The MJE Living Room Conversations

Mothers for Justice and Equality
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT

The Living Room Conversation is an intimate dialogue hosted from MJE's Blue Library- a space that symbolizes reflection, wisdom and collective healing. Inspired by the 'Red Table' concept, this new MAV X MJE series brings grassroots leaders, community healers, and advocates together to explore the question: Where do we go from here? Fresh from the MAV National Conference, we'll gather for a heartfelt conversation about sustaining healing, building leadership capacity, and strengthening our national network of women leading community transformation. Join Monalisa Smith, Founder of Mothers for Justice and Equality and the MAV Learning Community, as she leads this open conversation with special guests who are shaping the next chapter of our movement- from momentum to model.

  1. Leadership, Activism & Community Power - Part 1

    4D AGO

    Leadership, Activism & Community Power - Part 1

    Our salute to Black History Month continues with Renée Ọmọladé—educator, activist, mother, and board chair—for an inspiring discussion on leadership, identity, and community impact. A South End native and Dorchester resident, Renée shares her journey from navigating educational inequities to organizing major racial justice efforts in Boston, bringing Michelle Obama to Dorchester through her work with Black Girls Rock, and advancing educational equity in her role at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Grounded in faith and a belief that “when you make an observation, you have an obligation,” Renée reflects on code-switching, mentorship, and what it truly means to lead with courage, authenticity, and purpose.

    25 min
  2. Empowering Women into Action - Part 2

    FEB 11

    Empowering Women into Action - Part 2

    As we continue our salute to Black History Month, we carry forward a powerful conversation with Dr. Cyntoria Grant on building sustainable movements rooted in leadership, faith, and grace. Dr. Grant reflects on the creation of Parent University in Boston Public Schools, her journey through city government and higher education, and a life-altering accident that led her into a season of stillness, rest, and deep spiritual healing. From learning to sit in God’s quiet to stepping into new leadership at Harvard University, this episode explores how grace, surrender, and faith shape sustainable leadership, empower families, and prepare us for new beginnings.

    24 min
  3. Empowering Women into Action - Part 1

    FEB 4

    Empowering Women into Action - Part 1

    As we begin Black History Month, we sat down with Dr. Cyntoria Grant, Associate Director of Public School Partnerships, Harvard Ed Portal, for an intimate and inspiring conversation about leadership, faith, and resilience. Dr. Grant reflects on her journey from service-driven beginnings to national impact in education and ministry, sharing powerful lessons from a humbling season marked by professional loss, deep growth, and renewed purpose. Through honesty and wisdom, she reminds us that leadership is rooted in service, elevation requires humility and rest, and faith and community are essential when navigating life’s transitions—especially in seasons of change.

    22 min
  4. Moments of Grace: When Strength Meets Stillness

    JAN 21

    Moments of Grace: When Strength Meets Stillness

    “There are moments when strength looks like stillness. When grace shows up in the quiet.” In this intimate episode, Monalisa Smith, Founder, President, & CEO of Mothers for Justice and Equality, invites listeners to pause and reflect on life’s turning points — those sacred moments when strength meets stillness, and grace carries us through. Drawing from her book Moments with Grace, Monalisa shares personal reflections, readings, and lessons on faith, healing, and renewal — reminding us that grace isn’t something we earn; it’s something we live into.

    23 min
  5. The MJE Living Room ep 10: Leading with Grace

    JAN 14

    The MJE Living Room ep 10: Leading with Grace

    We are honored to feature Ronia Stewart — a corporate leader, philanthropist, and Founding President & CEO of Garden of Eden & Associates, Inc. With over 25 years of experience across the financial, legal, and nonprofit sectors, Ronia has dedicated her career to empowering others through leadership development, training, and service. This episode focuses on the heart-centered leadership that sustains women and changemakers in their work. It highlights the importance of grace, faith, and self-reflection as tools for navigating leadership challenges and personal growth.

    38 min
  6. Episode 10 Teaser: Leading with Grace

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Episode 10 Teaser: Leading with Grace

    We are honored to feature Ronia Stewart — a corporate leader, philanthropist, and Founding President & CEO of Garden of Eden & Associates, Inc. With over 25 years of experience across the financial, legal, and nonprofit sectors, Ronia has dedicated her career to empowering others through leadership development, training, and service. This episode focuses on the heart-centered leadership that sustains women and changemakers in their work. It highlights the importance of grace, faith, and self-reflection as tools for navigating leadership challenges and personal growth.

    1 min
  7. Healing, Leadership, and Legacy – The Power of Purpose in Action Part 1

    JAN 7

    Healing, Leadership, and Legacy – The Power of Purpose in Action Part 1

    The MJE Living Room Podcast brings together authentic, heartfelt conversations with leaders, healers, and changemakers. The 'Healing the Healers' series explores the emotional, mental, and spiritual balance required for those who lead, serve, and uplift others. In episodes 9 and 10, we are honored to feature Ronia Stewart — a corporate leader, philanthropist, and Founding President & CEO of Garden of Eden & Associates, Inc. With over 25 years of experience across the financial, legal, and nonprofit sectors, Ronia has dedicated her career to empowering others through leadership development, training, and service. This episode explores how purpose, service, and leadership intertwine to create lasting impact. We’ll discuss how Ronia’s journey across multiple sectors has shaped her approach to leading with purpose and building a legacy rooted in service and transformation.

    34 min
  8. 2025 Podcast Highlights

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    2025 Podcast Highlights

    This year, we launched our podcast "The MJE Living Room Conversations;" an intimate dialogue hosted from MJE's Blue Library. This new MAV X MJE series brings grassroots leaders, community healers, and advocates together to explore the question: Where do we go from here? Fresh from the MAV National Conference, we've gathered for heartfelt conversations about sustaining healing, building leadership capacity, and strengthening our national network of women leading community transformation. Monalisa Smith, Founder of Mothers for Justice and Equality and the MAV Learning Community, led these open conversation with special guests who are shaping the next chapter of our movement -- from momentum to model. Stay tuned for 2026! Thank you to this year's inspiring guests: Episode 1: Hosted by Monalisa Smith - Founder, President, CEO of Mothers for Justice and Equality - Roxbury, MA Episode 2: Milagros Burgos - Founder of Imani Dream Angel / Rincon - Chicago, IL and Nortasha Stingley - Chicago, IL Episodes 3 & 4: Jacqueline Monteiro - Founder of W.S.R & Wellness Coaching LLC - Leicester, MA and Eileen Paterson - Mothers for Justice and Equality - Boston, MA Episodes 5 & 6: Nana Akomaa Kyerematen - Author of "Is America Constitutionally Unconstitutional?" - Mothers for Justice and Equality - Boston, MA Episodes 7 & 8: Desiree Decoo - Founder of HOPE - (Heal on Purpose Everyday) - Boston, MA

    5 min
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Trailers

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Living Room Conversation is an intimate dialogue hosted from MJE's Blue Library- a space that symbolizes reflection, wisdom and collective healing. Inspired by the 'Red Table' concept, this new MAV X MJE series brings grassroots leaders, community healers, and advocates together to explore the question: Where do we go from here? Fresh from the MAV National Conference, we'll gather for a heartfelt conversation about sustaining healing, building leadership capacity, and strengthening our national network of women leading community transformation. Join Monalisa Smith, Founder of Mothers for Justice and Equality and the MAV Learning Community, as she leads this open conversation with special guests who are shaping the next chapter of our movement- from momentum to model.

Information

  • Creator
    Mothers for Justice and Equality
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mothers for Justice and Equality 2025
  • Show Website
    The MJE Living Room Conversations