In 2025, I realized I understood parts of the world better than my local neighborhood. I switched gears and became an active member of my community.

Milwaukee's ethnic history is rich and layered. German settlers arrived in 1838, followed by waves of Polish laborers and Italian immigrants, building its manufacturing base and neighborhood character. The Great Migration brought large numbers of African Americans; mid-century industrial jobs drew a growing Mexican and Puerto Rican population. The 21st century has added refugees from Southeast Asia and Africa — most notably the Burmese Rohingya, whose Milwaukee community has become one of the largest in the United States.

The stories, dreams and involvement that Milwaukee's multi-ethnic community offers, brought the world to my front door.

Projects during this period demonstrate my efforts to improve understanding between groups or individuals to activate inclusion, strengthen representation, or help give voice or agency to individuals or collectives. Some are fun; others daunting. Some are silly; others are serious. It takes insight, humor, tough skin and an all-in approach to see them through to success and completion.