss the motivation behind her interest in politics and reparations, the discrimination and barriers faced by Black communities in housing and business, and the need for comprehensive reparations that address th...

As we eagerly dive into Season 2, we're thrilled to reconnect with our faithful listeners and welcome newcomers to the IW (Invisible Women) podcast family. Our mission remains unwavering since our first introduction back in December 2021. The core of our journey together is to cultivate a safe haven, a sanctuary where every listener feels empowered to reclaim their time, their power, and most...

Summary In this episode of the Invisible Women podcast, Monica and Melody interview April Showers, the CEO and founder of Afro Unicorn. April shares her journey of being a successful entrepreneur and the motivation behind starting Afro Unicorn. She talks about the importance of representation and normalizing black beauty through her brand. April also discusses the impact of Afro Unicorn on women a...

Summary In this episode, Monica and Melody discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. They express disappointment and frustration at the idea of companies doing away with DEI initiatives. They highlight the impact of DEI on marginalized groups and emphasize that it goes beyond just race. The hosts share personal experiences with DEI, including involvement in...

Summary In this episode, Monica and Melody discuss Women's Equal Pay Day and the disheartening pay gap that still exists. They explore the causes of the wage gap, including systematic racism and lack of visibility for black women in leadership roles. The importance of advocating for oneself in the workplace and negotiating for fair pay is emphasized. The hosts also highlight the impact of workplac...

Summary In this episode of the Invisible Women podcast, Monica and Melody welcome listeners back and express appreciation for all women. They discuss the success of the Black Women Thrive Summit and announce plans for the next event. The hosts also mention their recent TV interview on the pay gap for women and invite submissions for guest appearances on the podcast. They emphasize the importance o...

Today our very own host, Monica Simmons is interviewed by our local radio host, Tinka on the Bay Area Focus Show. Please check out this interview and purchase your tickets to the Black Women Thrive Summit happening on June 8th, 2023. Monica discusses the WHO, WHERE & WHY. We have some amazing panelist that you don't want to miss and a day of THRIVE for Black Women. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE: WWW.B...

Hey Listener’s, Today is “Thriving Thursday” and we are catching up with you and sending love and light your way. Don’t forget to register for your Black Women Thrive Summit tickets at www.blkwomenthrive.com

Just start! Listen to today's teaser episode with Melissa Mitchell, one of our guest speakers at The Black Women Thrive Summit happening on June 8th. www.blkwomenthrive.com Melissa A. Mitchell is a powerhouse and a prominent artist closing critical gaps in art, technology, and fashion worldwide. In just eight short years, the self-taught artist has earned international recognition and the attentio...

Today we are catching you all up on what we have been creating, the Black Women Thrive Summit 2023 is here! We are also discussing our Book Tour that kicked off in January 2023 and our next stop for you to come out and meet and greet with us.  You can purchase our book at  www.invisibleblkwomen.com Learn more and purchase tickets to Black Women Thrive Summit 2023, June 8th,  at&nbsp...

Today we are talking with Mrs. Jackson about her company, Nursing In Color, LLC, and why she decided to create a networking event for up-and-coming as well as established nurses to learn how to live an abundant life outside of the nursing profession. Nurse Tay will be hosting, The Nurse Pivot Networking Event event on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at The Noire Wealth Xperience from 2pm-5pm. $40 Ti...

Today we are sharing an intimate chat with a customer during our book signing tour first stop at Barnes & Noble in El Cerrito, CA. The young man shared with us the only Black Female employee at his company left her job due to racial discrimination. He considers himself an ally and purchased our book to learn more about the Black Woman's experience in the workplace and how he can continue t...

Today we are discussing our book and the 5 year journey it took for us to finally accomplish becoming published authors . Get inspired to do the things you are passionate about! Purchase book here: Website: www.invisibleblkwomen.com B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-invisible-women-melody-simmons/1142389575 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Women-Addressing-Intersection-Workplac...

Today we are discussing how Black Women navigate the workplace even when we are the only ones and it feels lonely. We also discuss Black Women's Equal Pay Day and how the date was pushed back from August 3rd to September 21st as the pay gap continues to widen for Black Women. Tune-in to get your daily dose of inspiration!  www.invisibleblkwomen.com Minda Harts is a Workplace and Equity Consultant....

Black women have been making their imprint and pushing the US economy forward, since what feels like the beginning of time. History has shown us that powerhouses such as like Madame C.J. Walker, Ciara Brown, Cathy Hughes, Oprah Winfrey, Ursula Burns and the list goes on, that we can thrive as successful business owners and leaders, though at times the world wants to view us as “invisible”. www.inv...

Today we are discussing how the Supreme Court decisions to overturn Roe v. Wade will heavily impact Black Women and our communities. This is all about MONEY, POWER, and RESPECT. This decision will further widen the wealth gap. Is this a way to lessen the Black Population? Or keep us in poverty?