Workforce Insights with Employ Milwaukee

This episode features a discussion with Linda Ketcham, Executive Director of JustDane, about serving individuals returning to the community after incarceration. Linda shares her passion for this work stemming from transformative experiences earlier in her career. She spotlights JustDane's impactful reentry programs and their landmark community education tool, the reentry simulation, which provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by those rebuilding their lives post-incarceration.

Kweku TeAngelo Cargile, Jr., Executive Director of The BrandLab Milwaukee, joins the program to provide an overview of the organization and discuss the work that his organization is doing to change the face and voice of the marketing and advertising industry. Discover some of the obstacles that BIPOC students often face when considering a career in marketing and advertising and the different levels of youth development. Kweku also reveals his vision for Milwaukee's future.       

Tune in as Chantell Jewell. the first black woman to ever lead the Community Reintegration Center in Milwaukee County, joins the program. Chantell shares some of the biggest challenges that she has faced as a woman of color in a leadership position and the importance of having transparent conversations and setting expectations as a leader. She also reveals some of the partnerships that help support the work that her organization is doing to help individuals successfully reintegrate in the community. 

Tune in for a conversation with Jakeim Jackson-Bell, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager for the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum Arena. Jakeim discusses his experience as an Employ Milwaukee board member and the important role that a Board of Directors plays in organizational activities and performance. You'll also hear about a rotational program that Jakeim helped to pilot, where justice-involved individuals get experience working in sports entertainment. 

This episode features a conversation with Christopher Polk, a returning guest who found meaningful employment as a formerly justice-involved individual, as well as Wylbur Holloway, Manager of Reentry Services for Employ Milwaukee. Christopher reveals the experiences that have molded him into the person that he is today and the importance of having someone to turn to when navigating tough times. Discover the prejudice and scrutiny that justice-involved individuals often face when searching for jobs and why employers need to give job applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to change and make better decisions. 

This episode features a conversation with Kathy Thornton-Bias, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Kathy discusses her career journey and how her organization has built a community of support for young people. Discover the importance of exposing youth to opportunities outside of their own neighborhoods, the importance of financial literacy for young people, and preventative programs that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee have developed to help combat juvenile delinquency.   

In this episode, you'll learn about BMO Harris Banks' "BMO EMpower" initiative, a $5 billion, five-year commitment to advancing an inclusive economic recovery in the United States. Discover the tactics that will be utilized as part of the initiative to address barriers in minority communities. You'll also hear about the importance of developing a strong credit profile and how credit, if used responsibly, can be a powerful driver for individuals both personally and professionally. 

Chytania Brown, President & CEO of Employ Milwaukee, reflects on the workforce successes and challenges from 2022.  Discover some of the exciting and innovative programs that Employ Milwaukee has launched over the past year. Chytania also reveals what employers can do to set themselves up for success in the new year. 

This episode features a conversation with Nikki Purvis, President & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin. Nikki discusses her career journey and reveals some of the biggest challenges that small businesses face. Nikki also shares her thoughts about how successful black-owned businesses play a critical role in closing the local and national wealth gap. You'll also hear about some of the organizations that the African American Chamber of Commerce partners with and how technology has made allowed the Chamber to have a greater reach.

This episode features a conversation with Peggy Williams-Smith, President & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee, as Peggy provides an overview of her organization and reveals what makes Milwaukee such an attractive destination for visitors. She also discusses some of the unique workforce challenges that the hospitality industry faces, and the efforts underway to recruit and retain talent.

This episode is part two of a conversation between Chytania Brown, President & CEO of Employ Milwaukee, and Michele Smith, Director, Workforce & Team Member Development at Advocate Aurora Health. Michele reveals details about Aurora Health's returning citizen's program and their Navigate program, which provides opportunities for incumbent workers.

Tune in to part one of a conversation between Chytania Brown, President & CEO of Employ Milwaukee, and Michele Smith, Director, Workforce & Team Member Development at Advocate Aurora Health. Discover the wide range of career opportunities available in the healthcare sector and how Advocate Aurora Health is committed to the communities that they serve. You'll also hear about Advocate Aurora's regional approaches to workforce development.

In this episode, you'll discover how registered apprenticeships have been expanding to sectors beyond the trades and providing an alternative pathway to livable and high-wage jobs. Discover the differences in approach between apprenticeships in the public and private sectors as well as the German model of apprenticeships and takeaways from that model.     

This episode features an interview with Lauren Feaster, CEO of Professional Dimensions, as she discusses how her personal and professional experiences have prepared her for her current role, and the unique challenges faced by women leaders in Milwaukee. Lauren also discusses the importance of looking at diversity dimensions such as ethnicity when looking at data about gender equity and why organizations need to think about culture and not just income when it comes to retention.  

Mari Kay-Nabozny, CEO of the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, joins the program to provide a rural perspective on workforce development. Discover some of the biggest workforce challenges facing rural communities and the efforts that are being made to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in rural areas. Mari also shares her thoughts on the impact of the COVID-19 on women in the workforce. 

This episode features an interview with Clayton Pryor, Director, Team Member and Workforce Development at Advocate Aurora Health,  as he discusses his career journey and what his organization has done to support team members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clayton reveals the importance of partnering with the community when it comes to workforce development initiatives and the strategy that goes into building a talent pipeline needed to support healthcare infrastructure. 

Paul Gaffney, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Kohl's, joins the program to discuss the important role that technology played for employers and workers during the pandemic. He also discusses how Kohl's leveraged technology during the pandemic and shares his thoughts about the future of remote work.

As employers continue to look for talent, one overlooked source of talent is formerly incarcerated individuals. In this episode, you'll hear from an individual who applied the fundamentals of ambition, desire, and resilience to carve out his own success story. Discover the support that is available to help formerly incarcerated individuals connect with meaningful employment. 

Every career starts with a first job. Workplace learning introduces youth to the world of work and helps them develop critical skills for success. In this episode, you'll discover details about the EARN & LEARN Summer Youth Employment Program, which is designed to provide meaningful work experiences and career exposure to young adults ages14-24 years old, residing in Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee. Hear from a program specialist at Employ Milwaukee, as well as a youth worker as they explore the impact that the EARN & LEARN program has on the lives of young people. 

In this episode, you'll hear from Chytania Brown, President & CEO of Employ Milwaukee. Chytania reflects upon the challenges faced in 2020, as she shares her vision for 2021, and the impact she wants to see Employ Milwaukee have in the community in the coming year. 

Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee, joins the show to discuss the dynamics of local, and national politics. From workforce development to national civil unrest, this year has been one of disruptive change.  Mayor Barrett shares his perspective on what collaboration and communication mean for health and safety of the general public.  

Alderman Cavalier "Chevy" Johnson, President of the Milwaukee Common Council, joins the show to talk about the intersection of government and workforce development. From transportation to employment, benefits, wages, etc, there are many ways for the community to create stability for its residents. Hear Chevy's personal story of committing to service at a very early age, and how that guides his work today.

This episode features an interview with Dr. Joan Prince, Vice Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Chief Administrator for the Divisions of Global Inclusion and Engagement in Partnership and Innovation. Discover how the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has ensure that education continues in a safe manner during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Prince also shares her thoughts about how the killing of George Floyd has informed the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the university, as well as lessons that she's learned along the way in her career.

Jennifer Dirks, President, and CEO of TEMPO Milwaukee, joins the program to discuss the evolution of her organization as well as the unique challenges and opportunities for women leaders in Wisconsin. Jennifer shares her thoughts about key leadership differences in how women lead and shares advice for job seekers.

In this episode, you'll hear from a returning citizen as reveals how he utilized the services available through Employ Milwaukee to find success. Discover the biggest challenges that returning citizens face when reintegrating into their communities, and tips for overcoming adversity. 

In this episode, you'll hear from several employees from Employ Milwaukee, as they provide an overview of the employment support services available, and the benefits to participants. Join us for a conversation as we go behind-the-scenes and take a look at how to connect to employment support services, and how to maximize your chances for success. 

In this second part of a 2-part conversation with Dr. Ramel Smith, a licensed psychologist, and Chytania Brown, President & CEO of Employ Milwaukee as they discuss equity and diversity, and how to create systemic change. Dr. Ramel Smith also discusses how we can use pain and fear as a catalyst for positive change. 

In this first part of a 2-part conversation with Dr. Ramel Smith, a licensed psychologist, and Chytania Brown, President & CEO of Employ Milwaukee as they discuss mental health and trauma, especially as they relate to work. Discover why companies need to pay attention to the emotional well-being of their employees and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on workers. 

Peter Feigin, President of the Milwaukee Bucks, joins the program to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Bucks franchise, and the community as a whole. He discusses the revised NBA season, and what it means for the Bucks. Discover the impact of sports on youth development, how construction projects are supporting diverse development partners, and what the Bucks are doing to promote equality and inclusion. 

This episode features an interview with Caleb Frostman, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Secretary Frostman reveals how the Department of Workforce Development is meeting the challenge of processing unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses the various types of assistance available to Wisconsin residents. He also shares his vision for Wisconsin's overall strategy and vision for workforce development. 

Tim Sheehy, President of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, and Chairman of the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation, joins the program to discuss the economic disruption created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the efforts that are underway to help businesses recover and succeed in the "new normal."  

In this first episode, you'll hear from Chytania Brown, President and CEO of Employee Milwaukee, as she discusses her career background and the services that she feels are crucial to help job seekers find success. You'll also discover what to expect in upcoming episodes.