Step into the world of transformative conversations with Dominique Samari, a visionary strategist, coach, and facilitator. Join us as we explore her journey from criminal defense attorney to fostering equitable and inclusive change through P3, the organization she co-founded.

Delving into the heart of racial segregation, Dominique's Belonging Project unveiled stories of how individuals create connections in divided communities. This led to the birth of Kin Universe, an innovative online platform, which revolutionizes dialogue. Users are thoughtfully matched based on personality traits, communication styles, and interests. Through six transformative conversations, they journey toward vulnerability and empathy.

Dominique's platform tackles tough conversations, especially regarding race. By connecting people with diverse backgrounds, Kin Universe sparks growth and understanding. This methodology is supported by University of Washington research and is finding its way into organizational equity and inclusion initiatives. Tune in to discover how Dominique's personal journey and innate gifts have culminated in her mission of fostering belonging, one conversation at a time.

Episode Highlights:

08:07 - It's an online platform that connects people across race for conversations with the idea that, very similar to my experience in Afghanistan, we need to be in relationships to have the very difficult conversations.

11:06 - The only two rules really are that you follow the discussion guides and that you don't talk about race or race-related matters across the first five conversations. By the fifth conversation, we are hoping that you have enough of a relationship where you can then talk about race.

12:54 - You have to know that going in, that that's exactly how you're going to feel. We are humans and being uncomfortable, whether that's physically or emotionally or mentally, if there's dissonance, we don't run towards these things. We just don't. I think in order to overcome most of the challenges that we're facing in our everyday world right now, most of the challenges that my colleagues and partners in these organizations that we work with are trying to face, that we have to get comfortable with some level of discomfort. It's what it requires.

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Bio:

Dominique Samari is an experienced strategist, coach and facilitator who helps organizations build and sustain equitable and inclusive change. A naturally empathetic leader, Samari specializes in supporting leaders as they navigate difficult and complex change.

Samari began her career as a criminal defense attorney and a City of Milwaukee criminal court commissioner. She transitioned from the practice of law to international development, serving in key management positions for the U.S. Department of State’s Rule of Law Program in Afghanistan. There, she designed and implemented culturally-relevant strategies and training opportunities for over 2,000 Afghan criminal justice professionals.

Samari is also the creator of the Belonging Project, a year-long exploration into how individuals create a sense of belonging across differences. Informed and inspired by data from the Belonging Project, she subsequently developed Kin Universe, an online platform designed to authentically connect individuals across real and perceived differences.

Uncover the transformative journey led by Ken Robertson, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, as he shares his inspiring initiatives to empower disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Ken is a driving force behind the ThriveOn Collaboration, which encompasses the remarkable restoration of the historic Gimbels and Schuster's building. This urban gem now stands as a bustling administrative hub, parking structure, and a vibrant community center, complete with an early childhood education center. For Ken, representation is more than a concept—it's a conviction. His personal experiences serve as a bridge between local communities and financial strategies, fostering a deeper understanding of neighborhood dynamics.

Tune in to hear Ken's insights on initiatives and approaching them with humility and audacity, striking a balance between boldness and sensitivity to effect meaningful change. Listen and embrace the power of collaboration, representation, and visionary community upliftment.

Episode Highlights:

05:37 - In roles like mine and similar roles, representation matters. I mean, that lived experience from the neighborhood and bridging that gap between what's happening there and how our institutions work, how our businesses work, is just critical if we're going to move forward and solve some of the challenges that we have.

10:19 - It's one thing to sit in a corporate park and think about programs, think about fixes for neighborhoods. It's another thing to kind of be in the neighborhood and walk day by day in that neighborhood and talk to our neighbors, and work with them in coming up with solutions that'll make everybody's lives better in that space.

13:33 - We know that this is more than brick and mortar within the building. So, our aim is to help activate the entire neighborhood, not just us, but working with partners, along this. So, the whole goal was this would be catalytic, and we think we're accomplishing that.

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Guest Bio:

Ken Robertson has been serving the Foundation as vice president and CFO since October 2015, but was promoted to executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer in 2020. Robertson has over 20 years’ experience in both the for-profit and the nonprofit sectors. His professional experience includes serving as CFO for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, as well as finance roles with GE Healthcare, Briggs & Stratton, Miller Brewing, Motorola and more. Equally important, his lived experience as a Milwaukee native and product of Milwaukee Public Schools, plus his volunteer leadership roles with Wisconsin Philanthropy Network, Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and Howard Fuller Academy, afford him a unique perspective that guides his approach to community leadership and decision-making.

Let's listen to the inspiring journey of Judge Derek Mosley, a true advocate for empowering the youth and promoting civil discourse, whose path to the law was ignited by a character he saw on LA Law.

Explore how Judge Mosley uses social media to share impactful Black history stories, inspiring future generations to rise against adversity. Find out the significance of leading by example, as Judge Mosley encourages young people to see him as a role model and act upon their dreams, when you listen to this episode.

Tune in to learn how his passion for law and inspiring others led him to create the METAL Program, providing students with invaluable insights into various career opportunities and discover the program's impact as students get the chance to meet professionals from different fields, fostering a sense of curiosity and ambition. Join Judge Derek Mosley in embracing a "we" mindset instead of an "I" perspective, fostering meaningful change in our communities.

Episode Highlights:

12:25 - No matter if you're Black, White, Asian, Latino, no matter what your background is, if you don't eat, you are going to die. You can be as opposite as you think we are, but we have to eat to survive. So, why not let's get together and eat as humans and just talk and get to know each other? When you do that, you realize you have more in common than what separates you, and that's been going on from day one.

14:29 - When I was going to school, Martin Luther King is about the extent of Black people you learned about, and you learned a little bit about slavery and then Black history. So, if you knew nothing about Black people, you would think our entire diaspora was slavery and Martin Luther King.

18:29 - I think it's important for my daughters to see it because they know how important it is to me that it's important to them because now they're doing it. They do the same thing.

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Guest Bio:

Derek Mosley graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1995. After graduation he served as an Assistant District Attorney for Milwaukee County from 1995-2002. As an Assistant District Attorney, he represented the State of Wisconsin in over 1,000 criminal prosecutions. In 2002, Mr. Mosley was appointed Municipal Court Judge in Milwaukee. At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest African-American to be appointed judge in the State of Wisconsin. For ten years Mr. Mosley served as the Chief Judge of the Milwaukee Municipal Court. In 2023, Mr. Mosley became the Director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at Marquette University Law School.

Judge Mosley routinely speaks both nationally and internationally about Unconscious Bias and Black History. Also, as a kidney transplant recipient, he is an ardent supporter of Donate Life Wisconsin, the National Kidney Foundation, and Versiti (formerly the Blood Center of Wisconsin). He currently serves as a Donate Life Hollywood advisor to the television and movie industries to promote accurate depictions of organ donation and transplant on television and in movies. In his spare time, Judge Mosley is a local Milwaukee foodie, and served as a 2022 James Beard Judge for the James Beard Foundation.

Hear about the incredible journey of Francesca Mayca Wegner, the President and Chief Possibilities Officer of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM), as she leads the charge for increased representation and economic opportunities for Hispanic and Latino communities in Wisconsin.

Shaped by her upbringing, Francesca embodies a determined leadership style driven by curiosity, interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to listening, understanding, and connection. Her passion for creating positive change shines through as she spearheads HPGM's mission. Francesca's leadership thrives on community. She highlights the significance of nurturing a "circle of people" who uplift and support one another, paving the way for collective success.

Tune in to explore Francesca's inspiring journey – from fostering unity and empowerment to creating systemic change that resonates across Wisconsin and beyond. Learn about HPGM's commitment to enhancing financial sustainability, securing a permanent home, and launching a groundbreaking Latino leadership program. Find out what Francesca and her sister Gabriela are gearing up for that will celebrate the unique perspective of Midwest Latinas when you listen to this episode.

Episode Highlights:

10:45 - For us, it's focusing on a few key areas: systems and infrastructure, financial sustainability and strategic partnerships and programming. So, we are really confident that this intentional approach will help us sustain, grow, and deepen our impact in our community in a way that truly honors our legacy and is going to, in my opinion, come out on the other end with a stronger Wisconsin, not just for Latinos, but really for our state as a whole.

14:35 - None of us get to where we are or achieve what we do all on our own. I'm still waiting for someone to show me an example of someone who had no help, and I've been really blessed and have had beautiful people in my life who have nurtured me and helped me succeed.

20:15 - When we think about representation, outside of the workplace and just things like media or literature or really anything else you can imagine in your life, one of the things that my sister and I have always talked about is feeling like our perspective isn't necessarily represented.

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A movement leader who dreams big and envisions the long-term possibilities around her, Francesca Mayca Wegner recognizes that it takes resources, access, and dedication to affect sustainable change and she has dedicated her life to that very mission. 

Francesca serves as President and Chief Possibilities Officer of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM). Appointed in April 2021, she is an advocate, connector, and convener, and has led the organization through a record growth period with its membership, philanthropic gifts, and revenue during one of the most challenging times within the global landscape. 

Known as a strong and insightful partner, she welcomes leaders from all sectors, breaks down barriers, and increases access to a network that’s not always been so accessible to Latinos. In only two years, Francesca has nearly doubled HPGM’s membership, secured the largest grant in the organization’s history, redefined what ‘professionals’ means within HPGM, co-founded the Poderosa Collective (the first-ever Latina-focused alliance in Wisconsin to unite, educate, and highlight Latina voices in order to grow their social and economic power), and is the founding director of the Techqueria Chapter of Milwaukee.

Francesca’s experience is in building and sustaining cross-sector partnerships on behalf of nonprofit, higher education, and corporate organizations. Prior to joining HPGM, she most recently served as Senior Director of Development and Communications for Sojourner Family Peace Center. Francesca also held various positions within Marquette University’s advancement team after beginning her career within sales for the Milwaukee Bucks organization.

As a childhood survivor of domestic violence, it has always been vital for Francesca to play an active role in ending the cycle and changing the narrative for others. She was a founding member of VOICES, a survivor-led advisory council that guides the work of Sojourner, advocates and empowers other survivors, and educates the community to prevent family violence. And today Francesca’s story, her voice, and her actions serve as a beacon of hope for others professionally as well as personally.

A trailblazer known for her advocacy of others, Francesca was recognized in 2021 by Madison365 as one of ‘Wisconsin’s 36 Most Influential Latino Leaders,’ as both a ‘40 Under 40 Winner’ and as a ‘Power Broker & Executive to Watch’ by the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2022, and BizTimes named her a 2023 ‘Notable BIPOC Executive,’ which was especially meaningful as she was nominated by her HPGM team.

Passionate about investing in Greater Milwaukee with a focus on increasing economic opportunities and representation for Latinos, equitable access to education, and mentoring, she currently serves on the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce Region of Choice Task Force; the Aurora West Allis Medical Center Steering Council; Milwaukee Area Technical College President’s Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Collaborative, My Way Out, and the HERA (Higher Education Regional Alliance); and, as a mentor in the Nativity Jesuit Academy mentoring program.

Francesca earned both her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from Marquette University, and in June 2022 she was honored by the Greater Milwaukee Committee to represent Milwaukee at the Harvard Business School Young American Leaders Program.

In her free time, you can find Francesca cozying up with a good book or podcast at a local coffee shop with a cafecito in hand or spending time with her husband Ted and their dogs, Michael Jordan and Scottie. 

Discover the heart of Milwaukee's cultural tapestry as Sarah Maio, VP of Marketing and Communications at the Wisconsin Center District, takes us behind the scenes. Listen to learn how her team crafts an experience that showcases Milwaukee's essence while driving economic growth.

Sarah delves into transforming the Wisconsin Center District into a high-performing, empowered team by leveraging digital communication, especially with the upcoming expansion of the Baird Center that will enable multiple events concurrently, ushering a seamless flow of activity through the city. The Wisconsin Center District’s commitment to the community shines through initiatives that give back to local nonprofits. It isn't just about infrastructure; it's a fabric woven with Milwaukee's essence.

Tune in to uncover how the Wisconsin Center District is crafting an unforgettable narrative, intertwining Milwaukee's culture and prosperity in every event. This episode is a journey into the soul of a city that thrives on unity and innovation.

Episode Highlights:

04:12 - Our focus is also on communications in general and acknowledging the role that comms specifically plays, not just externally, but internally. And having spent the last five years alongside our CEO to build out a culture, not just a shift, but a sea change, to empower our staff to make decisions when they are faced with the guest in the moment to make sure that we have three guiding values and principles that everyone is working by and everyone is using as their yardstick for success, and for measuring how we treat each other, how we treat our clients, how we treat our guests.

17:29 - It's that intentional focus that has been since the beginning, a key component of building the building and making sure it speaks to residents. Then we thought this year we have this beautiful, unbelievable rooftop ballroom that's being constructed. It is a crown jewel for all of downtown. It is spectacular, and it is 14,000-square-foot terrace outside of it.

20:50 - I also see us in such a fantastic growth mode right now, and so to be able to bring new talent in and hire and grow each of our teams and work with our colleagues to make sure that we are finding the cream of the crop and bringing new people in, and hearing them reflect back what their experience has been like in their first weeks and months and years with us, it's so exciting to see it happening.

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Guest Bio:

Sarah Maio has been with the Wisconsin Center District (WCD) since 2016 and is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the WCD. Before, Maio was the director and first staff member of marketing for WCD. In five years, she has grown the marketing department into a team that supports digital strategy and social media, event promotion, stakeholder relations, internal communications and executive communications. Maio has been in the Milwaukee marketplace since the early 2000’s. Her experience includes a variety of product lines and business models, including arts, non-profit, franchise, and global brands.

Join us for an inspiring dive into the world of transformation with Genyne Edwards, Co-Founder of the P3 Development Group and a dynamic and visionary leader, who is redefining change across industries. With a passion for people and a knack for creative problem-solving, she is paving the way for equitable and inclusive solutions.

Genyne is a trailblazer, recognized for her role in Milwaukee's largest workforce diversity research study and the launch of the City's Office of Equity and Inclusion. She believes in the power of stakeholder engagement and the strength of every voice at the table. Embracing collaboration and curiosity, Genyne fosters a culture of support, valuing diverse perspectives. She has discovered that being the "expert" isn't necessary, but it's about harnessing the collective brilliance around her.

Celebrating both triumphs and setbacks, Genyne's journey is one of continuous growth and self-reflection. Her wisdom shines as she shares the joy of learning from both successes and failures. Tune in to explore Genyne's fascinating path, from purpose-driven leadership and business development to her anticipation of balancing personal life with a growing footprint in the world of hospitality. Gain insights from this change agent who is shaping a more inclusive and collaborative future, one purposeful step at a time.

Episode Highlights:

08:29 - The joy for me always comes from that light coming on and you can see it. You can experience it at a table where you know you found that magic. And that magic could be as simple as ensuring that we finally have broken through the challenges of being able to come to a table and to be able to talk through what is most meaningful.

12:32 - Another lesson that I've learned is to celebrate the successes and the failures. We do a lot of celebration at P3 and sometimes it is just laughing at ourselves when we've done something. But we are at a point now, after these 13 years, that we are back in that process of reinventing what we hope P3 can be, and that's because we've grown as leaders.

13:20 - The conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion have also led us to understand that there's going to be the waxing and waning, and there's a pendulum around this work. And so, although our clients were hungry for that, they now are changing. And so, we need to equip ourselves for the next leg of this journey, which might be doubling down to protect the efforts that we've put in place.

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Bio:

Genyne Edwards is a skilled leader who has leveraged her passion for people and solving problems to work across diverse business sectors for more than 20 years. Known for her unique blend of strategic and creative thinking, Edwards brings valuable insights and experience as a hands-on practitioner and facilitator in the areas of organizational and leadership development, communications, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Prior to co-founding P3 Development Group, Edwards served in leadership roles in corporate, nonprofit and government sectors, including serving as the first African American Deputy Secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Tourism. She has been instrumental in developing impactful programs such as the Mosaic Partnerships Program, the African American Leadership Program and the City of Milwaukee’s Business Capacity Building Program.

Edwards is a sought-after thought leader and the recipient of many awards, including the United Way’s Driver of Diversity Award, the 2021 Milwaukee Business Journal’s Diversity in Business Award and Woman of Influence in Innovation. Edwards has also been recognized for her significant contributions by the Marquette University Alumni Association and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Embark on a journey of empowerment and advocacy with Jennifer Dirks, the dynamic President and CEO of Tempo, Wisconsin's largest women's professional group. She leads Tempo's impactful mission, providing a thriving space for women's professional growth.

Guided by the powerful mantra, "The world moves when women rise," Jennifer passionately champions women's causes and encourages a spirit of mutual support among them. Tempo shines in its focus on cultivating emerging leaders. It nurtures leadership potential through coaching, sponsorship, and mentoring avenues, propelling women forward in their careers.

Tune in to hear the heartwarming story of an individual whose grant application was matched by her employer, driven by their alignment with Tempo's transformative mission. Listen to Jennifer highlight Tempo's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every member feels a sense of belonging and that diverse voices are welcomed at all levels. Don't miss this empowering episode, where Jennifer shares her dedication to uplifting women, fostering leadership, and driving positive change through Tempo.

Episode Highlights:

03:05 -  I think there are so many times that women have that tendency or maybe there's that stereotype that we don't support one another. But this is really a true meaning of helping one another rise. And the world can only be a better place when we continue to lift those and advocate for those around us.

07:51 - They are the rising stars. They are the next generation. They're the future generation of leaders. So, they are advanced in their career. They're probably middle management type of leaders, maybe not yet–just on the cusp of that executive leadership.

14:19 - I recognized that the brand and the evolution of our organization wasn't representative of the community in which we lived and were serving. And so, it was really important to me, not only from a diversity and a sense of belonging for all of our members, to ensure that that was happening, but it was diversity of thought. It was diversity of industry.

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Guest Bio:

Jennifer Dirks is the first President and CEO of Tempo as of 2014. Dirks is a communications and public relations executive with more than 20 years of corporate and agency experience with business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets. Dirks also spent more than a decade as a television news reporter and producer in various newsrooms across the Midwest. She currently serves on the Board of PEARLS for Teen Girls, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Medical College of Wisconsin Physicians Board. She spent nine years on the Milwaukee Art Museum Friends of Art Board. She is an adjunct instructor for Marquette University and an active member of Professional Dimensions and Milwaukee Women inc. She volunteers her time with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the Lakefront Festival of Art. Dirks was named a 'Woman of Influence' and a 'Power Broker' by the Milwaukee Business Journal.

Prepare to be inspired as Damian Buchman, Founder and Executive Director of The Ability Center and Co-Founder of The Opportunity Center, shares his extraordinary story of conquering bilateral osteosarcoma, a childhood bone cancer. Against all odds, Damian's positivity became his lifeline, using "currencies" like possibility, positivity, passion, and perseverance to write a story of triumph.

Damian's experience serves as a guiding light for anyone facing their own battles, illustrating how these currencies can navigate the darkest of times. But Damian's impact doesn't stop at his survival. He founded the Ability Center, a beacon of inclusivity that brings people with disabilities together to play and enjoy life to the fullest.

Damian's current project, The Opportunity Center, is a testament to his unwavering commitment and is set to bridge divides, offering hope and unity to both impoverished and wealthier neighborhoods. As we tune in, Damian's journey will remind us that life's currencies can reshape destinies, inspiring us to stand for inclusion and change. Tune in to celebrate the triumph of the human spirit.

Episode Highlights:

10:19 - The Ability Center is literally what I consider my purpose for survival. I think that God saved me for multiple reasons, and I think this is one of the primary ones. And the Ability Center has found a unique niche, and the way I sum it up is making it possible for people with disabilities to play together with those they love most.

22:34 - What makes it unique is the idea of the universal design. What makes it unique is the populations in which we want to serve. And what makes it the most unique is that it will be the first multi-sport tourism center that is built in an urban setting in the country.

26:30 - You've got this opportunity for people to just come together and organically see how it's just another human as opposed to any of the external input in their lives that are screaming at them about how they should see another person, and they can start to be impacted by their own experiences versus the narrative we're being delivered.

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Bio:

As a two-time, 25 year, one-in-a-billion survivor of childhood cancer, Damian was an active and athletic teenager whose childhood cancer diagnosis left him with an ambulatory disability at the age of 13. He quickly learned how to adapt to his "new normal" and today is an adaptive athlete, an adoptive father, and a successful social entrepreneur. 

Just three days before his 13th birthday, Damian was diagnosed with osteosarcoma— an aggressive, rare, and deadly bone cancer— in his right leg. Just seven months into remission, he was diagnosed again, this time in his left leg. Against steep odds, Damian became a one-in-a-billion survivor (today only a handful of people worldwide have survived his diagnosis), and while his battle remains never-ending, his power of positivity, passion, and perseverance are at an all-time high.

As in the years since his “recovery,” he has undergone 28 major knee surgeries, including a variety of replacements and revisions. His resulting disability gives him unique insights and passion into his quest to help and inspire others who face physical challenges in their lives.

Step into the world of Corry Joe Biddle, Vice-President of Community Affairs for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce and Director of Fuel Milwaukee. A Milwaukee native, she is determined to reshape perceptions about her city. Witnessing consistent change in once-exclusive environments fills her with optimism for Milwaukee's thriving business community.

Fuel Milwaukee, under Corry's lead, attracts talent with events, networking, and development opportunities. Their "Making Milwaukee a Region of Choice" initiative, involving 135 companies, strives to amplify representation of black and brown talent in workplaces. Already, 80% of surveyed employees have noted more diverse workplaces.

Tune in as Corry urges integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into all aspects, emphasizing the Top 5 Rule – your circle shapes you. She champions change through partnerships and small steps. As Milwaukee's culture transforms, she's optimistic about the city's thriving business future. Join us for Corry Joe Biddle's inspiring journey, driving equitable change in Milwaukee.

Episode Highlights:

04:07 - I started to learn that people's ideas and perceptions about places are heavily influenced by things other than experience. People that hadn't ever been to Milwaukee had no clue what it was like.

12:33 - Just the fact that someone has a different perspective and can help you avoid certain pitfalls and look at the market in a different way, produce and launch products in a different way, that is an asset that comes with diversity and that is a real business reason to look at DEI.

22:28 - I'm seeing hope and change in environments that would have been or that I would've thought would be cold and unwelcoming and exclusive. And it's changing right before my eyes. I'm not having that experience anymore, and there are many, many more people saying that they aren't having that experience either, and that gives me a lot of hope for the future of Milwaukee and our business community. I'm really excited.

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Guest Bio:

Corry Joe Biddle joined Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) in 2008 and is the Vice President of Community Affairs for the Metropolitan . She is also the executive director of FUEL Milwaukee, MMAC’s talent attraction and retention organization serving young professionals. She’s also involved in the development of MMAC’s workplace talent initiative, “Making Milwaukee a Region of Choice for Diverse Talent,” which seeks to increase the numbers of African American and Latino/Hispanic professionals in leadership roles. Formerly the executive director of America’s Black Holocaust Museum, Corry Joe offers a unique perspective on the relationship between diversity, economic development and community engagement.

In this powerful episode, Teig Whaley-Smith, chief alliance executive of the Community Development Alliance (CDA), unveils his mission to advance racial equity by providing quality, affordable homeownership for Black and Latino Milwaukeeans. Join us as we delve into his data-driven approach and collaborative strategies that are reshaping the city's housing landscape.

Whaley-Smith’s passion for making Milwaukee the best place on planet earth stems from his upbringing in a multiracial family and sense of urgency around fighting for housing issues out of what he calls “love, and not white guilt.”

Tune in to learn more about how the CDA is uniting diverse stakeholders, combating predatory landlord practices and empowering homebuyers with down payment assistance.

Episode Highlights:

10:19 - What's really important in a planning process is that you do talk to people to get their stories as a form of data and that qualitative data, and then also matching that with the quantitative data that is out there. So, we use a process called GARE, the Government Alliance on Race and Equity to develop our plan, and they have a tool that prompts you to ask some really important questions because the reality is there's no such thing as a racially neutral policy.

14:29 - There was a sense that we should be building 1500-square foot homes because that's what's being built in the suburbs and otherwise. If you actually talked with residents, they just want a stable place to live that they can call their own. It turns out that the average home in city in Milwaukee is a thousand square feet. If we continue to develop strategies that are building houses that are too big and too expensive, we will never have an impact on racial equity.

23:22 - In the racial equity world, those terms actually mean something different because an ally is somebody that supports you and supports your ideas in theory, as long as it doesn't cost them anything. An accomplice is when you are willing to put something on the line to say, "I'm willing to give something up to do something that you've asked me to do."

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Guest Bio:

Teig Whaley-Smith's spassion is building and leading collaborative teams to make Milwaukee the best place on planet earth. He believes that for Milwaukee to achieve its full potential, there needs to be a focus on the people and neighborhoods that have been left out of the larger political, social, and economic systems. Whaley-Smith was raised and continues to live in the Sherman Park neighborhood and is a proud Milwaukee Public Schools alumnus and parent.

In 2022, Whaley-Smith was named the Chief Alliance Executive for the Community Development Alliance (CDA).  CDA is an affiliation of community development funders and practitioner in the Milwaukee Area that led Milwaukee’s first Collective Affordable Housing Plan, with the goal of advancing racial equity by providing a quality affordable home for every Milwaukeean. The plan lays out a transformative road map to support 32,000 new Black and Latino homeowners, and 32,000 homes for families making less than $15 per hour. CDA continues to successfully bring together funders and partners to implement the innovative approaches within the plan.  

Prior to joining CDA, Whaley-Smith served as the chief operating officer of Milwaukee County where he managed a $1.2 billion annual budget, serving one million residents.  He supported the expansion of mental health services, the elimination of chronic homelessness, and was a core member of the leadership team that was the first municipality in the country to declare racism as a public health crisis and develop a strategic plan to combat racism. Whaley-Smith also served as the Economic Development Director of Milwaukee County and led the efforts to develop more than $1 billion in the former Park East corridor, including Fiserv Forum.  In his private sector career, he led a community economic development firm that developed $60 million of affordable housing and main street development.