MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

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...

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, an...

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 Enocks...

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 T...

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...

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 r...

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 Parachut...

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...

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 spe...

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. Roge...

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 in...

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 i...

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 momen...

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...

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is reimagining what it means to be a local arts organization by building community connection and bringing storytelling beyond the stage. In this conversation, Executive Artistic Director Brent Hazelton shares how the company is not only producing high quality theatrical work but also building connections across Milwaukee and neighborhood community spaces. Topics discusse...

Hunger affects more than 694,000 people in Wisconsin, including 200,000 children. We’re sitting down with Feed Your Soul, Inc. to talk about how they’re helping. In this episode of “MPC: Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community", founder Rick Lowry shares how the organization uses a mobile, faith-based approach to serve individuals and families facing food insecurity and homelessness. We also discuss F...

On this episode of “MPC: Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community,” we sit down with representatives from Wildlife In Need, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured, sick, and orphaned native Wisconsin wildlife back into their natural habitats. They share how Wildlife In Need responds to thousands of calls each year, cares for nearly 3,000 wild animals acros...