MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

What does it take to build a stronger, more connected community right where you live?

This week on #MPC, we’re joined by Chris Muellenbach, President of the Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation, a volunteer-led organization dedicated to bringing people together and enhancing life in the village. From beloved traditions like the Fourth of July parade and Sounds of Summer to the Great Pumpkin Festival and community ice cream...

What does it really mean to “be the village” for foster and adoptive families?

This week on #MPC, we’re joined by Natalie Anderson, founder of Fostering Community, an organization working to build connection, support, and belonging for foster, adoptive, and kinship families across southeastern Wisconsin.

Through large-scale events and ongoing support, Fostering Community helps meet practical nee...

At Mount Mary University, everything starts with one belief: when women thrive, communities do too.

We’re joined by Dr. Isabelle Cherney, President of Mount Mary University, a local institution with a powerful legacy and a bold vision for the future. From innovative three-year degree programs, to expanded healthcare and nursing labs built for hands-on, integrated learning, Mount Mary is rethinking how education meets students...

What if your next night at the theater included a sunset, a picnic, and a stage nestled in the heart of nature?

On this episode of #MPC, we’re joined by Dustin Martin, Artistic Director of Summer Stage of Delafield, an outdoor theater company bringing performing arts to life in Lapham Peak State Park. Dustin shares how this unique nonprofit blends storytelling with the natural beauty of Wisconsin to create an unforgettable, i...

40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. For many young people, mental health challenges and academic struggles are deeply connected.

On this episode of #MPC, we’re joined by Donelle Hauser, President and CEO of Lad Lake, a Southeast Wisconsin–based organization serving youth and families across the Milwaukee and Waukesha areas. Donelle shares how Lad Lake is helping yo...

In Racine, one free after-school program is helping students catch up and believe in themselves again.

On this episode of #MPC, we’re joined by Darci Green, Executive Director, and Julie Kamphaus, Program Director of the John 23 Education Center in Racine. They share how their free after-school program is helping students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and develop the resilience needed to navigate life...

Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), home to nearly 18,000 students, is investing in the future workforce of Waukesha County and beyond.

On this episode of #MPC, we’re joined by Robyn Ludtke, the newly appointed Executive Director of the WCTC Foundation. Robyn shares how the Foundation supports students far beyond scholarships through emergency grants, campus food pantries, career closets, and hands-on program investment...

What started as a farm field has become a place of belonging for families of children with special needs across southeastern Wisconsin.

In this episode of MPC, Zachariah’s Acres is introduced as an Oconomowoc‑based nonprofit whose mission is to connect children with special needs and their families to the miracles of nature so they may know their Creator. Director of Community Impact Emily Enockson shares how the org...

For more than four decades, Zamora Group International has helped develop stronger leaders by focusing on character, communication, and purpose.

In this episode of MPC, we interview Chuck Zamora, founder of Zamora Group International, about leadership, wisdom, and the importance of using your time well. Chuck shares how his journey from teaching to corporate leadership training led him to create Tools of Life & Leadership, a pr...

For more than 110 years, Wisconsin Community Services (WCS) has quietly supported individuals facing complex mental health and justice‑related challenges.

 In this episode, WCS President & CEO Clarence Johnson shares how community‑based mental health services, justice‑involved reentry support, housing programs, and even driver’s license recovery work together to help people live independently and with dignity.

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What happens to animals when they grow too big, too expensive, or too inconvenient for the humans who bought them?

In this episode, host Jill Economou sits down with Jill Carnegie, founder of Valley of the Kings, and Shirley Combes, a volunteer of more than 25 years, to share the real stories behind lifelong animal rescue.

From former circus tigers whose teeth were removed, to bears saved from a roadside zoo, to farm animals and po...

Nearly one in five adults in Wisconsin lives with a mental health condition, yet more than a third cannot access support when they need it. So where do people go before a crisis hits?

Host Jill Economou sits down with Jennifer Zuelke, Certified Peer Support Specialist, and Melissa Wisniewski, Administrative Assistant at Our Space, to explore how peer support, drop‑in community spaces, and Parachute House fill critical gaps i...

Where do you turn when you’re searching for guidance? This week, Sabrina Busch, founder of the new ministry Prayer Haven, shares how her mission to bring faith beyond church walls is transforming communities.

Sabrina shares how Prayer Haven supports people who feel disconnected from church environments, and why obedience, storytelling, and community resources can transform lives. She also explains Prayer Haven’s ...

What happens when a community removes limits and lets every individual discover what they are truly capable of?

In this episode, host Jill Economou talks with Erik Martin, Executive Director of Pantheon Industries, about how the organization helps individuals with disabilities explore careers, build skills, and find meaningful employment in southeastern Wisconsin. Eric explains Pantheon’s full spectrum of services, inc...

Sometimes the most powerful encouragement comes from someone who has lived the struggle themselves.

In this episode of MPC, we sit down with Roger Smith, fifth‑generation member of the A.O. Smith family and founder of The Builders Ministry. After battling depression for 56 years, Roger now uses his story and his renewed faith to help others break free from fear, anxiety, and emotional wounds.

Roger shares his journey ...

Women were the original brewers, and they’re reclaiming their place in the industry.

In this episode, we revisit that powerful history as we sit down with Julianna Pierandozzi from the Women’s Beer & Spirits Collective, a statewide collaboration of women working across Wisconsin’s breweries and spirit companies. Julianna shares how the Collective began with women simply looking around their industry and...

TeamTeal365 began because its founder didn’t see what survivors needed in her community and decided to build it.

In this episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community (MPC), host Jill Economou speaks with Samantha Collier, Executive Director and Founder of TeamTeal365, and advocate Tycie Godsey. They share how TeamTeal365 has grown into a survivor-led, statewide movement serving all 72 counties in Wisconsin, emp...

Kwizera Ministries began with one trip to Rwanda and a simple desire to help. Today, that desire has grown into a global effort that supports genocide survivors, strengthens vulnerable communities, and rescues children who have been forgotten on the streets of India.

In this episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community, host Jill Economou speaks with founders Carolyn and Ray Gumm about the moments that launched Kwize...

The G-IV Recovery Foundation is working to change the conversation around opioid addiction by breaking stigma, expanding awareness, and making life-saving resources accessible across Wisconsin.

In this episode, founder George Moore and board member Kevin Roach share the powerful and heartbreaking story that led to the creation of the Foundation. After losing George’s son to an overdose, the Moore family made it their m...