Jali Enterprises is a
company born of storyteller.
It is a company focused on educating others about diversity and inclusion while using the principles of Kwanzaa. Although the storytelling are well versed in the history of many cultures, we specialize in African American history. Genealogical research, personal experience, superior communication and performing arts skills combine to bring the audience a sense of awareness and education about people and culture.
The contribution of African and African American history has played a significant role in America. In an effort to promote diversity and education of the African American experience, Jali Enterprises seeks to influence others by bridging differences between cultures while promoting tolerance. Performing arts provides a captivating medium to provide perspective assisting with conflict resolution, diversity, acknowledgement, and acceptance.
Adults and children from many cultures and nationalities have only heard select segments of African and African American history. Jali Enterprises seeks to expand the dialogue and educate people and culture about the contributions of Africans throughout the world.
Melyssa Barrett
Melyssa is an advocate for diversity inclusion, and economic justice, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for BALANCE and several other local community nonprofit organizations that provide services and advocacy to youth and families. She has served on the board of directors for the American Bankruptcy Institute and the advisory board for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. She has sponsored and supported Employee Resource Groups to amplify the voice of those that are under represented in organizations and communities.
She is Vice President in Data, Security, and Identity Products at Visa Inc. Her focus also includes product excellence across the life cycle within account origination, authentication, and authorization to meet and maintain appropriate privacy, regulatory, and governance requirements while mitigating applicable risk. In her roles, she has developed and managed bankruptcy, business intelligence, and predictive products while optimizing solution delivery for clients.
Melyssa and her family are known for holding one of the largest in-home Kwanzaa celebrations in Northern California for more than 20 years allowing diverse audiences to experience the tradition while providing a focus for celebrating the Kwanzaa principles everyday.
Melyssa holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Phoenix. She lives just outside the San Francisco Bay Area in Tracy, California where she raised her three children and enjoys spending time with her six grandchildren.