The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

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

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...

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 whe...

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. F...

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 conn...

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 s...

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...

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...

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...

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

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 an...

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 k...

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...

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 st...

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 coac...

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

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 t...

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

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

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

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/adc...

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

Author and powerhouse social justice advocate Kennetha Stevens shares her work within the Stockton Unified School District modifying teaching models and building better relationships between teachers and parents to effectively foster success in the education system and encourage a safe environment for children to learn and grow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime with Black women having a 41% lower chance of survival than any other ethnic group. On this episode, I am joined by three inspirational breast cancer survivors Glynis Dove, Mateenah Floyd-Okanlawon and Marguerite Toliver who fought to overcome the challenges of their prognosis and now shar...

Professional track and field athlete and founder of Let Women Decathlon Jordan Gray shares her journey as a trailblazer breaking American records and the determination behind petitioning for gender equality in the world’s most prestigious sporting event, the Olympics.  Did you know that in the year 2023, only men can earn the title of World's Greatest Athlete? Surprisingly, yes, it's true! And, wi...