The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

At just 16 years old, Miles Lima is breaking barriers in leadership, education, and global opportunity. Blind since childhood and a three-time cancer survivor, Miles is the founder of Manteca Scholars LLC - a student-led program bringing public school students into the prestigious World Scholars Cup, an international academic competition blending debate, collaborative writing, and team challenges. In this episode, he shares how he built a network across continents, launched a high-performing team from his public high school, and leads with purpose and vision. Miles is also a self-employed travel consultant, accomplished musician, and passionate advocate for equity in education and intercultural dialogue. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and global impact - led by a young changemaker redefining what’s possible.

In this inspiring episode of the Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Tamara Shiloh—author, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of the Multicultural Children’s Bookstore—to explore how she's transforming the way we teach and understand diverse history. From her acclaimed children’s book series like Jaxon’s Magical Adventure with Black Inventors and Scientists to launching inclusive lesson plans and a new K-6 micro school rooted in Black culture, Tamara shares how she’s rewriting the narrative for the next generation. Discover her powerful approach to literacy, representation, and education reform, and hear how she turns banned books into bestsellers and empowers educators with ready-to-use Black, Latinx, Asian, and Women in History materials. Whether you're a teacher, parent, entrepreneur, or changemaker—this episode will leave you inspired to reimagine what inclusive education can truly look like. 🔗 Learn more at: multiculturalbookstore.com #BlackHistory365 #InclusiveEducation #STEAM #RepresentationMatters #WomenInHistory #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #TamaraShiloh #JaliPodcast #MulticulturalBooks

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' bourbon in their honor, and the impact of their legacies on both the sport and African American history.   We'll also explore how Old Hillside Bourbon blends entrepreneurship with social justice, using their products to amplify underrepresented stories and support community initiatives. This conversation not only highlights historical achievements but also sparks discussions on the importance of diversity and inclusion in all sectors of society. Learn how embracing our past can inspire future generations and drive meaningful change in our communities.   Don't miss this compelling blend of history, entrepreneurship, and advocacy - a true tribute to the power of perseverance and the spirit of innovation in the face of adversity.   #TheJaliPodcast #MelyssaBarrett #TrailblazingSpirits #BlackHeritage #WomenInHistory #InnovativeEntrepreneurship #JaliPodcast #Entrepreneur #BlackOwnedBusiness #SupportBlackBusiness #BuyBlack #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackExcellence #BourbonCulture #BourbonLovers #CraftBourbon #BourbonLife #BourbonWhiskey #HorseRacing #JockeyLife #RaceDay #ThoroughbredRacing #EquestrianLife #OldHillsideBourbon #Trifecta #HonoringLegends

In this episode, I reflect on the Kendrick Lamar’s electric Super Bowl Halftime presentation showcasing DEI center stage during the most-watched event nationwide. Join me as we deep dive and unpack the cultural significance, legacy and contemporary storytelling of the performance.

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, from her childhood moves to her impactful career shifts that led her to advocate for financial wellness and inclusive leadership. The episode unveils Kelli’s strategies for fostering environments where innovative thinking and diverse leadership thrive. Join us to explore how inclusive practices can propel organizational and personal growth, setting a foundation for a future where everyone rises together   GUEST BIO: Kelli Lester is Co-founder and Partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fostering environments where inclusive leadership thrives, leveraging over two decades of experience to drive meaningful progress. Kelli’s expertise includes leadership development and coaching, strategic consulting, organizational culture enhancement, change management, problem-solving, and employee engagement. She is adept at helping leaders cultivate cultures and environments that value alternative perspectives, foster equity in opportunities, and promote employee well-being. With over 20 years of experience in driving leadership-focused initiatives within consumer goods and multi-media industries, Kelli is a dynamic leader and market analysis expert who supports organizations in vision creation, strategy development, and execution. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats: Consultant, Entrepreneur, Coach, Leader, Facilitator, Change Agent, and Community Advocate, and Ambassador to various local and national groups. Kelli was named one of EBONY’s “30 Young Leaders of the Future” and has a proven record of implementing change that leads to long-term, sustainable impact. She continues to empower individuals and organizations to unlock their potential and create environments where everyone can excel.

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 of founding a meetup group aimed at uniting Central Valley tech professionals and enthusiasts to learn, share, and grow together. Dive into the insights on overcoming geographical barriers in the tech industry, fostering local talent, and the power of community-driven tech education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how tech communities can drive change and offer new opportunities far from Silicon Valley. #TechCommunity #Innovation #TheJaliPodcast #TracyDevs #CommunityBuilding

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 for addressing housing challenges and opportunities. Now, in part two, we’re diving into the Q&A session, where audience questions sparked even deeper insights and practical solutions. Tune in for this impactful conclusion, and let the expertise of our guests inspire meaningful action in your community. If today’s episode leaves you with fresh ideas, share it and leave a review to keep these important conversations going.

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 face in the workplace, the importance of redefining success on our own terms, and how to break through the barriers that often hold us back. Dipti's insights are not only inspiring but also a call to action for every woman looking to embrace her potential and find fulfillment.   The Founder of Impact Forward, Dipti is a Product Leader turned career and leadership coach. She has 2 decades of consulting, data and product experience. She started out her career in data analytics and consulting, and grew into different leadership roles. In her last role she was head of product for her company. Last year she decided to lean into a new chapter of her career, one she has always been passionate about and finds it to be more purposeful, coaching mid-career women in leadership roles that are navigating their way through burnout, stagnation or looking for new ways to grow or uplevel in their careers. She believes in empowering women to find career success, and redefine success on their terms.  

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 accountable, she provides a roadmap for making your vote matter. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference and build a better future through collective  action.  

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 background in financial strategy, global management, and data innovation. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Lattice Industries Inc., where she leads the development of the national resilience hub network. Under her guidance, Lattice Industries is reshaping global infrastructure by leveraging data to empower communities and enhance digital opportunity. Jennifer's career is deeply rooted in her expertise in financial markets, particularly from her time as one of a very select few women trading specialists in the Chicago Mercantile and Chicago Board of Options. There, she managed a team of specialist floor traders and played a crucial role in market operations and the digital transformation of financial marketplaces, honing her skills in risk management and analytics. This experience provided her with a solid foundation in financial risk and strategic decision-making, which she has carried into her leadership roles. Those roles included a focus on fraud, risk management operations and operational benchmarking to optimize digital networks for financial institutions. Her academic credentials include an MBA in Global Management from Mills College, and specialized international finance coursework from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, where she also served as President of the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA) Fisher Chapter. Jennifer holds a BA in International Studies from DePaul University and has studied archeology in Greece and Malta. Jennifer's leadership at Lattice Industries aligns with the company's mission to create smarter, more resilient infrastructures based on the needs of constituents. Her unique combination of experience in financial markets, global management, and innovative data-driven network solutions positions her as a trailblazer in the digital infrastructure industry, driving sustainable growth and community empowerment on a global scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 is a partner in your financial journey, someone who listens deeply to your hopes, dreams, and concerns, and works alongside you to shape a future that reflects your most important values. Specializing in retirement income planning, 403B & 401k management, behavioral financial coaching, and insurance protection (life & long-term care), Christian’s approach is not just about numbers but about creating financial peace of mind. Beginning with a meaningful conversation about your goals and values, Christian partners with your CPA, attorney, and other trusted professionals to craft a financial plan that truly reflects who you are and what matters most to you”. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA in Finance from the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, and further deepened his expertise by obtaining the Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designation. This enables him to not just prepare you for retirement but also for the inevitable uncertainties of life with compassion and foresight. In 2020, he proudly earned the highly regarded designation of Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), affirming his commitment to act in your best interest. His success is truly measured by your success. Christian’s impact stretches far beyond his profession. Deeply passionate about his community, he has served on the boards of Tri-Valley Haven, a domestic violence center, and The Rotary Club of Livermore. He is also a valued member of the Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council, where he served on the board for two years, helping to connect people with the resources and guidance they need to plan for their futures. At home, Christian finds joy and balance in the love of his wife and four children. His life is full of meaning through travel, giving back, and savoring time with family and friends. Christian isn’t just helping clients secure their futures—he’s building a life rooted in purpose, community, and connection. Social Media Accounts:: https://www.facebook.com/chukwumafinancial https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-chukwuma-mba-aif-bfa-0298872a/ https://x.com/chukwumaFA #ValuesDrivenAdvice #HappyRetirement #Liveyourdreams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 achieve their goals for growth. With over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, Stephanie has achieved the highest honors in her profession and built an extensive portfolio of dedicated WOW Clients.  Stephanie reached Diamond Elite status, top 5%, at a billion-dollar media company and maintained President's Club level many years in a row. She managed millions in revenue while helping her clients increase revenue by millions. Working with the More Business More Life® team, Stephanie was able to quadruple her revenue which more than doubled her income and built her business around her life in her role as a career marketer.  Even with her success, she was envisioning a life where she could make a greater impact on those she serves while spending even more time in her role as a mom, with even more control of her calendar. More Business AND More Life! After 5 years of transformation as a client, she joined award winning marketer, best-selling author and business mentor Steve Napolitan and team as a Success Coach. Stephanie knows personally the struggles a home-based working mom faces as they strive to build a happy, healthy family while maintaining a successful career. IG: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemichelle143/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanievedder/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 with Yulie Padmore and Sabrina Pinell of the Black Employee Collective of the East Bay Regional Park District where she and her fellow members campaigned along with many organizations in the Bay Area and nationally to name the first park in Contra Costa County after a black person! The park is in Concord, CA and is named: Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50 in Concord, California. Yolande is blessed to be the mother of 2 sons and a daughter who are the lights of her life. She has been honored to receive the NAACP Image Award from the Stockton Branch, the Woman of Color Award from the African American Chamber of Commerce and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the Tracy African American Association. She is the immediate past President of Tracy African American Association, immediate past Director of the Youth Department at People of Christ Missionary (POC) Baptist Church’s in Tracy, she has a byline in the Tracy Press Newspaper where she writes Mother’s Corner column that focuses on parenting children of all ages. She is also a member of the Tracy Democratic Club and the Tracy African American Association. She has been the Clerk of the Board for East Bay Regional Park District for 32 years. Yulie Padmore has advocated for justice for the Port Chicago sailors since 2019. As a co-founder of East Bay Black Employee Collective, she worked with colleagues and community organizations to help facilitate the naming of Thurgood Marshall Regional Park — Home of the Port Chicago 50 in 2020/2021. Yulie is a proud member of the Port Chicago Taskforce and editor of the news and resource website PortChicago50.com Sabrina Pinell started her career with the East Bay Regional Park District in 2007 at the Robert Crown Memorial State Beach – Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. She is now working in the Acquisition, Stewardship & Development Division at the Park District Administrative Headquarters in Oakland, Sabrina received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Art and a minor in African-American Studies from UC Berkeley in 1997. She shares not only a love for art in all of its expressions (craft, sculpture, dance, etc.), but also culturally and historically embraces the people who make it globally; and their stories. She is a Certified Massage Therapist with a specialization in Reiki Energy healing in collaboration with the Luna Nueva Wellness Healing Collective in the Bay Area. In collaboration with Yolande Barial Knight and Yulie Padmore, she co-founded the Black Employee Collective with other East Bay Regional Park District employees of African-American heritage in 2020 in an a community effort to name the new park in Concord, California Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50. In her spare time, you can find Sabrina at a local festival, in the backyard with her fur babies or spending quality time with her two children and family. To inform, educate and collectively communicate Black American issues, social narratives, historical, cultural, social and environmental justice within the East Bay Regional Park District to the Black employees, Black community and future generations https://portchicagomemorial.org/2009/06/01/into-forgetfulness/ History of Port Chicago: https://news.berkeley.edu/2019/07/17/this-base-is-going-to-blow-sky-high-port-chicago-75-years-later/ History of Port Chicago: https://www.sfchronicle.com/chronicle_vault/article/Port-Chicago-disaster-Unpublished-photos-of-a-14099503.php Petition - Rename Bay Area Park To Honor Thurgood Marshall: http://historicalequity.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs on their businesses and taught them how to increase marketing/sales, while systemizing business to minimize their effort and maximize their revenue. Steve helps his clients have the lifestyles they deserve. Ultimately, Steve is about people, relationships, and the convergence of vision, focus and teamwork that allows true freedom in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 discovered a passion for mental health, and she set forth on a path to help others achieve healing and emotional intelligence. She began her journey of healing, which included counseling, to heal her own personal trauma. Completing her education, she embarked into a new path of counseling and healing for others and is currently pursuing her master’s in counseling psychology, In addition, she is creating a book to bring consumers to Black owned businesses across the continental United States. She wants to build stronger black communities by investing in its businesses. IG: https://www.instagram.com/nisha_ray_mac/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raynisha.braggmcdonald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Portland based company serving clients internationally as a go-to place for exceptional audiobook & podcast production and marketing, including complex and unusual projects that may involve multiple voices and/or music and/or sound effects. admin@proaudiovoices.com Social Media Accounts to Tag:: https://www.instagram.com/proaudiovoices/ https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/beckyparkergeist/ https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=proaudiovoices https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=beckyparkergeist https://www.linkedin.com/company/pro-audio-voices-inc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyparkergeist/ #AMPlifyAudiobooks #ProAudioVoices #Indieauthor #LoveAudiobooks #AudiobookConnection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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-winning brand executive with a deep passion for unleashing the power of individuals, teams, and organizations to make a positive impact on our world. For over 10 years, she has led some of the most iconic global brands at Procter & Gamble and The Hershey Company and led teams at high-growth start-ups. As the Founder and CEO of SEE GOOD STRATEGY GROUP, a boutique consulting firm focused on brand strategy and leadership development for mission-driven organizations, Shilpa is passionate about fueling teams, brands, and organizations with the tools and thought-leadership necessary to step-change their growth and broader role in society. Her clients span industries across Healthcare, Financial Services, Non-Profit Organizations, Tech, and Consumer Packaged Goods.  She is a visionary speaker who brings thought leadership on topics like the power of purpose to unlock profitability, values-driven leadership, food system reform, strategies for holistic health, and building brands and teams that change the world. Beyond speaking, Shilpa is no stranger to the stage as she deeply connects with her Indian heritage through her first love, Indian Dance, as a competitive dancer, choreographer, performer, and teacher.  Shilpa has been published and quoted in Ad Age, TIME, Business Week, Forbes, Crain’s, Fast Company, and other notable publications. She was named to Ad Age’s 40 under 40 list in 2017, was a finalist for the prestigious Milton Hershey Award, a recipient of the P&G North America President’s Award, and the P&G Alumni Leader Under 40 to Watch award in 2023. She is a marketing industry expert for the Polsky Center, affiliated with the University of Chicago, and a Featured Guest Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health and The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She also serves as the Executive Chair of the Board for B-Local Illinois (supporting local B-Corps), and the Advisory Board of Pilot Light, a non-profit focused on advancing food education in US school systems. She is a mentor for the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project, a school that empowers children from India's lowest socioeconomic class to break the cycle of generational poverty through education, leadership, and compassion. Shilpa received her bachelor’s from Drexel University and her MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Instagram: @shilpagadhok; @iamtheshilps  #thisisshilpaspeaking #businessasaforceforgood #brandleader #leadershipdevelopment #thepowerofheritage #indiandance #kathakdancer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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