MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

A healthy smile does more than improve appearance. It builds confidence, supports overall health, and opens doors to opportunities that many of us take for granted. This week on MPC, host Jill Economou is joined by Scott Marshall, CEO of Community Smiles Dental, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to quality oral healthcare for underserved families and individuals throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

Scott shares h...

When life takes an unexpected turn, having a safe place to land can make all the difference.

This week on MPC, we're joined by Major Rachel Stouder of The Salvation Army Milwaukee to discuss how the organization supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, medical challenges, and other unexpected crises.

While many people recognize The Salvation Army through its red kettles dur...

For women living with metastatic breast cancer, healing involves more than treatment, it also requires connection, community, and care.

This week on MPC, we're joined by Alyssa Tsagong and Megan Monday, co-founders of Temple of Kinship, a nonprofit offering free retreats for women living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and their closest friends.

Inspired by Alyssa's lived experience with MBC and the d...

Many of us take shoes for granted, yet for millions of people in rural Africa, a simple pair of shoes can mean access to school, employment, health, and dignity.

This week on MPC, we're joined by Diane Studer, Founder of Soles for Jesus, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit dedicated to sharing the love of Christ through foot washing, shoe distribution, and partnership with local leaders across Africa.

From a life-changing...

More than 8 million Americans live with an intellectual or developmental disability, yet many still face barriers to full participation in community life.

This week on #MPC, we’re joined by Rebecca Jackson, Executive Director of Balance Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they forge their own paths, build meaningful relationships, and ful...

Most people don’t realize that the salt they spread in winter can end up in our lakes.

John Macy from Lake Country Clean Waters is here to explain how everyday actions like that can impact water quality, and what each of us can do to protect these lakes for future generations.

What started as a response to unsafe water conditions on Pewaukee Lake has grown into a regional effort to educate, connect, and empower communities ac...

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.

 ...

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 ...