The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

The Jali Ep 152: Health Equity and Advocacy for the Underserved

In this episode, we’re joined by Nadeja Steager, a dedicated leader in healthcare advocacy and equity for underserved communities in California’s Central Valley. As Executive Director of the Community Health Leadership Council San Joaquin and former Director of the San Joaquin Pathways Community HUB, Nadeja has spearheaded initiatives to improve Black maternal and infant health, address homelessness, and increase access to quality healthcare. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey, strategies for change, and insights into building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

The Jali Ep 151: Securing Our Future: Pathways to Affordable Housing And Stability Part 2

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.

Ep 150: “Securing Our Future: Pathways to Affordable Housing And Stability”

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 and the NAACP Stockton Branch. The webinar entitled Securing Our Future - Pathways to Affordable Housing and Stability. The webinar kicks off with brief greetings from TAAC President Liz Baker and NAACP Stockton Branch President Robert “Bobby” Bivens. Moderated by the NAACP Stockton Branch Housing Chair D’Adrea Davie and including the esteemed panel Sereno Realtor Kimberly Nash, Former Tracy City Council Member and Candidate for State Assembly Rhodesia Ransom, and San Joaquin Housing Authority Commissioner Lester Patrick. The group discusses affordable housing strategies and solutions to achieve housing stability. Great information!

The Jali Ep 149: Technology X Diversity and Inclusion

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

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.
 

The Jali Ep 147: AI in Transforming Diversity Equity and Inclusion

In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in organizations. Join us as we discuss the ways AI can enhance recruitment processes, eliminate biases in hiring, promote equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups and share success stories from companies leveraging  it. Tune in to discover how AI can be a powerful ally in the pursuit of a more diverse and inclusive future while we begin to understand the risks..
 
 

The Jali Ep 146: Your Vote, Your Future: Shaping Change in 2024

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.
 

The Jali EP 145: Pioneering Digital Transformation in Infrastructure

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

The Jali Ep 144: Achieving Financial Security

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/chukwumafinancialhttps://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

The Jali Ep 143: Pivoting Towards Success

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