Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders

Cooking Up Resilience: Artie Turner's Inspiring Journey from Childhood to Community Leader

Join Charlie in this compelling episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" as he welcomes Artie Turner, a remarkable behavioral health consultant from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Artie shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Milwaukee to becoming a celebrated community leader.
Artie opens up about his early life, the crucial role of his adopted parents, Maddie and Jeff, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career in behavioral health. Discover how Artie transitioned from the neighborhood house to college and eventually found his calling in mental health advocacy.
Artie and Charlie whip up delicious and nutritious protein balls amid insightful conversations, blending cooking and life lessons. This episode delves into Artie's dedication to making Milwaukee a better place through his work at Children's Wisconsin, while also highlighting his recognition as a 40 under 40 honoree.
Tune in for an uplifting, heartwarming discussion packed with resilience, community spirit, and love for a good snack!

From Mississippi Roots to Milwaukee Dreams: Dr. Tiffany Tardy's Journey

In this episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders," host Charlie welcomes Dr. Tiffany Tardy, the inspiring President and CEO of Pearls for Teen Girls. Tiffany, also celebrated on this year's list of 40 Under 40 emerging leaders, shares her journey from her early years in Milwaukee to her pursuit of higher education and passion for empowering young girls. Former President and CEO of Pearls for Teen Girls, Danae Davis, joins Tiffany in the kitchen.
Join the conversation as Tiffany recounts her transformation from aspiring medical doctor to a leader in education and non-profit service. Discover how her personal experiences fuel her commitment to fostering leadership and confidence in young women through Pearls for Teen Girls.
This light-hearted episode also brings listeners into the kitchen with Tiffany, where she prepares her soul food specialty, baked mac and cheese, highlighting both her culinary skills and leadership in creating a nurturing environment for future women leaders.

Innovative Recipes with Tech Visionary Dr. Nadia Johnson

In this episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders," host Charlie welcomes Dr. Nadiyah Johnson, CEO of the Milky Way Tech Hub and Jet Constellations. Video link is here -  https://youtu.be/JpQoNoYkqIU 
Listen as Nadiyah shares her inspiring journey from a curious child passionate about puzzles to a tech visionary driving Milwaukee’s future as a thriving tech hub for black and brown communities.
Nadiyah discusses her early influences, her unexpected path into computer science, and her family's pivotal role in nurturing her potential. Through heartwarming stories, she emphasizes the importance of representation in shaping her career and vision.
During the cooking segment, a surprise visitor arrived. Milwaukee Public Library Foundation’s Director of Philanthropy, Antoine Carter, and a previous guest on the show arrived as they were in the middle of cooking.
As the trio cooks up a copycat version of Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme, Nadiyah shares insights on the tech landscape, AI's transformative impact, and her commitment to empowering underrepresented communities in STEM.
 

Amanda Hernandez's Inspiring Journey and Baked Gnocchi

In this engaging episode of Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, host Charlie welcomes Amanda Hernandez, the Vice President, Community Accountability Officer for Associated Bank. With 20 years of experience in community service and philanthropy, Amanda shares her inspiring journey from the south side of Milwaukee to her pivotal role in shaping community relationships through funding.
Dive into a free-flowing discussion about Amanda's commitment to strengthening local communities and how her background has infused her with unique insights into the nonprofit sector. Explore her experiences at Wisconsin Philanthropy Network and how they paved the way for her impactful work at Associated Bank.
In the culinary segment, Amanda, along with her son Jack, whips up a delightful Italian gnocchi dish. This showcases that even busy leaders find time to cook a meal that pleases the family. Tune in for a taste of Milwaukee's warmth, dedication, and food-loving spirit!
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/9byIKzEXZVs 

From Boxing Champ to Community Leader: Hector Colon's Inspiring Journey

Join Charlie in this captivating episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" as Hector Colon, President CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, shares his inspiring journey from boxing champion to respected community leader. Despite facing racial adversity at a young age, Hector found strength in boxing, eventually becoming a seven-time national champion. Discover how the virtues he learned in the boxing ring propelled him to success in the boardroom and beyond.
Hector reveals the impact of his work at Lutheran Social Services, touching the lives of 30,000 individuals annually. From children in crisis to refugees fleeing war, Hector's compassion and leadership shine through.
As they cook a traditional Puerto Rican Guiso, Charlie and Hector discuss his upbringing, his career path, and the mission that drives his community involvement.

Sam Maldonado, Milwaukee Community Leader and Peruvian Lomo Saltado

Our guest on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Samantha “Sam” Maldonado. Sam is a strategy consultant at Spectrum Non-Profit Services. She has received several awards. These include Women of Influence from the MKE Business Journal. She is also on the Milwaukee Business Journal's 40 under 40 list. She is on the list of the Most Influential Latino Leaders 2022.
Peruvian Lomo Saltado is a vibrant dish that blends Asian and Latin flavors, showcasing Peru's rich culinary heritage. It's a stir-fry made with tender strips of beef, onions, tomatoes, and Aji Amarillo chili. All the ingredients are cooked in a savory sauce of soy and vinegar. The dish is traditionally served with crispy French fries and fluffy white rice.
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/OywiliUriuw 
The recipe is available on our website at - https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2025/04/22/lomo-saltado/ 
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.