The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

Hosted by Melyssa Barrett

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100

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Jali Podcast, I’m your host Melyssa Barrett. This podcast is for those who are interested in the conversation around diversity, inclusion and equity. Each week, I’ll be interviewing a guest who has something special to share or is actively part of building solutions in this space. Let’s get started!

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60 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 1851 hr 16 min

The Jali Ep 185: Unapologetic & Audacious: Dr. Nancy D. Young's Run to Govern California

What does it take to go from the streets of Compton to the halls of UC Berkeley — and then to become the first African American and first female Mayor of Tracy, California? And what does it take to then say, "I'm not done yet" — and run for Governor? In this historic first for The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Dr. Nancy D. Young — former Mayor of Tracy, California, pastor, author, mentor, grandmother, and Independent candidate for Governor of the State of California — for a conversation that is as personal as it is political. Dr. Young shares her journey from growing up in a Crip neighborhood in Compton, where her brother couldn't ride a red bike, to navigating the halls of UC Berkeley as part of just 3% of Black graduates in her class. She talks about the mentors who saw in her what she couldn't yet see in herself, the hate symbols placed in her yard as mayor, and the moment she sat alone in a Sacramento parking lot — singing "Walk With Me Lord" — before walking in to file her gubernatorial paperwork. This is a conversation about courage. About community. About what it means to lead — not with a party label, but with purpose. Dr. Young is running as an independent — purple, as she calls it — because she believes the issues facing Californians don't belong to one party. Affordability, housing, safety, education, mental health, and transportation affect all of us. And she believes the only way forward is to bring everyone to the table. Here at The Jali Podcast, we believe an informed community is an empowered community. You would be surprised what a five-minute conversation can reveal about the people asking for your vote. This is your five minutes — and then some. Do your research. Ask your questions. Show up informed. Learn more about Dr. Nancy D. Young's campaign at nancyyoungforgovernor.com The Jali Podcast does not endorse any political candidate or party. Do your research and use your power – vote! If you want to hear more about Districting, make sure you check out our previous episode Districting Webinar. It’s a great civics lesson about what is going on today.

April 1, 2026Episode 18452 min

The Jali ep 184: A Journey Through Widowhood: Love, Loss, and Rediscoveryry

In this episode, Melyssa shares her personal journey through love, loss, and life after losing her husband. From an unexpected stage four cancer diagnosis to rebuilding her identity, this conversation explores grief, resilience, and the power of community and faith: I was interviewed by Lettie Ordoyne, who created The Widowhood Story podcast to support women navigating grief after losing a spouse. I could not have made it without the love and support of so many of my sisters around the world (Women’s History Month). I cannot thank them enough—and I couldn’t name them all if I tried. Blessings!

January 22, 2026Episode 18340 min

The Jali Ep 183: Health Equity in Practice: Power, Data, and Community Trust

Welcome to The Jali Podcast, hosted by Melyssa Barrett. This week, Melyssa welcomes back Dr. Eugene Manly Jr., scholar and health equity advocate, for a timely and powerful conversation on equity, accountability, and community-centered change. Dr. Manly shares insights from his work with the Scheck Foundation, discussing the growing challenges facing equity efforts, shifting funding landscapes, and what it truly means to do equity with communities rather than for them. The episode also explores the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in healthcare, lung cancer stigma, and the importance of inclusive data and community trust. This conversation centers people, not systems—and offers an honest look at what it takes to create lasting, equitable impact. #HealthEquity #EquityInAction #DEIConversations #CommunityCenteredCare #InclusiveHealthcare #SocialImpact #PublicHealth #EquityNotEquality #HealthcareInnovation #EthicalAI #LungCancerAwareness #CommunityHealth

January 15, 2026Episode 1821 hr 21 min

The Jali Ep 182: Equity in Action!

Today’s episode is a special replay of a powerful community webinar focused on districting in Tracy, California. This timely conversation dives into representation, civic voice, and equity—because districting isn’t just about maps, it’s about civil rights, access, and who gets to shape local decisions. This webinar was made possible through a collaboration between three deeply rooted community organizations: the NAACP Stockton–San Joaquin Branch, the Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Tracy African American Association—creating a space centered on education, dialogue, and empowerment. You’ll hear from April Quintanilla, City Clerk for the City of Tracy, who clearly explains the districting process and what comes next; civil rights attorney Carmen Nicole Cox, who grounds the discussion in history, law, and equity; Assembly member Rhodesia Ransom, who connects local decision-making to broader systems of representation; and Superintendent Rob Pico, who shares lessons from the Tracy Unified School District’s recent districting process. This episode is for anyone asking what districting really is, why it matters, and where community voice fits in. Whether you joined us live or are listening now, this conversation reminds us that informed communities are powerful communities.

January 7, 2026Episode 18133 min

The Jali Ep 181: Equity Beyond Intentions: Turning Research, Community, and Accountability into Impact

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 leader and the Founder & CEO of the STEMM & Cancer Health Equity (SCHEQ) Foundation. His work challenges us to move beyond performative commitments toward real accountability and community impact. Dr. Manley brings over 20 years of experience across engineering, molecular and cell biology, nonprofit strategy, and workforce development, with leadership roles at organizations like AACR, LCRF, and LUNGevity Foundation. His work is deeply informed by personal experience, growing up first-generation and witnessing loved ones navigate dismissive, fragmented care. After experiencing medical racism firsthand during a hospital stay, he made it his mission to build systems where no patient’s voice is sidelined. Dr. Manley shares insights from his research on structural inequities and discusses his work with the Scheq Foundation, where research, advocacy, and lived experience come together to drive meaningful systems change. This conversation explores how inequities become normalized, why community-centered approaches matter, and what leaders, institutions, and individuals must do differently if equity is going to be more than a buzzword. Through SCHEQ, he now drives cross-sector collaboration across payers, pharma, and health systems to close gaps in screening, biomarker testing, clinical-trial access, and survivorship, especially for Medicaid and historically marginalized populations. This episode is for educators, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, advocates, patients, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what equity looks like when it’s rooted in people, power, and accountability. In this episode, we discuss: How systemic inequities are created—and sustained Why community-centered equity produces better outcomes The role of data, lived experience, and trust in systems change What accountability really means in equity work How listeners can engage in more meaningful equity action Check out his blog at https://scheq.org/blog and stay tuned for Part 2 - Episode 182!

November 5, 2025Episode 18051 min

The Jali Ep 180: Shaping the Future of Talent: A Conversation with Dr. Kennedy Turner

Welcome back to The Jali Podcast, where we honor legacy, illuminate leadership, and amplify stories that shape our communities. I’m your host, Melyssa Barrett, and today’s episode explores leadership, culture, and the future of talent in the social sector. Joining me is Dr. Kennedy Turner, a talent consultant with DRG Talent, where she specializes in leadership searches for mission-driven and nonprofit organizations nationwide. Kennedy brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach to connecting value-aligned leaders with roles that truly matter—helping organizations strengthen their impact through the power of people. In this conversation, Kennedy shares insights from her background in sociology and organizational culture, and her journey from Wichita, Kansas, to earning a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Sociology from the University of Michigan. We dive deep into topics like leadership transitions, cultural fit, and equity in executive search, as well as what organizations and candidates need to know in today’s evolving workplace. We also explore Kennedy’s research on Black racial identity development among college students, and how that work continues to shape her approach to talent and leadership today. Plus, we unpack the nuances of what it means to be a Black-led organization—drawing from Whitney Parnell’s thought-provoking report, “What Does It Mean to Be Black-Led?” From representation and belonging to joy and authenticity in leadership, this episode is a powerful reflection on how we can build more equitable, human-centered organizations that truly reflect the communities they serve. Tune in and discover how leadership, identity, and culture intersect to shape the future of the social sector. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review The Jali Podcast—your feedback helps us continue to elevate voices that matter. #TheJaliPodcast #InclusiveLeadership #EquityInLeadership #BlackExcellence #RepresentationMatters #FutureOfWork #SocialImpact #PurposeDrivenLeadership #HumanCenteredLeadership #WomenInLeadership

October 22, 2025Episode 17929 min

The Jali Ep 179: Rising Voices: Youth Leadership and the Fight for Fair Representation

Joining me are Melissa Leon Perez and Dylan Tran, two remarkable students from Stockton Early College Academy and interns with the NAACP Stockton Branch in partnership with San Joaquin Delta College. These young leaders share their personal journeys, family influences, and their growing passion for social justice and civic engagement. Together, we dive into Proposition 50, exploring how congressional redistricting impacts communities of color, voting rights, and representation across California and beyond. Their thoughtful reflections remind us that advocacy starts early—and that informed, engaged youth are vital to shaping a more equitable future. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, identity, and the importance of making every voice count. #YouthLeadership #NAACP #SocialJustice #CivicEngagement #Proposition50 #VotingRights #RepresentationMatters #BlackAndBrownVoices #CommunityEmpowerment #StudentVoices #FutureLeaders #EquityAndInclusion #SanJoaquinDeltaCollege #StocktonEarlyCollegeAcademy #DemocracyInAction #VoteForChange #EmpoweredYouth #RedistrictingReform

October 17, 2025Episode 1781 hr 1 min

The Jali Ep 178: Vote YES on Prop 50!

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, Incorporated (Stockton Chapter), the California Association of Black Lawyers, and WAPA. This timely conversation explored how Proposition 50 could shape the future of representation and resources in our communities. Our distinguished guests—Michael Tubbs, former Mayor of Stockton and founder of End Poverty in California, and Carmen Nicole Cox, attorney and founder of The Cox Firm for Law and Policy—break down what’s at stake for our families and future generations. As you listen, remember that every election is an opportunity to make your voice heard. Take time to understand what’s on the ballot, learn about the issues, and participate in the democratic process—whichever way you choose to vote. Join us for this powerful and enlightening conversation: “Why Proposition 50 Matters.” #Vote2025 #CaliforniaPolitics #SocialJustice #PolicyChange #Leadership #EquityAndInclusion #MakeADifference #CommunityLeadership #BlackExcellence #MichaelTubbs #CarmenNicoleCox #EndPovertyInCalifornia #TheCoxFirm #NAACP #StocktonNAACP #TheLinksIncorporated #CaliforniaAssociationOfBlackLawyers #WAPA

September 17, 2025Episode 17745 min

The Jali Ep 177: "From DEI to the Gridiron: Douglas Freeman’s Vision for a New Kind of Sports League"

In this episode, Melyssa Barrett sits down with serial entrepreneur and DEI leader Douglas Freeman, the founder of the Entertainment Football League Association (ENTFLA) — a groundbreaking Black-owned indoor football league redefining what it means to blend sports, entertainment, equity, and economic impact. Freeman shares the journey from boardrooms and billion-dollar DEI programs to launching a next-generation sports league designed to uplift communities, create global investment opportunities, and develop talent on and off the field. From post-game concerts and Golden Tryouts to financial literacy academies and regional expansion, ENTFLA is on track to change the game — literally. With a vision to build 30 teams by 2030, ENTFLA is bringing high-energy football and community transformation to “sports deserts” across the U.S. and beyond. Tune in to hear how Freeman is building a profitable, inclusive, and scalable model — one touchdown at a time. 🎯 Topics Covered: The “junk to jewel” mindset behind Freeman’s leadership The business model that makes ENTFLA profitable from day one Creating access for Black athletes, coaches, and investors Merging entertainment, tech, fashion, and global expansion Why ENTFLA is about more than football — it’s about equity 🏈 Learn more: www.entfla.com 💡 "Rep Hard. Rank High." ENTFLA is just getting started.

August 27, 2025Episode 17648 min

The Jali Ep 176: The Sustainable CEO: Unlocking Alignment, Legacy & Divine Overflow with Benita Williams

In this transformational episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett is joined by leadership strategist, speaker, and author Benita Williams, whose new book Sustainable CEO introduces the Divine Overflow Sequence—a framework for leading with alignment, purpose, and legacy. Benita shares her journey of guiding CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs to move beyond burnout and into sustainable leadership that integrates faith, alignment, and impact. Her message is not just for leaders of corporations, but for anyone seeking to build a meaningful life where success and sustainability coexist. Together, Melyssa and Benita explore how to: Unlock the Divine Overflow Sequence for personal and professional alignment Avoid common traps that derail leaders and organizations Embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into leadership DNA Build a legacy that matters—starting now, not later Practice daily habits that keep you spiritually, emotionally, and mentally grounded Whether you’re a CEO, emerging leader, or purpose-driven entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to lead with authenticity and build a legacy that endures. If you are looking for a signed copy of her book, see link here: PayPal.Me Reach Benita directly at contact@benitawilliams.com #EquityAndInclusion #DiversityMatters #InclusionInLeadership #InclusiveLeadership #LeadersOfColor #WomenInLeadership #PreventBurnout #WorkLifeAlignment #MentalHealthForLeaders #CEOWellness #SelfCareForLeaders #SustainableSuccess #LegacyBuilding #LeadershipLegacy #ImpactfulLeadership #FutureFocusedLeaders