The MJE Living Room Conversations

The Living Room Conversation is an intimate dialogue hosted from MJE's Blue Library- a space that symbolizes reflection, wisdom and collective healing. Inspired by the 'Red Table' concept, this new MAV X MJE series brings grassroots leaders, community healers, and advocates together to explore the question: Where do we go from here? Fresh from the MAV National Conference, we'll gather for a heartfelt conversation about sustaining healing, building leadership capacity, and strengthening our national network of women leading community transformation. Join Monalisa Smith, Founder of Mothers for Justice and Equality and the MAV Learning Community, as she leads this open conversation with special guests who are shaping the next chapter of our movement- from momentum to model.

As we continue Women's History Month, we sat down with Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune about what it means to practice empowered leadership where grace meets governance. Councilor Louijeune reflects on her upbringing as the daughter of Haitian immigrants in Boston and how her family’s strong sense of community shaped her commitment to public service. The conversation explores how compassion, faith, and humility can guide political leadership, even in a challenging and often unforgiving political environment. She also addresses critical issues facing Boston residents—such as housing affordability, evictions, job loss, and support for immigrant communities—while highlighting both the progress the city has made and the work that still lies ahead. Throughout the discussion, Councilor Louijeune emphasizes resilience, advocacy, and the importance of leading with empathy and purpose to build a more just and equitable community.

We sat down with Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune about what it means to practice empowered leadership where grace meets governance. Councilor Louijeune reflects on her upbringing as the daughter of Haitian immigrants in Boston and how her family’s strong sense of community shaped her commitment to public service. The conversation explores how compassion, faith, and humility can guide political leadership, even in a challenging and often unforgiving political environment. She also addresses critical issues facing Boston residents—such as housing affordability, evictions, job loss, and support for immigrant communities—while highlighting both the progress the city has made and the work that still lies ahead. Throughout the discussion, Councilor Louijeune emphasizes resilience, advocacy, and the importance of leading with empathy and purpose to build a more just and equitable community.

You may know her from our events such as the Mothers Against Violence National Conference, Mother’s Day Luncheon, and so much more! We sat down with local cultural leader Amanda “Lady Emcee” Merricks for an inspiring conversation about arts, culture & legacy in community spaces. She explores what it means to be a trusted community leader, the importance of cultural events in Boston’s Black communities, and how Black history lives not just in remembrance, but in action. Amanda opens up about balancing creativity, public service, entrepreneurship, and personal joy—offering a heartfelt reminder that leadership is rooted in service and love.

We welcome back Renée Ọmọladé as she shares a powerful reflection on balancing motherhood, faith, and leadership while raising three Black sons in Boston and advancing educational equity across Massachusetts. Grounded in her Christian faith, Renée describes motherhood as both a gift and a radical act—intentionally affirming her sons’ identities, teaching them to love their brown skin, preparing them for societal realities, and building strong community ties through their schools and family networks. She speaks candidly about the emotional weight Black mothers carry in preparing their sons for a world that can misjudge them, referencing the broader national conversations sparked by tragedies like Trayvon Martin and George Floyd. Through mentorship, asset-mapping, and what she calls a “championship mentality,” Renée encourages Black women to see themselves as powerful leaders within their families and communities. In the spirit of Black History Month, the conversation celebrates resilience, legacy, and the ongoing responsibility to build a stronger, more just future for the next generation.

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 South End native and Dorchester resident, 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.

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.

This year, we launched our podcast "The MJE Living Room Conversations;" an intimate dialogue hosted from MJE's Blue Library. This new MAV X MJE series brings grassroots leaders, community healers, and advocates together to explore the question: Where do we go from here?Fresh from the MAV National Conference, we've gathered for heartfelt conversations about sustaining healing, building leadership capacity, and strengthening our national network of women leading community transformation. Monalisa Smith, Founder of Mothers for Justice and Equality and the MAV Learning Community, led these open conversation with special guests who are shaping the next chapter of our movement -- from momentum to model. Stay tuned for 2026!Thank you to this year's inspiring guests:Episode 1: Hosted by Monalisa Smith - Founder, President, CEO of Mothers for Justice and Equality - Roxbury, MAEpisode 2: Milagros Burgos - Founder of Imani Dream Angel / Rincon - Chicago, IL and Nortasha Stingley - Chicago, ILEpisodes 3 & 4: Jacqueline Monteiro - Founder of W.S.R & Wellness Coaching LLC - Leicester, MA and Eileen Paterson - Mothers for Justice and Equality - Boston, MAEpisodes 5 & 6: Nana Akomaa Kyerematen - Author of "Is America Constitutionally Unconstitutional?" - Mothers for Justice and Equality - Boston, MAEpisodes 7 & 8: Desiree Decoo - Founder of HOPE - (Heal on Purpose Everyday) - Boston, MA

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. 💜 #changeyourmindsetchangeyourlife #community #boston #love #stopgunviolence #podcast #mothersforjustice #leadlearnlivelove

This week, as we reflect on gratitude and community, we celebrate MJE’s Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, where we provided 100 turkeys to families in need. Just as we nourish bodies, we also need to nurture minds and spirits. Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Nana Akomaa Kyerematen, Master’s Clinician, cultural competence advocate, and MJE Board Member, as we explore cultural and ancestral healing and honor our ancestors through the power of community and storytelling. 💜 Tune in and join us in The Living Room—where gratitude, healing, and community intersect. #MothersForJusticeAndEquality #MJE #stopgunviolence #talkshow #womensupportingwomen #TurnPainIntoPurpose #stopviolenceagainstwomen #HealingJustice #boston #CommunityHealing #podcast #ItsNotOkay #culture

Welcome to episode 5! This episode dives deep into the role of culture—how our ancestry, our identities, and the transitions we navigate across countries, communities, and generations all shape the way we heal. Healing is never just personal; it is tied to the stories we inherit, the values we grow up with, and the spaces we move through. We’re honored to welcome Nana Akomaa Kyerematen, author of Is America Constitutionally Unconstitutional? Nana brings a unique perspective as both a writer and cultural thinker. Together, we explore how cultural identity can become both a source of strength and a site of tension, how migration reshapes emotional landscapes, and how understanding our roots can open new paths for recovery and resilience. #MothersForJusticeAndEquality #MJE #stopgunviolence #talkshow #womensupportingwomen #TurnPainIntoPurpose #stopviolenceagainstwomen #HealingJustice #boston #CommunityHealing #podcast #ItsNotOkay #culture

Welcome back! This week, let's continue discussing our powerful question: Who heals the healers? After last time’s heartfelt stories, this follow-up dives even deeper into what it means to sustain those who give so much of themselves to others. 💜#boston #community #selfhealingcommunity #love #stopgunviolence #mothersforjustice #stopviolenceagainstwomen #equalityplusjustice #podcast #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #mavlearning

In this conversation, we explore the often-overlooked question — who takes care of those who dedicate their lives to helping others? Our special guests include Jacqueline Monteiro, Founder of W.S.R & Wellness Coaching LLC, who shares her personal experiences and insights on healing, self-care, and emotional balance, and Eileen Paterson, a grandmother, MJE board member, and peer leader whose powerful story has inspired a movement. Together, they remind us that healing is both personal and collective — and that even those who nurture others need care, reflection, and community to sustain their strength. #boston #equalityplusjustice #mothersforjustice #healingthroughconnection #healingjourney #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #healers #stopgunviolence #selfcare #love #stopviolenceagainstwomen #wellness

A bridge between local roots and national voices. Join Nortasha Stingley, Milagros Burgos, and Eileen Paterson from the MAV Learning Community as they share insights from the 2025 MAV National Conference — how they bring healing, justice, and service back to their communities. 💜 Why does connection matter? Tune in and find out — you won’t want to miss this. #boston #community #equalityplusjustice #womenempowerment #stopgunviolence #stopviolenceagainstwomen #talkshow #podcast

Welcome to the very first episode of The Living Room Podcast, where real conversations find a home. In this debut, our host Monalisa Smith sits down with community leaders and mothers who’ve turned pain into purpose, sharing stories of healing, growth, and change that start right here—within our neighborhoods. Pull up a chair, settle in, and join us in the Living Room — where every voice matters, and every story inspires.