The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

Melyssa Barrett
The Jali, host Melyssa Barrett

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!

  1. JAN 8

    The Jali Ep 159: Embracing Change and Cultivating Inclusive Leadership

    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.

    56 min
  2. 12/11/2024

    The Jali Ep 157: Revolutionizing Digital Accessibility

    In this episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Michael Paciello, a pioneer in digital accessibility and the Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye, Inc. With over four decades of experience, Mike has played a transformative role in making the digital world more inclusive. From receiving recognition by President Bill Clinton for his work with the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative to founding The Paciello Group and authoring the first book on web accessibility, Mike’s contributions have shaped the accessibility landscape. Join us as we discuss his journey into accessibility, the challenges and opportunities in inclusive design, and how emerging technologies like AI are revolutionizing the field. Learn about his vision for a fully accessible digital world and how organizations can embed accessibility into their core practices. Whether you’re an advocate, a business leader, or simply curious about creating an equitable digital space, this episode will inspire and educate. Tune in to learn how Michael Paciello is leading the way in digital accessibility and making a lasting impact on communities worldwide. Paciello is the Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye, Inc., a digital accessibility company. Prior to joining AudioEye, Mike founded WebABLE/WebABLE.TV, which delivers news about the disability and accessibility technology market. Mike authored the first book on web accessibility and usability, “Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities” and, in 1997, Mr. Paciello received recognition from President Bill Clinton for his work in the creation of World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) WebAccessibility Initiative (WAI). He has served as an advisor to the US Access Board and other federal agencies since 1992. Mike has served as an international leader, technologist, and authority in emerging technology, accessibility, usability, and electronic publishing. Mike is the formerFounder of The Paciello Group (TPG), a world-renowned software accessibilityconsultancy acquired in 2017 by Vispero.

    46 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

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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