MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

Greater Milwaukee Foundation: Building a Thriving Region Through Philanthropy This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the history, impact, and future vision of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Wisconsin’s oldest and largest community foundation. Host Jill Economou sits down with Greg Wesley, President and CEO, to discuss how the Foundation has helped shape the region for more...

Hebron Housing Services: Creating Pathways from Homelessness to Housing This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the realities of homelessness in southeastern Wisconsin and the organizations working every day to help individuals and families find stability, housing, and hope. Host Jill Economou is joined by Kathleen Fisher, CEO of Hebron Housing Services, the largest nonprofit...

Bucks Foundation: Leveraging the Power of Sports to Build Healthier Communities This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores how the Bucks Foundation is using the influence of professional sports to create meaningful community impact. Host Jill Economou is joined by Marla Habert, Executive Director of the Bucks Foundation, to discuss the organization's commitment to improving healt...

La Causa: Creating Stability and Opportunity for Milwaukee Families This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores how one organization has grown from a small bilingual child care center into a vital resource supporting children and families throughout Milwaukee. Host Jill Economou is joined by Luis Ayala, CEO of La Causa, Inc., an organization providing education, social services, c...

Revitalize Milwaukee: Helping Neighbors Stay Safe at Home This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores what it truly means to have a safe place to call home and what happens when essential home repairs become financially out of reach. Host Jill Economou is joined by Melanie Roach, CEO of Revitalize Milwaukee, a nonprofit helping low-income seniors, veterans, and people living with...

Latino Arts: Celebrating Culture, Creativity and Community Through the Arts This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the role art can play in preserving cultural heritage, building connections, and creating a sense of belonging. Host Jill Economou is joined by Jacobo Lovo, Managing Artistic Director of Latino Arts, a Milwaukee nonprofit that has spent more than 40 years providi...

Helping the Helpers: Building Supportive Cultures in Nonprofit Organizations This episode of Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community explores how nonprofit leaders and teams can continue serving others without sacrificing their own well-being. Host Jill Economou is joined by Jen Marr, founder of Showing Up and bestselling author of Showing Up and Lifting Up , for a thoughtful discussion about burnout,...

Casa Segura de Dios: From Darkness to Hope and Second Chances This episode of Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community explores the power of redemption, recovery, and second chances. Host Jill Economou is joined by Praxedes Reyes-Burgos, Founder of Casa Segura de Dios, whose remarkable personal journey transformed him from a life of addiction, crime, and incarceration into one dedicated to helping othe...

This episode of  Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community  addresses one of Wisconsin's most pervasive yet often hidden challenges: human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Host Jill Economou welcomes Krista Hull, Founder and Executive Director of Redeem and Restore, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women heal from trauma, reclaim their identities, and build lives of dignity, purpose, an...

This episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community explores the power of connection, belonging, and authentic community. Host Jill Economou is joined by Kelly Lemens, founder of A Place to Be , a spirituality center dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where people can gather for fellowship, meaningful conversations, personal growth, and fun. Kelly shares her personal journey of overcoming reje...

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face a difficult transition after leaving the school system, navigating complex services, funding programs, and community resources with little guidance. This week on MPC, host Jill Economou is joined by Dr. Samantha Bear, Executive Director of Blossom ID, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and develo...

Strong, confident, and connected girls become strong, confident, and connected women. This week on Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community (MPC), host Jill Economou welcomes back Tina Jones, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Southeast Wisconsin, to discuss the ongoing youth mental health crisis and how early intervention, positive relationships, and physical activity can help girls build the resi...

Wisconsin is home to nearly 288,000 veterans, yet many are unaware of the benefits, services, and resources available to them. This week on MPC, host Jill Economou is joined by Quentin Hatfield, Executive Director of Wisconsin Veterans Network (WISVETS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with the support they need through a collaborative statewide network...

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 sou...

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 it...

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 w...

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. Fro...

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 re...

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, connec...

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...

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 needs...

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...

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...

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...

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 nee...