The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

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 Wil...

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...

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 enviro...

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...

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,...

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...

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, Vince...

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...

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 homelessne...

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...

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....

In this episode, I explore the benefits of integrating digital technologies with DEI practices and how this can help reshape workforce operations.

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...

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...

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 accou...

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 ba...

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 i...

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 a...

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...

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 profe...

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 indepe...

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...

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...

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-w...

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