Welcome to another exciting episode of ALIVE Now! I’m your host, Angel Nicole, and today we have a very special episode recorded live at the Democratic National Convention. Joining us is Melissa Bryant, former Senior Advisor to the Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs and a dedicated advocate for veterans’ rights. In this episode, Melissa shares her personal journey as an Iraq War veteran, the significance of voting, and her efforts to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the upcoming elections. We’ll dive deep into the challenges facing veterans today, the importance of engaging in the political process, and practical ways you can get involved to make a difference. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of service, community, and civic duty. Let’s get started!

Melissa Bryant hails from a proud lineage of service, rooted in her family’s history of military and civic engagement. As the granddaughter of a World War II hero and a commissioned officer by her father, Melissa upheld her family’s tradition as an Iraq war veteran. Growing up in Philadelphia, she witnessed firsthand how military service paved the way to the middle class for black families. Currently, Melissa is channeling her dedication into politics, tirelessly working to support and elevate candidates like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Her journey embodies the spirit of resilience and commitment, with a deep-seated goal to uplift and empower her community.