Nehemiah Community Transformation Podcast

Liz Hadacheck and Eli Steenlage discuss the importance of showing the impact of transformational change with data tracking with Dr. Karen Reece. As Nehemiah's Vice President of Research and Education, Dr. Reece is committed to bringing just and equitable research and learning practices to the process of creating systemic change. Nehemiah is innovating with academic research projects that connect people who have lived experience with the researchers. Hear about all of the various projects and studies that Dr. Reece has been a part of and what Nehemiah is working on now. Karen Reece holds a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and brings a unique blend of expertise that includes public health, social science, and community leadership. She began her career as a research scientist in academia and biotechnology before transitioning to the nonprofit sector to amplify social impact through research, program evaluation and strategic planning.  Currently, Karen co-leads Nehemiah’s initiatives in criminal legal system reform and community-based programs that focus on racial justice, including educational series and workshops that address racial disparities. Her work with Nehemiah’s reentry program supports advocacy efforts for people affected by incarceration. Karen serves as a bridge between academia and community facilitating research partnerships that illuminate and respect the expertise of people with lived experiences to foster understanding  and to design impactful, health-focused studies centered on community priorities. Outside of work, Karen enjoys the local music scene (particularly Hip-Hop), singing and playing the cello, vegetable gardening, and participating in a wide variety of civic engagement efforts focused on social justice. Find out more at nehemiah.org

Rebecca Barber, Nehemiah Director of Reentry Housing, Advocacy, and Program Oversight, has a truthful and deep conversation with Tony Hoffman about his life journey of being justice impacted. Their conversation goes into the hard realities of mental health, addiction, incarceration and the hope of reentering life with purpose. Don't miss hearing his amazing story. On December 13th, 2008, Tony Hoffman was paroled by the California Department of Corrections after serving a two-year sentence for a drug-related robbery. While incarcerated, Tony set four goals: Race BMX professionally, go to the Olympics, start a non-profit called the Freewheel Project, and become a professional mental health and substance abuse speaker. Listen in to hear how these goals turned out. Today Tony is an author, an owner of pH Wellness drug and alcohol treatment facility, and one of the world’s most requested mental health and substance use speakers. Learn more about Tony Hoffman and his work: tonyhoffmanspeaking.com Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonymhoffman nehemiah.org  

Listen in to this exclusive live podcast announcement event that was held in front a small live audience in early June, 2025. Harry Hawkins and Dr. Alex Gee tell the story of the smooth transition of leadership for Nehemiah that has been in the works for awhile. Both leaders are committed to transformational leadership and discuss how this transition is a natural demonstration of this leadership ethos in action. Hear how Harry Hawkins was developed as a leader through his work at Nehemiah, which has always been a part of Nehemiah's organizational values for over 30 years. Dr. Alex Gee started Nehemiah and he explains how he is confident that Mr. Hawkins will continue the mission and vision of the community work. Also, hear a few audience questions to help learn more about the transition process. Learn more at nehemiah.org

With the recent school shooting in Madison, everyday gun violence hurting the community, and individuals hurting each other, Anthony Cooper breaks down how we can heal and do things differently. As Nehemiah's Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Reentry Services, Anthony knows how to connect with people when they are at their lowest points and help build them. He is so passionate about helping prevent and deescalate violence that he started Focused Interruption to provide Community Safety Workers in Dane County to partner in addressing growing gun violence. The discussion looks at the root of violence and the need for the "Big C's," connection and community, to shift away from the violence that guns cause. Anthony provides real, everyday action that everyone can take to be a part of ending gun violence where they live. Hear what Focused Interruption is doing as they lead the way in Dane County and the state. Fortunately, the solution to violence around us is something that we can all easily take part in by being intentional about connection and community. Learn more about Focused Interruption. Learn more about Nehemiah.  

Nehemiah has seen many faith groups participate in the Justified Anger Black History for a New Day course and find transformation in their communities. Eli Steenlage has a conversation about the role that the course has played in the journey of church leaders and members with Madison Church Pastor, Stephen Feith, and Nehemiah's Faith Community Relationship Manager, Tyler Nylen. These two pastors discuss how the course has shaped their racial justice paths from their experience in the Christian tradition. Stephen and Tyler also speak to their own personal experience with cultural and systemic racism, and how their faith compels their justice learning and action. Listen in to hear how they explain that they cannot ignore or separate their faith from a lifestyle of racial justice. Stephen Feith is the Founding/Lead Pastor of Madison Church. He is the author of the book, Uprising: An Ancient Prophet’s Sacred Words for Modern Activists, and has had articles published in Outreach Magazine. Stephen holds a Master of Arts in Missional Church Movements from Wheaton College. He and his wife, Megan, live in Madison with their children, Oliver, Elijah, and Quinn. After serving as an intern at both Nehemiah and Fountain of Life Covenant Church during the summer of 2016, Tyler relocated to Madison following graduate school in order to pursue the vision of Nehemiah after his compelling experience with the organization. In this role, Tyler loves connecting, building relationships, and strategizing with faith communities and churches to determine how they can partner with Nehemiah to strengthen the African American community while addressing racism in faith contexts. Tyler is also a pastor at Fountain of Life Church. He loves reading, exploring the city through coffeeshops (he even ranks and reviews them all), and all things Chicago sports. Learn more about the Black History for a New Day course and other Nehemiah educational opportunities.

Bill and Betty Rockwell have been devoted allies that have supported the Black History for a New Day course for six years through their training of group discussion facilitators. When they first participated in the course, they were transformed initially by the history content and then they went deeper with the discussions and building relationships that helped them learn more about themselves. Bill digs into how this anti-racism work “takes time and if you don’t stick with it, you will lose the benefit of the process that is going on in you.” The Rockwells are examples of committed allies even when it's not trendy or easy. In this episode hear more of their story and their advice for staying on the equity journey and having fruitful conversations. Learn more about Justified Anger's Black History for a New Day Course. nehemiah.org

Jackie Hunt exemplifies Nehemiah's mission in her life by applying her lived experience and education toward empowering the Black community through transformational leadership. Now she is sharing her community leadership skills with other women that she has built relationships with through the EmpowHER Initiative. Nehemiah values raising up leaders that are already serving their community and giving them the training and support to have a greater impact. Mrs. Hunt is passing on her transformational community experience and lessons to a group of women who will continue her work. As always, hear her inspiring and honest insights into what it takes to love your community by empowering the people involved. Learn more about Nehemiah and FOSTER.

What does Mutual Aid look like and why is it important to Nehemiah's community transformation work? Eli Steenlage talks with Nehemiah Director of Mobilization, Siobhan Jackson, about the power shift of collective action. The discussion covers the history of African American mutual aid initiatives and current ways that people come together to support the Black community, including how you can get involved now. What's the difference between charity and mutual aid? We believe that mutual aid invests in a thriving community for all. Learn more: nehemiah.org/engage/  

Nehemiah’s Executive Vice President, Harry Hawkins, sat down with Kaitlyn Ko and Alex Li, two high school seniors that work at Saranghae Desserts, a non-profit organization that uses baked goods to spread love and promote Asian-American and African-American cross-cultural solidarity. For the past few years, Saranghae Desserts has generously donated its profits to Nehemiah in partnership with recognizing racial inequalities in our community. The story of Saranghae Desserts starting during the pandemic, mentoring new members, and partnering with Nehemiah is inspiring and motivating for everyone to hear. Nehemiah is excited to continue this fruitful partnership. Try some Saranghae Desserts for yourself: saranghaedesserts.org nehemiah.org

Listen in to a honest conversation over dinner about the experience of Black youth in our public school system and how Nehemiah has worked for decades to bridge the gap for kids of color. Nehemiah staff members Andrea Dearlove and Eli Steenlage sat down with Ozanne Anderson, Nehemiah Director of Youth Development and Education, and her husband Marlon Anderson, Security Assistant at West High School in Madison, to get their personal and professional perspective. Ozanne and Marlon are committed to Black youth excellence through high standards of academics, leadership development, building self-worth, and a positive cultural identity. Their goal is creating empowering learning environments, so youth can love, learn, and thrive. Learn more about Nehemiah Youth Education and Leadership Development Hear more of Marlon's story of about being fired and rehired by a Madison public school

Nehemiah staff members Ozanne Anderson (Director of Youth Development and Education) and Lindsey Johnson (Director of Youth, Family, and Community Wellness), have had to be innovative in how they serve youth and families in our community in the uncertain times of the last few years. For the last school year, they have had the opportunity to serve in new roles that are helping transform the Madison Metropolitan School District from the inside out. Their purpose has been to support children, families, and staff of color in the public school system and in the process enrich the whole school community. There are some big challenges in our school systems for the youth of color, but Ozanne and Lindsey bring their Nehemiah experience to the table to create new relationships and possibilities. Their insights and efforts are enlightening and offer some practical steps for anyone that wants to support the health of their education systems.  Learn More: nehemiah.org

As Nehemiah celebrates 30 years of serving the Madison, WI area community in 2022, we are bringing you an exclusive taste of one of our staff training sessions with founder and president, Rev. Dr. Alex Gee. In this training time, Rev. Dr. Gee shares stories and lessons he has learned from leading Nehemiah for the last 30 years. He offers deep insights into what it means to be a visionary leader, especially for a multi-cultural non-profit organization that has made a significant impact on the community. Learn more about Nehemiah: nehemiag.org