First Gen Voices Collection: Community Leader Interviews 2023 - 2025

One of FGPM’s favorite ways to serve our mission is by sharing the insightful and aspirational perspectives of Milwaukee’s community leaders. Check out this list of Community Leader Interviews for inspiration, direction, and most importantly, a reflection of yourself as a first generation professional.

Corry Joe Biddle: Attracting Talent through Authentic Leadership in Milwaukee (July 25, 2025)

Through her work as Vice President of Talent and Community Affairs for the Milwaukee Metro Association of Commerce, Corry Joe Biddle uplifts up-and-coming talent in the workplace and advocates for a more inclusive corporate landscape. As the Executive Director for FUEL Milwaukee, Corry Joe brings Milwaukee’s young leaders together to showcase all Milwaukee has to offer, both as a community and as an enriching place to start one’s career. The intersection of these missions is where Corry Joe finds her calling, and expertise.

Network Connectivity: Lena DeLaet on Building Summerfest Tech, Mentorship, and Her First Generation Journey (May 16, 2025)

Lena DeLaet is redefining what it means to be a woman in tech in Milwaukee. From the beginning, one segment of her role at Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. was to produce and expand a fresh initiative called Summerfest Tech, with a goal to “convene technologists, startups, investors, non-profits, and all other members of the tech ecosystem through a multi-day event.” Now celebrating its 8th annual conference, Summerfest Tech is now one of Milwaukee’s premier technology showcases, featuring talk tracks, keynotes, breakout sessions, a pitch competition, and networking events.

Interviewing the Interviewer: A Conversation with J.J. Brizendine for First Generation Jobseekers (June 27, 2025)

J.J. Brizendine is here to help you find a job. By leveraging curiosity, and transparency throughout the process, J.J. has been assisting his constituents find meaningful employment since 2020. In this Interview, J.J. shares his first generation journey, the power of a pivot, and the importance of wearing a tie.

PEARLS of Wisdom: Dr. Tiffany Tardy on Mission Service, Empowering Young Women, and Her First Generation Journey (April 18, 2025)

Dr. Tiffany Tardy is a powerhouse advocate for education and youth success in Milwaukee. After holding successful leadership roles within Milwaukee’s premiere impact organizations, Dr. Tardy currently serves as the President and CEO of PEARLS for Teen Girls, a Milwaukee organization with an incredible mission to uplift our community’s young women. In this Interview, Dr. Tardy shares more about the PEARLS mission and impact, the importance of mentorship, and her own first generation professional journey.

Following Your Passion as a First Generation Professional: An Interview with Paul Hanon (November 29, 2024)

Paul Hanon is a testament to following your passions. After receiving some key career advice about diversifying his portfolio of offerings, and waiting for the perfect moment to quit his job, Paul pounded the pavement to make his headshot business a reality. In this high-energy interview, Paul shares his valuable advice for young entrepreneurs.

Purpose-Driven Mentorship: An Interview with Andre Xavier Douglas (October 25, 2024)

Helping students find their purpose, one mentorship at a time. Andre Douglas serves as the Assistant Vice President of College, Career, & Teen Services at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. In his position, Andre oversees the Graduation Plus, Career Development, and Leadership and Service Programs. A Champion for students and education evangelist, Andre has committed his career and life to helping students create opportunities as they strive to develop their purpose.

Championing DEI within Continuing Education: An Interview with Alexis B. Outlaw (September 13, 2024)

A philanthropic icon, Alexis Outlaw focuses on the multi-faceted functions of business, human resources, and education (K-12 and Higher Ed), as both an employee and independent business consultant. Her work history and personal passion for serving in corporate, not for profit, and educational settings shapes her outlook on the intersection of these communities and how best to create sustainable change.

The Importance and Impact of Wisconsin Politics: An Interview with Senator La Tonya Johnson (February 11, 2024)

Senator LaTonya Johnson is a fierce advocate for the constituents of Wisconsin’s 6th District. After previously serving Wisconsin's 17th Assembly District since 2012, she was elected to Wisconsin’s 6th District in 2016. In this Interview, Senator Johnson sat down with FGPM Vice President Margaret Nedow to discuss the Senator’s inspiration and path to politics, how state political systems impact our every day, and how being a first generation politician provides invaluable perspective within her work.

Designing Diversity and Advancing Equity: An Interview with Terri Howard, HGA (August 25, 2023)

Terri Howard is a powerhouse diversity, equity, and inclusion leader in Milwaukee. As a senior DEI strategic and operational executive, Terri has extensive experience designing, developing, and leading significant equity strategies and programs, with the goal of maximizing functional, economic and human potential. FGPM was honored to speak with Terri about her background and invaluable work in the DEI space, the value of strong DEI programs in our multi-generational workforces, and her best advice for young professionals, including how to effectively engage with mentorship.

From Bench Service to Board Service: A Conversation with the Honorable Derek Mosley (June 16, 2023)

From his twenty years on the City of Milwaukee Municipal Court bench to the Marquette University Law School’s Lubar Center for Public Policy Research & Civic Education, Derek Mosley is an advocate for Milwaukee. His dedication to his communities have done the work to change perspectives and highlight biases, while showing us that everyone has a story to tell and value to bring to our city. FGPM President Molly Madonia sat with Judge Mosley to discuss topics such as finding the best community service opportunities for your passions, the importance of mentorship and building community, and how we can adopt the principles of his Unconscious Bias training in our daily lives by positively engaging with those different from us.

Financial Literacy - An Investment in Yourself: An Interview with Brett Killion (NextGen Financial Freedom, Lakeland University) & Steven MacDonald (FGPM) (May 5, 2023)

As students and young adults, most of us were never taught to effectively a) save, b) spend, or c) invest. During this Panel, we heard from accounting professor and financial professional Brett Killian and tax attorney Steven MacDonald on how young professionals can save effectively, avoid common financial pitfalls, and begin investing with intention. We also answer the age-old question: Can money buy happiness?

From Military Service to Board Service: An Interview with Milwaukee Veterans and First Generation Professionals Manny Lara and Steven MacDonald (May 10, 2023)

In this Interview, Manny and Steve share how they leveraged their military skillsets in a corporate environment, their insight on what makes an impactful leader, and how they serve Milwaukee's veterans through their work today. They also discuss their best advice for young professionals and what they wish they knew before starting their first businesses, making this an insightful and interesting interview for both new and established professionals.

Finding Your Unique Career Path: An Interview with Michelle R. Amidzich (March 17, 2023)

Michelle Amidzich, Esq. has redefined the notion that there is only one path for every person. Beginning her professional life at the United States Senate with Senators Herb Kohl and Tammy Baldwin, Michelle then spent time in the music industry with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. From there, Michelle began a career in law, securing research internships at Harvard Law and the U.S. Department of the Interior. In this Interview, Michelle shares her best advice on how to choose the right path for success.

Your Career is Not Linear: An Interview with Kurt Jansen (Februrary 24, 2023)

Your career is a marathon not a sprint. Kurt Jansen has been involved in all aspects of the customer experience for over 30 years. By developing client-centric solutions using critical thinking, teamwork, and a large dollop of his signature creative magic, Kurt deftly ‘bridges the divide between insight, foresight and action'.’ In this Interview, we heard from Kurt on how to make the most of your career journey, as he reminds us that patience, humility, and sincerity can be your biggest strengths.

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