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

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”

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.