Made With Pressure

Episode 20: The Journey of an Accomplished Woman

To wrap up Women’s History Month, Melodie talks with her sister, Robin Graves, about the journey of an accomplished woman. Robin is a mom to three sons and devotes her life to servant leadership through her experience as an attorney, real estate agent, teacher at Amarillo College, and as the first black woman President of the Amarillo Independent School District School Board. They discuss the importance of education and how it levels out the playing field. Robin believes that her contribution to conversations in any room keeps her motivated and empowered. Any efforts she makes are not only for herself but for the generations that will follow.

Episode 19: Phenomenal Woman

To celebrate Women’s History Month, Melodie discusses the obstacles that women still face today and the stats to back it up. She also reads Maya Angelou’s famous poem titled Phenomenal Woman. Melodie also talks about the importance of diversity and inclusion among women. Embracing diversity means recognizing and celebrating the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that women from all walks of life bring to the table. Inclusion goes beyond mere representation; it involves creating environments where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to voice their ideas and aspirations without fear of discrimination or prejudice. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, we not only create opportunities for women to excel in various fields but also pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous society where everyone can flourish regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or any other defining characteristic.

Episode 18: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Melodie brings her friend, educator, and author, Kayren Gray, onto the podcast to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion. During Kayren’s first administrative role as a Student Activities Coordinator, Kayren realized her role was to keep students connected in order to encourage their own success and dedication to education. When people feel welcome and that they belong, they are more likely to stay on course and be involved. When she became an assistant principal, she saw the push-out of young African American women from the school even more. Kayren discusses her experience reflecting on the situation and how she went on to write The Road To Equity, started a consulting business, and non-profits. Her efforts dive deep into the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how people value and respond to each other.

Episode 17: Be a Person of Influence

Melodie talks with Nappy Coach, Nia Green, about their friendship and life journey. Nia and Melodie knew each other from growing up in Amarillo. Now living in DFW, Nia has grown as a life coach and expanded her experience. Nia’s experience as a life coach helps others facilitate goals for clients. They discuss the importance therapy and healing the past so you can catapult into the future. Life coaches and mentors can come in many forms such as business, spiritual, fitness, etc. Even if a person doesn’t seek a professional or paid life coach, it is important to have people you can lean and rely on.

Episode 16: Happy Birthday Dr. King

How will you be celebrating Martin Luther King Day? Is it just another day off from work? Or will you be taking time to reflect on his efforts for justice? Melodie reads some of her favorite Dr. King speeches in his honor. She expresses how we cannot lose sight of his dream and vision for our country.