Bridge the City

Host Deisy Espana sits down with Ingrid Walker-Henry, the President of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, to discuss the “Say Yes to MPS” campaign. Ingrid and Deisy talk about what the additional funding would mean for MPS and why the District needs additional revenue from taxpayers. To learn more, visit: Say Yes to MPS WebsiteWisconsin Policy Forum’s Research on the ReferendumAction Steps:VoteBridge the City:When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters.  Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

Hosts Deisy Espana and Ben Rangel sit down to talk about and discuss the upcoming election on Tuesday, April 2nd. They discuss the referendums on the ballot, the different aldermanic races, and other local elections. To learn more, visit: Myvote.wi.govACLU’s Position on Elections ReferendumLeague of Women Voters’ Position on Election ReferendumWisconsin Policy Forum Research and Forum on MPS Funding and Property Tax IncreaseVote 411 Personal Voter Guide Action Steps:Vote! Tell 5 friends to vote!Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. Logo and website design by Elizabeth McLaren.

Host Deisy Espana sits down with Galy Montes and Nataly Andrade, co-founders of Mercadera Market. They talk about the growth of Latina owned small businesses and their part in amplifying their voices. Host Deisy Espana se sienta con Galy Montes y Nataly Andrade cofundadoras  de Mercadera Market. Hablan sobre el crecimiento de los pequeños negocios de latinas y su objetivo de amplificar sus voces.  To learn more, visit: Mercadera MarketActions StepsGaly’s action step includes:Get to know our stories, know more about where each of us comes from, and the change we want to make in our community.Conozca nuestras historias, de dónde venimos cada una de nosotras y el cambio que queremos hacer en nuestra comunidad. Nataly’s action step includes: Support our Mercadera vendors as they take their next step in growing their small businesses. Buy Local.Apoye a las vendedoras de Mercadera que están tomando el siguiente paso para crecer su negocio. Compra local. Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. 

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Lauren Hubbard, Director of Community Crisis Services at Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services. Ben and Lauren discuss how her teams serves the Milwaukee Community in a variety of ways and the work of the Mobile Health Crisis Team.To learn more, visit: MKEmobilecrisiscareers.comIf you or someone you know is in crisis, call - 414-257-7222Action Steps:Lauren’s action steps include:Take the time to participate in the community events that happen throughout our community and hosted by groups like the Mental Health TaskforceSupport NAMI and their work!Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our newest supporter, Brett! Music by Casey Masters. 

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down in a Milwaukee Talkie with Brett Heaton Juarez. Ben and Brett talk about their relationship with finances and money, Brett’s new book, “Change from your Dollars”, and how to use your time and resources to support the Milwaukee Community. To learn more, visit:Change from your DollarsBrett Heaton JuarezAction step(s):Brett’s action steps include: Find awareness - how are you spending your time and resources and how do you feel about that?Intention - do you want to make a change about the way you are spending your resources?Talk to someone about money - someone you trust or a professional, but talk to someone! Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our supporters, including our newest Patron - Brett! Music by Casey Masters.

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Chris Corkery, CEO of Hundred Acre Farm. They talk about what vertical hydroponic farming is, how it can disrupt the agricultural and food industry, and the difference its already making in our city. To learn more, visit:Hundred Acre FarmMarquette Trinity Fellows Program (from advertisement in introduction)Action Steps:Chris’ action steps include: If you want to partner with Hundred Acre and invest, contact Chris! Don’t think the problem is too big!Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters. 

Hosts Deisy España and Benjamin Rangel sit down with Nancy Retana, Clean Wisconsin's Resilient Communities Program Director. They talk about Clean Wisconsin’s work to preserve and protect Wisconsin’s clean water, clean air and natural heritage and the City of Milwaukee’s Climate and Equity Plan,. The Climate and Equity Plan was adopted the summer of 2023 and aims to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, among other things. To learn more, visit:Clean WisconsinMKE’s Climate and Equity PlanAction Steps:Nancy’s action steps include: Become a member of Clean Wisconsin Stay educated and knowledgeable about our climate Get a rain barrel!Advocate for yourself about energy burden reductionKnow your local elected leadersCheck out local orgs - Urban Ecology Center, Nearby Nature, Sixteenth Street Community Health Center Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our supporters, including our newest Patron, Brett! Music by Casey Masters.

Hosts Benjamin Rangel and Deisy España sit down with Anna Dvorak and Gregory Brown with the Power to the People Campaign. They talk about their campaign to turn our energy utilities from an investor-owned utility to a municipally owned and operated utility, the success of the campaign so far, and why they think it’s important for working families in Milwaukee. To learn more, visit:Power to the People WebsiteMilwaukee DSAAction Steps:Anna’s action steps include:Sign the online petitionDonate to the campaignGregory’s action steps include:Get your community, neighborhood, or street involved in the campaignReestablish social relations Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters. 

Hosts Benjamin Rangel and Deisy España sit down with Nora Godoy-Gonzalez and Kate Rodriguez the current and future Mexican Fiesta Ambassadors, respectively. They talk about how much fun the Fiesta is, how the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation supports the community year-round, and what the Fiesta means to them and our Milwaukee community. To learn more, visit: Meixcan Fiesta’s WebsiteVolunteer at the Fiesta Action steps: Nora’s action steps include: Attend Mexican FiestaAttend and explore other ethnic and neighborhood festivalsDonate to the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship FundKate’s action step is: Vote local and support your community in whatever ways you can Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters.

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with guest Jacob Krieg, founder of the Milwaukee Central Park Project. They talk about the potential removal of the I794 spur of freeway on the the Eastside of the city and what could take its place. Specifically, they discuss Jacob’s idea to create a park and greenspace, the Milwaukee Central Park, in its place. To learn more, visit:Milwaukee Central Park Project on Youtube and TwitterRethink 794Wisconsin Department of Transportation Action Steps:Jacob’s action steps include: Follow Milwaukee Central Park Project on Youtube and TwitterReach out and support Jacob’s project with your skills and talentsRead John Norquist’s Wealth of Cities Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters.

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Bridge the City teammate and guest producer, Ashlie Benson, to break down the upcoming election on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023. They talk about the following:State Supreme Court Election:Referenda: Milwaukee Public School Board At-Large Election: Municipal Judge ElectionWisconsin Court of Appeals Election:To learn more, visit:Myvote.wi.govMilwaukee Election CommissionAction Step:VOTEBridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our supporters (include first names of new Patrons and include in episode if possible) Music by Casey Masters. 

Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Eric Collins-Dyke, Assistant Administrator of the Milwaukee County Housing Division, to discuss Housing First and homelessness in the county.To learn more, visit:Milwaukee County Housing DivisionAction Steps:Eric’s action steps include:1. Get involved with nonprofits and organizations advocating for Housing First.2. Don’t ever forget the humanity of people experiencing homelessness that you encounter.Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters.

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down Judge Everett Mitchell one of four candidates on the ballot in the upcoming Wisconsin State Supreme Court Primary Election. Judge Mitchell was an Assistant District Attorney in Dane County and was elected to the Dane County Circuit Court. He has his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he also was an adjunct professor. The primary election is February 21, 2023 and the general election is April 4, 2023. The other candidates running against Judge Mitchell are conservatives Justice Daniel Kelly and Judge Jennifer Darrow and fellow liberal Judge Janet Protasiewicz. To learn more, visit: Judge Mitchell’s websitemyvote.wi.govOther candidates websites:Judge DarowJustice KellyJudge ProtasiewiczAction Step:Become a CASA (Court-appointed special advocate) volunteer to advocate for young peopleVisit judgemitchellforjustice.com to learn more and support Judge MitchellRegister to voteBridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Music by Casey Masters.

Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Elmer Moore, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), to discuss Elmer’s route to Milwaukee, the challenges of affordable housing, and NIMBYism.To learn more, visit:Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development AuthorityAction Steps:Elmer’s action steps include:1) Avoid NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard) when it comes to affordable housing projects. Participate in local conversations about zoning.2) Participate in your government, your neighborhood, and beyond.Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters.

Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Carmen Pitre, President and CEO of Sojourner Family Peace Center, to discuss domestic violence in Milwaukee and the resources available for survivors.To learn more, visit:Sojourner Family Peace CenterThe Domestic Violence Hotline is 414.933.2722.Action Steps:Carmen’s action steps include:1. Be a safe space for others–listen and believe people when they share with you.2. Educate yourself about the resources available around domestic violence and be an informed voterLearn more about our sponsor, Trinity Fellows at Marquette University.The Trinity Fellows Program is a graduate fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. Fellows participate in a 21-month study/work program while earning a master's degree in one of fourteen fields of study.In addition to full time studies, Fellows are placed at nonprofit organizations in the Milwaukee area, where they work in meaningful roles.Financial benefits include a full tuition scholarship and a monthly stipend.Student Application Deadline is January 15, 2022Learn more at marquette.edu/trinity-fellows. Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters.

Host Ben Rangel sits down with Brandon Tschacher, Founder of the Milwaukee Esports Alliance, and Abbey Diedrich, Director of Career Development at New Horizons Wisconsin, to talk about the state of Esports in Milwaukee. They talk about the MPS summer class that integrated Esports and gaming with tangible tech skills, how Milwaukee is doing relative to other cities when it comes to tech and Esports, and how gaming can provide young people with essential skills to succeed in the modern world. To learn more, visit: Milwaukee Esports AllianceNew Horizons Wisconsin Action Steps:Brandon’s action steps include:Engage with the alliance, especially on Discord and subscribe to the newsletterAttend their Annual Esports Summit at the UW Panther Arena on March 6, 2023Abbey’s action step include: Educate yourself on what career pathways and educational programming (apprenticeships and short term training programs)Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our supporters (include first names of new Patrons and include in episode if possible) Music by Casey Masters.

Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Anna Fahrendorf, Communications Associate at Kinship Community Food Center. They discuss food insecurity, what Kinship does, and the importance of dignity. To learn more, visit:Kinship Community Food CenterAction Steps:Amanda’s action steps include:1. Volunteer with Kinship Community Food Center through kinshipmke.org.2. Be O.K. with learning and listening. Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue.Music by Casey Masters.

Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with three guests from Black Arts MKE—Barbara Wanzo, Executive Director of Black Arts MKE; Sheri Williams Panel, Producing Artistic Director of Bronzeville Arts Ensemble and Artistic Associate of Black Arts MKE; and Dimonte Henning, actor and director and Artistic Director of Lights, Camera, Soul—to talk about their work to expand the availability and quality of African American arts and culture. They discuss the importance of narratives that share both struggle and triumph, how they each started doing this work, and the upcoming Milwaukee Black Theater Festival, August 10-14.. To learn more, visit: Black Arts MKEAction Steps: Attend the Milwaukee Black Theater Festival, August 10-14.Engage in your community and go to events you may not have been to before.Bring a friend or family member with you to community events.Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our supporters!Music by Casey Masters.

Host Benjamin Rangel sits down with Audra O’Connell, Executive Director of Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center, to talk about their work serving young people experiencing housing insecurity in the city. They discuss the misconceptions around those experiencing homelessness, the different programs offered by the Center, and how you can get involved to support youth in the city. To learn more, visit: Walker’s Point Youth and Family CenterAction Steps: Keep an eye out for young people and provide them with support and resourcesAttend a Summer of Healing EventAdvocate for the legislation that helps young people Bridge the CityWhen you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our supporters (include first names of new Patrons and include in episode if possible) Music by Casey Masters.

Host Ben Hoekstra sits down with Chief Municipal Judge Derek Mosely about what it means being a Municipal Court Judge, Judge Mosely’s passion and celebration of Milwaukee’s food scene, and his work advocating for greater racial equity and knowledge of Black history in Milwaukee. To learn more, visit: Municipal Court WebsiteMKE Food CourtMEDAL Program (Coming Soon) Action Steps:Have positive interactions with people who are different from you Attend Milwaukee’s ethnic festivalsAttend Emerald Mill’s Diverse Dining Event (Episode 25) Stand up for and speak about people who aren’t in the room Bridge the City When you’re taking action in your community, share with us! Use #bridgethecity or tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.We humbly ask you to consider joining our Patreon so we can continue creating episodes and events that encourage community engagement and open dialogue. Shoutout to our supporters (include first names of new Patrons and include in episode if possible) Music by Casey Masters.