Listen Now

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.