RAICES Y REALIDADES
Raíces y Realidades brings the Hispanic Well-Being Index to life, sharing the real stories behind the data. Hosted by the Hispanic Collaborative, this podcast explores the 40 key indicators shaping Latino life in Milwaukee—compared to the nation’s top 50 metros. In under 30 minutes, we dive into the numbers, the work happening on the ground, and the voices driving change. Join us for insightful conversations with leaders, advocates, and community changemakers. Listen now!
Episode #1: Laura Gutierrez on the Power of Collaboration
How do we tackle big challenges in our community? Together.
In our inaugural episode of Raices y Realidades, we sit down with Laura Gutierrez, CEO of United Community Center, to explore how collaboration fuels real change. From education to health to economic development, we discuss how organizations like UCC and the Hispanic Collaborative unite people and data to drive impact that no one organization can achieve alone. Listen now to learn how collective action is shaping a stronger Milwaukee.
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Episode #2: Joe Peterangelo on Why Latino Economic Mobility Matters to Everyone
In this episode of Raíces y Realidades, we sit down with Joe Peterangelo, Research Director at the Wisconsin Policy Forum, to unpack the latest data on income, poverty, and workforce trends in our region.
Why does Wisconsin’s economic future hinge on the success of the Latino population? What do the numbers reveal about job demand, demographic shifts, and the opportunity to boost median household income? Joe breaks it all down—and makes the case for why inclusive workforce development isn't just the right thing to do, it's an economic necessity.
If you care about economic growth, or the future of work in Wisconsin, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Listen now and join the movement to make Milwaukee—and our region—a top 10 place for Hispanic well-being.
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Episode #3: Paulina Gutierrez on Latino Voter Turnout and the Power of Participation
In this episode of Raíces y Realidades, we sit down with Paulina Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, to talk about voting, power, and accountability.
Latino voter turnout remains low in Milwaukee—but why? And what will it take to change that? Paulina shares insights from the front lines of election access and challenges both individuals and institutions to step up.
We talk about systems, self-responsibility, and what’s possible when Latino communities are fully engaged in shaping their future.
Tune in for a candid, urgent conversation about civic power—and what it’ll take to unlock it.
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Episode #4: Laura Arce on Building Wealth, One Home at a Time
In this episode of Raíces y Realidades, we sit down with Laura Arce, Senior Vice President for Economic Initiatives at UnidosUS and the architect behind the HOME—Home Ownership Means Equity—initiative.
We talk about what homeownership really means for Latino families, why Milwaukee is behind the national average, and the promising signs of progress already happening in the region. Laura shares both the data and the hope, offering a national perspective with real relevance for local action.
If you care about closing the racial wealth gap, building economic opportunity, and seeing more Latino families thrive in Milwaukee, this conversation is for you.
Listen now and learn why homeownership isn’t just about houses—it’s about equity, stability, and the future of our communities.
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Episode #5: Dr. Nelson Soler on Unlocking Latino Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Raíces y Realidades, we speak with Dr. Nelson Soler, founder of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin and the Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute. Nationally, Latinos are starting businesses at faster rates than any other group—responsible for 40% of all new startups in the U.S. last year. But in Milwaukee, the numbers tell a different story.
Dr. Soler breaks down why Latino business ownership remains low locally, what investments are needed to change that, and how a thriving Latino entrepreneurial ecosystem could benefit the entire region.
Tune in to hear what’s holding Milwaukee back—and what it’ll take to move forward.
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Episode #6: Brian Troyer on Demographics, Degrees, and Latino Student Success
In this episode of Raíces y Realidades, we sit down with Brian Troyer, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Marquette University, to talk about the future of higher education—and why Latino students are at the center of it.
By 2040, Latinos will make up 36% of the college-age population. That’s a major opportunity—and a major responsibility—for colleges and universities across the country. Increasing the number of Latinos with college degrees isn’t just important for Latinos—it’s essential for our region’s long-term success.
Brian shares how Marquette has become a national leader in Latino student retention and graduation—and what it takes to support students from enrollment to degree.
Tune in for a conversation about data, strategy, and how we can all play a role in building a stronger, more educated future.
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