The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

The Jali Ep 174: Redefining Limits, Resilience, and the Rise of the Wheelchair Nomad

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. Once a promising football player, now a globetrotting motivational speaker and accessibility advocate, Fletcher shares how faith, family, and mindset helped him rise above adversity.
In this powerful and inspiring conversation, Fletcher—also known as “The Wheelchair Nomad”—opens up about:
The crash that changed his life and the comeback that redefined it
Finding identity beyond sports and transforming pain into purpose
Becoming a global traveler and bringing awareness to accessibility challenges
Navigating entrepreneurship, public speaking, and DEI work
Advice for students, athletes, and anyone rebuilding after a setback
Whether you're an athlete, parent, educator, or entrepreneur, Fletcher’s story will challenge your definition of limitations and inspire you to live boldly. Because as he says: “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”
📍 Visit www.fletchercleaves.com 📲 Follow him on Instagram: @rollingonfaith
#TheWheelchairNomad #inspirational #motivation #disability #traveling #blackpeopletraveling #nevergiveup #family #motivationalquotes #traveler #theskyisnotthelimit

The Jali Ep 173: DEI Is Under Fire: How We Build Belonging Anyway

In a year where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is facing growing political backlash and public scrutiny, this special solo episode of The Jali Podcast cuts through the noise with truth, intention, and heart. Host Melyssa Barrett reflects on over 100 episodes of conversations with changemakers—from CEOs and artists to educators and everyday heroes—and asks: What does it really take to build communities where everyone belongs, especially when DEI is under fire?
This episode goes beyond buzzwords and into actionable strategies for building lasting inclusion, even when the momentum seems to be fading.
You’ll walk away with 5 powerful pillars to guide your leadership, advocacy, and community-building:
💬 Listen deeply to uncover meaning behind the words🧩 Invite differently by centering those left out⚖️ Share power to build equity beyond representation📖 Tell real stories that humanize policy and data🎉 Blend joy with accountability to sustain impact
As debates about DEI rage across campuses, workplaces, and politics, this episode is a timely reminder: community is both inheritance and resistance. We co-create belonging—not just through programs, but through how we live, lead, and love.
🎧 Whether you’re a DEI leader, an ally under pressure, or someone seeking to hold space in these divided times, this is your invitation to stay grounded, keep showing up, and lead with courage.
#DEI #DEIUnderAttack #InclusionMatters #Belonging #LeadershipInCrisis #TheJaliPodcast #MelyssaBarrett #EquityInAction #InclusiveLeadership #CulturalConnection #StorytellingForChange #DEIDebate2025 #AntiWokeBacklash #WorkplaceInclusion #CourageousConversations”

The Jali Ep 172: Pass the Power – Protecting Your Legacy Through Estate Planning

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 racial wealth gap between Black and white families hasn’t changed in over 30 years?
This is not about a lack of hard work. It’s about systemic barriers—generations of missed opportunities caused by inequities in access, education, and estate planning.
That’s why this episode is so important.
We’re sharing a powerful replay of Pass the Power, a live webinar hosted by the Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where I serve on the Economic Development Committee. This conversation features attorney Charlene Usher, Managing Partner of Usher Law Group, APC, who breaks down why estate planning is not just for the wealthy.
Charlene shares:
Why every family needs a living trust
How estate planning protects your assets and your voice
Practical steps to begin building intergenerational wealth—starting today
This is essential knowledge for our communities. Let’s talk about legacy, power, and how we pass it on.

The Jali Ep 171: Unapologetic Leadership: Dr. Nancy D. Young on Legacy, Faith and Breaking Barriers

In this inspiring episode, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Dr. Nancy D. Young, a transformational leader, speaker and author who made history as the first elected African American and female mayor of Tracy, California. Dr. Nancy shares how faith, resilience and unapologetic leadership shaped her path from Compton to public office, rising above adversity and racial harassment along the way.
They explore powerful themes from her book Unapologetic Leadership, including how to unleash your inner warrior, create your own table, and mentor future leaders with purpose. From community empowerment to DEI and legacy-building, Dr. Nancy reflects on what it truly means to serve, lead and inspire lasting change.

The Jali Ep 170: Interview with Stacie Selise

In this inspiring episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur and thought leader Stacie Selise—a proud Delta and legacy-builder making waves both personally and professionally. From a fun sorority moment to a heartfelt discussion about the values shared across the Divine Nine, this conversation is a true celebration of sisterhood, service, and strategy.
Stacie shares her journey of empowering individuals to step fully into their purpose and lead with clarity and confidence. She talks about the impact of her Legacy Lab, her commitment to helping others rise to their next level, and how she continues to show up as a force for good in the community.

The Jali Ep 169: How a Teen Leader Built a Global Scholars Program: The Miles Lima Story

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.

The Jali Ep 168: Tamara Shiloh on Literacy, Legacy & Building Inclusive Classrooms

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

The Jali Ep 167: Empowering Change: Ronaldo Hardy on Financial Education and DEI

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 forefront of providing essential financial wellness programs across the nation. In this episode, he shares his insights on the importance of financial literacy, the challenges and strategies for inclusive financial education, and his passionate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Dive into a discussion that not only enlightens but also empowers individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of financial stability in today's world. (@BALANCEFinFit)
#FinancialEducation #DEILeadership #Empowerment #FinancialWellness #InclusiveFinance #JaliPodcast #LeadershipInsights #CommunityImpact #RonaldoHardy #FinancialLiteracyMonth #DEI

The Jali Ep 166: Trailblazing Spirits: Old Hillside's Tribute to Black Women in Horse Racing

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

The Jali Ep 165: When They Step Back, We Step Forward: Keeping DEI Alive

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 pushback against these efforts and discuss how we can reenergize the movement through the teachings of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
As corporations and governments scale back their commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, what can we do to keep the movement strong? Let's explore ways to reclaim the power of DEI through community action, advocacy, and economic investment. We don’t need permission to create change—we ARE the change.