The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett
Episodes
The Jali Ep 183: Health Equity in Practice: Power, Data, and Community Trust
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Jali Podcast, hosted by Melyssa Barrett. This week, Melyssa welcomes back Dr. Eugene Manly Jr., scholar and health equity advocate, for...
The Jali Ep 182: Equity in Action!
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is a special replay of a powerful community webinar focused on districting in Tracy, California. This timely conversation dives into...
The Jali Ep 181: Equity Beyond Intentions: Turning Research, Community, and Accountability into Impact
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Jali Podcast, Melyssa Barrett sits down with Dr. Eugene Manley, Jr., Ph.D., MS, a biomedical scientist turned social impact lea...
The Jali Ep 180: Shaping the Future of Talent: A Conversation with Dr. Kennedy Turner
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to The Jali Podcast, where we honor legacy, illuminate leadership, and amplify stories that shape our communities. I’m your host, Melys...
The Jali Ep 179: Rising Voices: Youth Leadership and the Fight for Fair Representation
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joining me are Melissa Leon Perez and Dylan Tran, two remarkable students from Stockton Early College Academy and interns with the NAACP Stockton Bran...
The Jali Ep 178: Vote YES on Prop 50!
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we highlight a recent Proposition 50 Virtual Town Hall, hosted by the Stockton Branch of the NAACP in partnership with The Links, Inc...
The Jali Ep 177: "From DEI to the Gridiron: Douglas Freeman’s Vision for a New Kind of Sports League"
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melyssa Barrett sits down with serial entrepreneur and DEI leader Douglas Freeman, the founder of the Entertainment Football League A...
The Jali Ep 176: The Sustainable CEO: Unlocking Alignment, Legacy & Divine Overflow with Benita Williams
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this transformational episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett is joined by leadership strategist, speaker, and author Benita Williams, wh...
The Jali Ep 175: Faith in Action: Serving, Seeing, and Living with Grace with Michael James
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this faith-focused episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett welcomes Michael James, founder of David Grace Ministries, a man whose life is...
The Jali Ep 174: Redefining Limits, Resilience, and the Rise of the Wheelchair Nomad
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a tragic accident left him paralyzed from the chest down, Fletcher Cleaves could have given up on his dreams. Instead, he rewrote the narrative....
The Jali Ep 173: DEI Is Under Fire: How We Build Belonging Anyway
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a year where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is facing growing political backlash and public scrutiny, this special solo episode of The Jali...
The Jali Ep 172: Pass the Power – Protecting Your Legacy Through Estate Planning
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know the median wealth of a single Black woman in America is just $100, while the median wealth for white men exceeds $28,000? Or that the rac...
The Jali Ep 171: Unapologetic Leadership: Dr. Nancy D. Young on Legacy, Faith and Breaking Barriers
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Dr. Nancy D. Young, a transformational leader, speaker and author who made history as t...
The Jali Ep 170: Interview with Stacie Selise
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur and thought leader Stacie Selise—a proud ...
The Jali Ep 169: How a Teen Leader Built a Global Scholars Program: The Miles Lima Story
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At just 16 years old, Miles Lima is breaking barriers in leadership, education, and global opportunity. Blind since childhood and a three-time cancer ...
The Jali Ep 168: Tamara Shiloh on Literacy, Legacy & Building Inclusive Classrooms
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode of the Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Tamara Shiloh—author, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of the ...
The Jali Ep 167: Empowering Change: Ronaldo Hardy on Financial Education and DEI
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we sit down with Ronaldo Hardy, a transformative leader in the financial education sector. As the CEO of BALANCE, Ronaldo is at the forefro...
The Jali Ep 166: Trailblazing Spirits: Old Hillside's Tribute to Black Women in Horse Racing
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Jali Podcast, we delve deep into the inspiring stories of three trailblazing African American women in horse racing - Eliza Car...
The Jali Ep 165: When They Step Back, We Step Forward: Keeping DEI Alive
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pushba...
The Jali Ep 164: Courageous Leadership: Black Wealth & Boycotts
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amidst this month's critical economic discussions and the rising economic boycotts—Target, Amazon, Walmart—Dr. Shelley Jones-Holt joins Melyssa Ba...
The Jali Ep 163: Navigating Leadership and Empowerment
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into Episode 163 of The Jali Podcast featuring C.G. Lewis—business leader, inspirational speaker, and author. This episode focuses on leadershi...
The Jali ep 162: Legacy of Leadership – LaJuana Bivens on Civil Rights, Equity, and Empowering Communities
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with the esteemed LaJuana Johnson Bivens—civil rights activist, govern...
The Jali Ep 161: Kendrick Lamar: Storytelling Hip-Hop and the Fight for DEI
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I reflect on the Kendrick Lamar’s electric Super Bowl Halftime presentation showcasing DEI center stage during the most-watched eve...
The Jali Ep 160: Holistic Healing: A Strategic Guide to Overcome Burnout
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
The Jali Ep 159: Embracing Change and Cultivating Inclusive Leadership
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 159 of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett engages with the dynamic Kelli Lester, an acclaimed change management consultant and founder...
The Jali Ep 158: The Intersection of Technology and Public Service
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 glo...
The Jali Ep 157: Revolutionizing Digital Accessibility
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Michael Paciello, a pioneer in digital accessibility and the Chief Accessibil...
The Jali Ep 156: Building HR Technology for Tomorrow
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 bac...
The Jali Ep 155: Linking Locals: Fostering Tech Networks in Non-Tech Hubs
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Jali Ep 154: Developing Equitable Artificial Intelligence (AI)
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a seasoned technologist, Vincent Broyles brings a wealth of experience in shaping strategic and technical direction across a wide range of industri...
The Jali Ep 153: Living Through History
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Born and raised in North Carolina during the Jim Crow era, Lester Patrick takes us through America’s history of segregation and restrictions imposed...
The Jali Ep 152: Health Equity and Advocacy for the Underserved
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by Nadeja Steager, a dedicated leader in healthcare advocacy and equity for underserved communities in California’s ...
The Jali Ep 151: Securing Our Future: Pathways to Affordable Housing And Stability Part 2
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re excited to bring you part two of our powerful discussion from the Securing Our Future: Pathways to Affordable Housing and Stability webinar. I...
The Jali Ep 150: “Securing Our Future: Pathways to Affordable Housing And Stability”
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
The Jali Ep 149: Technology X Diversity and Inclusion
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explore the benefits of integrating digital technologies with DEI practices and how this can help reshape workforce operations.
The Jali Ep 148: Women, Work, and Winning: Creating Your Ideal Life
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
The Jali Ep 147: AI in Transforming Diversity Equity and Inclusion
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in organizations. Join us a...
The Jali Ep 146: Your Vote, Your Future: Shaping Change in 2024
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melyssa dives into the importance of the upcoming election and why every vote counts. More than just a presidential race, this electi...
The Jali EP 145: Pioneering Digital Transformation in Infrastructure
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Jali Ep 144: Achieving Financial Security
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as I chat with Christian Chukwuma, an independent Financial Planner and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® with Osaic Wealth as we navigate fin...
The Jali Ep 143: Pivoting Towards Success
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 he...
The Jali Ep 142: Black Employee Collective
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as members of the Black Employee Collective, Yolanda Barial Knight, Yulie Padmore and Sabrina Pinell, delve into the impactful advocacy effort...
The Jali Ep 141: Showcasing: Becoming Socially Conscious
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 effe...
The Jali Ep 140: Commemorating Juneteenth
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 del...
The Jali Ep 139: Supporting Black-Owned Business
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Jali Ep 138: Amplifying Communities
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ide...
The Jali Ep 137: Create and Power a Purpose-Driven Culture
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 appro...
The Jali Ep 136: Motherhood
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I want to acknowledge and amplify the diverse experiences of mothers, especially those from marginalized communities. We need equity, inclusion, and s...
The Jali Ep 135: Fostering Synergy: Bridging DEI through Collaboration
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melyssa unpacks an essential component for DEI to flourish: Synergy. She discusses the beneficial results of breaking barriers by li...
The Jali Ep 134: Bridging to Thriving Communities: The Power of Arts and Entertainment
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Step into the vibrant world of community-building with Bridging Communities: The Power of Arts and Entertainment. In The Jali Podcast, we uncover insp...
The Jali Ep 133: Restorative Justice
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, District Attorney of Solano County Krishna Abrams delves into the role of promoting positive change and making a difference in her co...
The Jali Ep 132: Raising Our Voices: Celebrating Women’s History Month
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Jali Ep 131: Artistic Expression
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am joined by the founder and Director Lula Washington and the Associate Director Tamica Washington-Miller of the Lula Washington Dance The...
The Jali EP 130: Awesome Women of Excellence
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate Women’s History Month, I wanted to highlight the exceptional work of four powerfully, tenaciously brilliant women, Letitia Hanke, Jorda...
The Jali Ep 129: Black Employee Collective
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as members of the Black Employee Collective, Yolanda Barial Knight, Yulie Padmore and Sabrina Pinell, delve into the impactful advocacy effort...
The Jali Ep 128: Iota Phi Theta
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 organiza...
The Jali Ep 127: Kappa Alpha Psi
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Samuel L Dacus II, Charles Lockard and Trenton Goudeaux share the organization’s commitment to serv...
The Jali Ep 126: Celebrating Meaningful Connections
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Jali Ep 125: Being On Purpose
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Best-selling author and CEO of Unity Labs Brandon Peele shares his work consulting global organizations in integrating a purpose-led leadership approa...
The Jali Ep 124: Leveraging Collective Ethics and Innovation
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founders of Divergent CRO, Abiel Obanjo and Shone Williams-Adeniyi discuss their company's commitment to providing collective ethics in clinical resea...
The Jali Ep 123: 5 Ineffective DEI trends and strategies from The Pink Elephant
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I want to amplify the voice of Dr. Janice Gassam Asare, PhD by highlighting a recent topic from her Newsletter, “The Pink Elephant,” on identifyin...
The Jali Ep 122: The Jali Podcast Presents a Series Showcase of More Business More Life Podcast: Unlocking Business Growth
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 grow...
The Jali - Ep 121: Living Authentically
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Jali - EP 120: Restoring Community
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melyssa explains the history of the celebration of Kwanzaa, the holiday's significance of restoring African Americans to their Pan-Af...
The Jali - EP 119: “Being in the Loop”
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chief Strategy Officer at Substantial Sheryl Cababa discusses the equitable impact of incorporating a human-centered approach to UX Product design usi...
The Jali - Ep 118: Prioritizing Workplace Productivity
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
CEO & Founder of Trifectiv PPS Chantelle Marvin shares how her company aids in assisting large organizations to prioritize the human side of workp...
The Jali - Ep 117: Becoming Mindful
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Peter Huang discusses approaches to disrupt racism, the benefits of becoming more mindful and how this practice is key to improving decision-makin...
The Jali - Ep 116: Creating Inclusive Holiday Celebrations
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explore tips for creating inclusive holiday celebration that fosters a sense of community and recognizes diversity around your dinn...
The Jali - Ep 115: Achieving Your Dreams
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 yout...
The Jali - Ep 114: Creating Freedom
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
The Jali - Ep 113: Building Successful Teaching Models
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Author and powerhouse social justice advocate Kennetha Stevens shares her work within the Stockton Unified School District modifying teaching models a...
The Jali - Ep 112: Beating the Odds
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 chan...
The Jali - Ep 111: Breaking Inequality Barriers in Sports
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Professional track and field athlete and founder of Let Women Decathlon Jordan Gray shares her journey as a trailblazer breaking American records and ...
The Jali - Ep 110: Reaching for Financial Freedom
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Executive vice chairman of Ascension Leadership Leland Rubin and Chuck Lockard share advice for beginning the steps towards generating legacy wealth m...
The Jali - Ep 109: Building Intentional Ecosystems
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ron Busby, a co-founder of ByBlack, illuminates the innovative solutions crafted by Black engineers to empower the growth of Black-owned businesses. H...
The Jali - Ep 108: Authentic Transformation
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Certified executive leadership coach, author and founder of Adaptive Leadership Strategies, LLC Brenda Harrington gives advice for organizations seeki...
The Jali - Ep 107: Advocating for Veterans
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the NAACP announced an agreement to work together to advance and improve the quality of life for ...
The Jali - Ep 106: Authentically Growing Your Purpose
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Certified Life Coach Kamini Woods talks about finding your purpose, the importance of self-care and how to eliminate self-sabotage and offers practice...
The Jali - Ep 105: Policing for Change
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chief Abdul Pridgen of the San Leandro Police Department shares his strategies to drive DEI within his district through contemporary policing strategi...
The Jali - Ep 104: Providing Representation: Financial Freedom
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
CEO of Major’s Financial Katrina Major shares how her company aids in filling in the DEI gap by providing resources and inclusive real estate best p...
The Jali - Ep 103: Building Inspiration
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Letitia Hanke shares her journey as a young entrepreneur to becoming CEO of her own roofing company, ARS Roofing, Gutters & Solar, and how combati...
The Jali - Ep 102: Pursuing an Inclusive Society
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled to end affirmative action in college admissions jeopardizing the fair opportunities of underrepresented grou...
The Jali - Ep 101: Resilient Roots
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shalita Grant goes beyond the surface to explore the profound impact of representation and empowerment in the realm of beauty. Even behind the scenes ...
The Jali - Ep 100: Educational Empowerment
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To kick off our 100th episode, I am joined by Dr. James Vaughn to discuss the challenges within the educational system and how to remedy these struggl...
The Jali - Ep 99: Checking Out with Healthy Foods
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Representatives from the NAACP Stockton Branch and CA/HI State Conference along with student interns from San Joaquin Delta College Josefina Gomez, Si...
The Jali - Ep 98: Supporting Student Success
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Founder & CEO of Ara’s Education Consulting Dr. Wicondra Stovall discusses providing access to DEI support, strategy and resources to school dis...
The Jali - Ep 97: Remembering to Have Fun!
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Melyssa explores the core principle of fun, discusses ways to nurture healthy work habits, shares tips to create balance in ...
The Jali - Ep 96: Creating Competent Leaders
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting, Aiko Bethea shares tips for organizations to break down DEI barriers in the workplace, discusses building c...
The Jali - Ep 95: Inclusive AI
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With the rise of artificial intelligence impacting our everyday lives, I wanted to revisit my previous conversation with the co-founder of Deep Labs, ...
The Jali - Ep 94: Women in the Military
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode, Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Kathy Gallowitz shares her experience serving in the United States Air Force, discusses the advancement o...
The Jali - Ep 93: Giving Ourselves Permission
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's podcast, I wanted to share a fantastic episode from The More Business More Life Podcast with Steve Napolitan, Jovanni Godina, Stephanie...
The Jali - Ep 92: Making Yourself a Priority
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hawanya Lima discusses the impact of mental health and how it affects our social interactions. Lima shares best practices to prioritize self-care, bec...
The Jali - Ep 91: Our Independence Day
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode, Melyssa honors the history and legacy of America’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth. Learn more about your ad choices...
The Jali - Ep 90: Championing Our Service Members
20 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Founder & CEO of Vanguard Veteran, LLC and author of “Beyond ‘Thank You For Your Service,’ The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians” Lt...
The Jali - Ep 89: Creating Inclusive Healthcare and Wellness
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Director of Community, Marketplace, and Member Engagement at Health Plan of San Joaquin, Vena Ford discusses improving support services, accessing ser...
The Jali - Ep 88: Practicing Conscious Leadership
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marika Messager shares tools for becoming a conscious leader and discusses how organizations can practice this approach to influence systemic change w...
The Jali - Ep 87: A Framework for Inclusivity
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence discusses creating a platform for businesses to repair their "broken systems" and develop a framework for integrating DEI to t...
The Jali - Ep 86: Empowering DEI
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
President and founder of MSM Global Consulting, Maria Morukian discusses strategies and best practices used to empower organizations with long-term pr...
The Jali - Ep 85: Bold Moves
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Author, speaker, and facilitator Ruth Backstrom discuss using facilitation methods to foster deep conversations that inspire reforms in politics and d...
The Jali - Ep 84: Empowering the Future
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Founder & CEO of AAAMotivated Kehia McKinney discusses her organization’s approach to amplifying and empowering the voices of Black youths throu...