On The Edge Of Equity

Bridging Differences and Creating Connections with Dominique Samari

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. Connect with Becky Dubin Jenkins LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dubin-jenkins-72b5238/] Connect with Dominique Samari LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-samari-ab07b91b/] 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 [https://kinuniverse.com/], an online platform designed to authentically connect individuals across real and perceived differences.

Thriving Through Collaboration with Ken Robertson

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. Connect with Becky Dubin Jenkins LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dubin-jenkins-72b5238/] Connect with Ken Robertson LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-robertson-93a5687/] 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.

Community, Connections and Your Friendly Neighborhood Judge with Judge Derek Mosley

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. Connect with Becky Dubin Jenkins LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dubin-jenkins-72b5238/] Connect with Judge Derek Mosley LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-mosley-jd-0479b76] 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.

We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting for with Francesca Mayca Wegner

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. Connect with Becky Dubin Jenkins LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dubin-jenkins-72b5238/] Connect with Francesca Mayca Wegner LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescamaycawegner/] 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.

Passion, Purpose and Building Milwaukee with Sarah Maio

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. Connect with Becky Dubin Jenkins LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dubin-jenkins-72b5238/] Connect with Sarah Maio LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmaio/] 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.