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 Dorchester native, 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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

Welcome back! This week, we are joined by Desiree Decoo—Founder of Heal on Purpose Everyday (HOPE), a therapist, public health leader, and advocate with nearly 20 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities on their healing journeys.

In this episode, we connect personal healing to leadership and service, exploring how healed individuals often become more grounded, compassionate leaders. We discuss how doing the inner work reshapes the way we show up for others, transforming care, empathy, and responsibility into lived action rather than just conversation.

Join us for a grounded, uplifting conversation that invites us to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what wellness looks like in our own lives.

This week in The Living Room, we are joined by the incredible Desiree Decoo — Founder of HOPE, therapist, public health leader, and advocate who has spent nearly 20 years helping individuals, families, and whole communities move toward healing and wholeness.

In this episode, we shift the conversation from simply talking about wellness to truly living it every day. Desiree guides us through what it means to practice wellness in real life — in our routines, relationships, and in the quiet moments we often overlook. She reminds us that healing is not a destination, but a daily commitment to caring for ourselves with intention and compassion.

Join us for a grounded, uplifting conversation that invites us to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what wellness looks like in our own lives. 💜

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