WCTC Foundation

Mount Mary University

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 where they are. Dr. Cherney also shares why expanding access to fields like engineering, cybersecurity, and analytics is critical to ensuring women have a voice in traditionally male-dominated industries. At the center of the conversation is the new Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children, which brings together efforts to address pressing challenges facing women and families.  MOUNT MARY UNIVERSITY An urban Catholic university for women, sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, provides an environment for the development of the whole person. The University encourages leadership, integrity, and a deep sense of social justice arising from a sensitivity to moral values and Christian principles. Website: mtmary.edu [https://mtmary.edu/] ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com [https://www.ellenbecker.com/] This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Summer Stage of Delafield

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, immersive experience. We dive into what sets Summer Stage apart, from its “tailgating for theater” culture to the magic and unpredictability of performing under the open sky. Dustin also offers a behind-the-scenes look at balancing creativity with environmental stewardship and producing high-quality theater powered largely by volunteers. SUMMER STAGE OF DELAFIELD Summer Stage of Delafield is a nonprofit outdoor theater dedicated to uniting the performing arts with the natural environment. Located in Lapham Peak State Park, the organization creates high-quality, family-friendly productions that foster community engagement, artistic expression, and appreciation for nature Website: summerstageofdelafield.org [https://summerstageofdelafield.org/] ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com [https://www.ellenbecker.com/] This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Lad Lake

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 young people in crisis stabilize, rebuild confidence, and find a new path forward. We explore the growing youth mental health crisis and why early intervention matters more than ever. Donelle offers insight into how emotional and academic challenges often overlap, and how Lad Lake steps in at critical moments to help youth reset their trajectory. Through residential treatment, crisis care, alternative education, mentoring, and in-home therapy, Lad Lake meets young people where they are and surrounds them with the support and relationships they need to heal and grow. LAD LAKE Founded in 1848, Lad Lake is Wisconsin’s oldest children’s charity, dedicated to guiding the growth of youth and families so they can reach their fullest potential. Serving youth across Southeast Wisconsin with campuses in Milwaukee and Dousman, Lad Lake provides a continuum of care that includes residential treatment, crisis stabilization, alternative education, mentoring, and in-home therapy, all designed to support healing, build life skills, and create pathways to stronger futures. Website: ladlake.org [https://www.ladlake.org/] ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com [https://www.ellenbecker.com/] This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

John 23 Educational Center

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’s challenges. From individualized learning plans and literacy support to STEM activities and social-emotional development, John 23 goes beyond tutoring by meeting students where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way. Darci and Julie also highlight the real challenges families face, why community support matters more than ever, and how volunteers and donors can play a meaningful role in shaping the next generation. JOHN 23 EDUCATIONAL CENTER The John 23 Education Center serves students in Racine from 4th through 12th grade, providing free after-school academic support and enrichment programming. Focused on building both competence and confidence, the organization empowers students to succeed in school and in life through individualized learning, mentorship, and strong community relationships. Website: john23educenter.org [https://www.john23educenter.org/] ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com [https://www.ellenbecker.com/] This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

WCTC Foundation

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 investments that help remove barriers and create real pathways to employment. Robyn also highlights the Foundation’s Forward Dinner, a signature event that brings donors and students together through live demonstrations and personal stories, including Robyn’s own experience as a WCTC student who received critical support during a life-changing moment. Looking ahead, Robyn discusses WCTC’s expanded focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Their newest facility is an Applied AI Lab, teaching students how to infuse AI across manufacturing, construction, health care, and business operations. WCTC FOUNDATION Established in 1977, the WCTC Foundation is dedicated to securing and managing charitable resources to support WCTC's mission of educational excellence and workforce development. Their work aims to enrich the quality of a WCTC education by promoting innovation, enthusiasm and collaboration. Website: wctc.edu/WCTC/About-WCTC/WCTC-Foundation [https://www.wctc.edu/WCTC/About-WCTC/WCTC-Foundation] ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com [https://www.ellenbecker.com/] This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.