MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community

Ellenbecker Investment Group
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community is a podcast by Ellenbecker Investment Group that celebrates philanthropy and community impact in Wisconsin. Hosted by Jill Economou, Director of Community Relations, MPC highlights Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations, inspiring stories of giving, and practical ways listeners can make a difference. Each Thursday, new episodes feature leaders of local nonprofits, changemakers, and individuals passionate about creating positive impact. Learn how to give back, discover the joy of philanthropy, and explore opportunities to support causes that matter in Milwaukee and beyond. Join us to uncover the value of giving, connect with the Milwaukee philanthropic community, and find your own path to making a difference.

  1. 1D AGO

    Pantheon Industries

    What happens when a community removes limits and lets every individual discover what they are truly capable of? In this episode, host Jill Economou talks with Erik Martin, Executive Director of Pantheon Industries, about how the organization helps individuals with disabilities explore careers, build skills, and find meaningful employment in southeastern Wisconsin. Eric explains Pantheon’s full spectrum of services, including center-based pre-vocational work, community-based job shadows and mock interviews, supported employment, coaching for employers, and day programming for older adults or those needing a blended schedule of work and enrichment. Erik also shares memorable stories of impact, from a young man who discovered a perfect fit as a hospital sterilization technician to a long-term restaurant employee who recently celebrated a well-earned retirement. He discusses the creative partnerships that make these outcomes possible, including employers who provide tours, job shadows, contracted work, and customized roles that match a person’s abilities. PANTHEON INDUSTRIES Pantheon Industries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which strives to help individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential through a variety of employment opportunities. They believe that in meaningful work lies dignity and self-worth, which is why they emphasize possibilities over limitations. Website: pantheonindustries.org ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    34 min

  2. MAR 12

    The Builders Ministry

    Sometimes the most powerful encouragement comes from someone who has lived the struggle themselves. In this episode of MPC, we sit down with Roger Smith, fifth‑generation member of the A.O. Smith family and founder of The Builders Ministry. After battling depression for 56 years, Roger now uses his story and his renewed faith to help others break free from fear, anxiety, and emotional wounds. Roger shares his journey from growing up in a prominent Milwaukee business family, to navigating a decades‑long corporate career while carrying private pain, to finally finding healing through intentional counseling, gratitude practices, and spiritual renewal. Today, The Builders Ministry exists to support people with broken hearts, offering hope, encouragement, and tools to rebuild emotional and spiritual strength. THE BUILDERS MINISTRY The Builders Ministry equips Christians with the full power of the gospel to ignite their faith and bring healing to the broken‑hearted. Their mission is to strengthen, encourage, and restore believers so they can walk confidently in their identity in Christ. Website: thebuildersministry.com ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    27 min

  3. MAR 5

    Women's Beer & Spirits Collective

    Women were the original brewers, and they’re reclaiming their place in the industry. In this episode, we revisit that powerful history as we sit down with Julianna Pierandozzi from the Women’s Beer & Spirits Collective, a statewide collaboration of women working across Wisconsin’s breweries and spirit companies. Julianna shares how the Collective began with women simply looking around their industry and recognizing that their shared experiences, challenges, and expertise could be a force for good. Julianna shares how the collective selects local nonprofit partners and works with breweries and bars to raise funds throughout March. She also shares real examples of their impact, including support for domestic violence services and creative programs like art therapy. WOMEN’S BEER AND SPIRITS COLLECTIVE The Women’s Beer & Spirits Collective is a grassroots collaboration of women working across Wisconsin’s beer and spirits industry. The group comes together each March to host events that raise money for nonprofits serving women and families. Formed by women who noticed their growing representation in the industry, the collective focuses on giving back through industry partnerships and month‑long fundraising efforts. Instagram: @WIBeerandSpiritsCollective Facebook: Women’s Beer and Spirit Collective ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    25 min

  4. FEB 26

    TeamTeal365

    TeamTeal365 began because its founder didn’t see what survivors needed in her community and decided to build it. In this episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community (MPC), host Jill Economou speaks with Samantha Collier, Executive Director and Founder of TeamTeal365, and advocate Tycie Godsey. They share how TeamTeal365 has grown into a survivor-led, statewide movement serving all 72 counties in Wisconsin, empowering youth and adults through healing centered engagement, prevention education, and hands on advocacy. The conversation explores survivor‑led programming, cultural gaps in victim services, the importance of warm handoffs, and “Paint the City Teal Day,” a growing April awareness effort that lights up landmarks like Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge and invites communities everywhere to stand with survivors. TEAMTEAL365 TeamTeal365 is a survivor‑led nonprofit whose mission is to empower survivors, encourage dialogue about sexual abuse, and educate the community on prevention. Through year‑round advocacy, healing‑centered engagement, youth and adult programming, and community awareness efforts, TeamTeal365 opens conversations that help survivors protect self, heal self, and thrive. Website: teamteal365.com Email: teamteal365@gmail.com Register for our March 12th webinar on travel insurance here: https://bit.ly/4ccSKga ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    28 min

  5. FEB 19

    Kwizera Ministries

    Kwizera Ministries began with one trip to Rwanda and a simple desire to help. Today, that desire has grown into a global effort that supports genocide survivors, strengthens vulnerable communities, and rescues children who have been forgotten on the streets of India. In this episode of Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community, host Jill Economou speaks with founders Carolyn and Ray Gumm about the moments that launched Kwizera’s mission and the people who shaped its direction. They reflect on the importance of listening before acting, the power of prayer, and the way compassion can open doors to healing. The conversation also explores Nani’s Kids, an initiative designed to bring safety, education, and stability to children living outside a train station in Varanasi. KWIZERA MINISTRIES Kwizera Ministries exists to bring the Word of God and the hope of Christ to underserved, persecuted, and vulnerable communities in Rwanda and South Asia, working through prayer, Scripture, and relationship to help people find healing, forgiveness, love, and peace. Their mission includes educating children, supporting widows and pastors, and empowering communities through practical care and spiritual support. Website: kwizeraministries.org ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: ellenbecker.com This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    29 min

  6. FEB 12

    G-IV Recovery Foundation

    The G-IV Recovery Foundation is working to change the conversation around opioid addiction by breaking stigma, expanding awareness, and making life-saving resources accessible across Wisconsin. In this episode, founder George Moore and board member Kevin Roach share the powerful and heartbreaking story that led to the creation of the Foundation. After losing George’s son to an overdose, the Moore family made it their mission to ensure no other family has to experience the same tragedy. They explain how the opioid crisis is affecting students as young as middle school, why fentanyl contamination is now involved in the majority of accidental overdoses, and how stigma continues to keep people from seeking help. Join the Movement ➡️ Add your name at www.narcanaforschools.com and help make Narcan accessible in every school where it can save a life. G-IV RECOVERY FOUNDATION The G-IV Recovery Foundation was created in memory of George Moore IV with a mission to save lives by increasing awareness, fighting stigma, and expanding access to overdose prevention tools. Through community outreach, advocacy, education, and free Narcan kits, the Foundation is committed to reducing opioid deaths throughout Wisconsin. Website: www.georgeivrecoveryfoundation.org/ ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: www.ellenbecker.com/ This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    27 min

  7. FEB 5

    Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

    Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is reimagining what it means to be a local arts organization by building community connection and bringing storytelling beyond the stage. In this conversation, Executive Artistic Director Brent Hazelton shares how the company is not only producing high quality theatrical work but also building connections across Milwaukee and neighborhood community spaces. Topics discussed: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s focus on local talent, with most artists coming from Milwaukee or Wisconsin Their new community outreach initiative that brings theater into schools, senior centers, and community spaces How partnerships and shared storytelling can help communities understand one another Ways to get involved through donations, partnerships, advocacy, or attending performances Why theater can be a powerful catalyst for conversations about mental health, connection, and community change MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE The mission of the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is to produce intimate, high-quality, professional theatrical works of literary merit that engage and challenge the audience, while employing and nurturing principally local theatre artists. Website: https://www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org/  ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com/ This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    27 min

  8. JAN 29

    Feed Your Soul, Inc

    Hunger affects more than 694,000 people in Wisconsin, including 200,000 children. We’re sitting down with Feed Your Soul, Inc. to talk about how they’re helping. In this episode of “MPC: Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community", founder Rick Lowry shares how the organization uses a mobile, faith-based approach to serve individuals and families facing food insecurity and homelessness. We also discuss Feed Your Soul’s growth from a small local effort to a national nonprofit, how their mobile trucks deliver “total needs” support directly into communities, and the role partnerships and volunteers play in expanding their impact. FEED YOUR SOUL, INC Feed Your Soul is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit that addresses food insecurity through mobile meal programs, community partnerships, and faith-driven outreach focused on serving the whole person. Website: https://www.feedyoursoulwi.com/ ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the MPC Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations. Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com/ This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

MPC: Milwaukee's Philanthropic Community is a podcast by Ellenbecker Investment Group that celebrates philanthropy and community impact in Wisconsin. Hosted by Jill Economou, Director of Community Relations, MPC highlights Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations, inspiring stories of giving, and practical ways listeners can make a difference. Each Thursday, new episodes feature leaders of local nonprofits, changemakers, and individuals passionate about creating positive impact. Learn how to give back, discover the joy of philanthropy, and explore opportunities to support causes that matter in Milwaukee and beyond. Join us to uncover the value of giving, connect with the Milwaukee philanthropic community, and find your own path to making a difference.

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