In The Ring Season 3 Episode 10: “Beyond Rhetoric: The Truth about Immigration and Refugees”
WATCH NOW: Héctor and Krish get “In the Ring”
Héctor talks with Global Refuge President & CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah. In a hot political climate, the two CEOs dispel rumors surrounding immigration and refugees.
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, has dedicated her life to championing the rights of vulnerable communities. As leader of the largest faith-based national nonprofit dedicated to serving children, refugees and other immigrants, Krish works every day to help newcomers find safety, support, and a share in the American dream – the same dream her family pursued decades ago when they fled Sri Lanka with her as a baby.
Krish’s immigrant experience sparked a lifelong commitment to public service.
From her role as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama to her strategic work as Senior Advisor at the State Department on foreign policy to her tireless work in refugee resettlement at Global Refuge, Krish leads with the heart of an ally, the fight of an advocate, and the insight of someone who knows firsthand the difference a warm welcome can make.
Krish speaking at the I95 Women of Influence Conference
She has been recognized as one of The Daily Record’s “Top 100 Women” and “Most Admired CEOs,” and The Hill’s Changemakers.
LSS among contributors to new Medicaid Expansion Study
The Wisconsin Policy Forum released a new study supported by Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI along with American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Community Care Services, Jewish Family Services, and the Wisconsin Medical Society.
The report finds that expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin would add fewer enrollees compared to other non-expansion states but deliver significant fiscal benefits. While about half of the targeted group is already enrolled in Medicaid, the state could save $1.5 billion over the next two years.
These savings could be used for healthcare improvements, other priorities, or tax reductions. However, expansion would shift some residents from Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans to Medicaid, potentially reducing federal subsidies and reimbursement rates for providers.
Wisconsin’s partial Medicaid expansion in 2014 covered low-income residents but didn’t fully adopt ACA incentives. Full expansion could ass 72,000 to 92,900 enrollees, mainly benefiting rural areas. Providers could see lower reimbursement, but this impact could be mitigated if the state increased Medicaid rates using savings.
The report explores various policy options, including maintain the status quo, full Medicaid expansion, or adopting a non-traditional approach like other states. Moving forward would likely require bipartisan cooperation.
Click here to read “The Picture of Health? Considering Medicaid Expansion in Wisconsin.
LSS Podcast puts Senate Candidates In the Ring on Healthcare
For Immediate Release
LSS Podcast puts Senate Candidates In the Ring on Healthcare
WEST ALLIS, Wis., Sep. 24, 2024 – In the Ring with Héctor Colon podcast is excited to announce a special “On the Issues” double-episode featuring Wisconsin’s candidates for U.S. Senate. The podcast, a creation of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), is known for its content and high-profile guests. This month, Democratic incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde talk about their Health and Human Services platforms.
LSS President & CEO and podcast host, Héctor Colón asked each candidate the same questions in the same order on topics including Wisconsin’s fentanyl crisis, expanding early intervention & prevention for children and families, Affordable Healthcare and Medicaid reimbursement, and healthcare partnerships. He also asked for their ideas on how to bridge our nation’s two-party political divide.
Episode Highlights:
- Senator Tammy Baldwin – The incumbent Senator shares her commitment to strengthening access to affordable healthcare, including Medicaid expansion. The Senator cites that nearly half of all births are covered by Medicaid and she has worked to ensure that mother and child continue to receive Medicaid coverage for up to 1 year after birth. She highlights her advocacy for bolstering federal funding for community health partnerships and expanding access to addiction recovery programs.
- Eric Hovde – The challenger outlines his vision for transforming healthcare by reducing bureaucratic red tape, emphasizing private sector innovation, and a “back to competition” market approach to lower costs. The Madison Businessman advocates for continued protection for people with preexisting conditions, citing his own Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, while also emphasizing new ideas around the country’s Fentanyl crisis.
Héctor Colón, a former boxer turned nonprofit leader, brings his unique perspective, engaging both candidates in meaningful discussions about the future of mental health services, addiction recovery, support for vulnerable populations, and beyond.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform where voters can hear directly from the candidates on vital issues,” said Colón. “Our goal at LSS is to support the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and these conversations will ensure voters are informed about key issues that directly impact Wisconsin and the nation.”
Both episodes are available now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@intheringwithhectorcolon1073/videos
And can be streamed on all major podcast platforms.
For more information on In the Ring with Héctor Colón and to listen to the episodes, visit:
ABOUT LSS
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is made up of nearly 800 professional treatment teams and peer specialists, the majority of whom are right in your community. Programs across our two-state reach address needs around housing, adoption, disabilities, refugee resettlement, mental health and substance use. LSS programs empower individuals to address life’s toughest challenges outside of a hospital or other institution. LSS’ expanded system of care offers short and long-term solutions for recovery, personal development, and independent living through safe, stable, and loving environments.
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MEDIA CONTACT
George Kmetty, Public Relations Specialist
262-693-6825
In the Ring Season 3 Episode 8: “Scalable Solutions That Empower America’s Youth” with Jim Clark
WATCH NOW: Héctor gets “In the Ring” with Jim Clark, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Jim Clark
President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America
As leader of the nation’s largest facility-based youth development organization, Mr. Clark directs a 115-year old network of 4,700 Boys & Girls Clubs that serve 4.6 million young people annually in all 50 states and on U.S. military installations worldwide.
Since joining BGCA in 2012, Mr. Clark has spearheaded a major restructuring of the organization and introduced an exciting new strategy to allow more youth to achieve positive outcomes in three priority areas: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. To support Boys & Girls Clubs in fostering these vital outcomes, Mr. Clark emphasizes the importance of building organizational capacity, improving program quality and consistency, expanding the Boys & Girls Club national network and positioning BGCA as the nation’s leading advocate for youth.
Under Mr. Clark’s leadership, BGCA originated a national youth outcomes study that supports continuous quality improvement and demonstrates the impact of the Club experience in the areas of education, leadership and health outcomes, as documented in the organization’s annual National Youth Outcomes Report. BGCA continues to introduce programming that supports the three outcome areas, including STEM initiatives, summer learning loss programs and workforce readiness programs.
With a commitment to support local Club success, Mr. Clark is leading efforts to strengthen digital capabilities within Boys & Girls Clubs. This includes MyFuture.net, a web platform where youth can learn digital skills; YD Toolbox, a mobile communications app for Club staff; and MyClubHub, a comprehensive site management system. Additionally, BGCA supports local Club success with training and consultations to augment key areas including child safety, executive and board development, high school graduation rate and childhood obesity.
For these and similar efforts, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranks BGCA the top youth-serving organization. Notable milestones during Mr. Clark’s tenure include: Boys & Girls Clubs serving nearly 470,000 youth daily in 2019 – up more than 20% since he joined BGCA in 2012 – and a record $2.1 billion in revenues in 2018, an increase of 46% since 2012.
Mr. Clark began his career at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 1979, where he served senior leadership roles in distribution, marketing and customer service operations and advanced to senior vice president. In 2004, he departed the media company after 24 years to become president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, which he served as a board member for 10 years. Under his direction, the organization benefitted from seven consecutive years of revenue growth, added 17 new service locations, realized a 30% increase in membership and more than doubled staff during his seven-year tenure.
Mr. Clark holds a business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He and his wife, Samantha, live in Atlanta with their two sons.
Another LSS Employee Honored as Nonprofit Star of the Month
She was nominated by her colleague, Sandra Gadzichowski, also an LSS support coordinator, who praised Lanser’s positive attitude and dedication to helping others, even while managing her own tasks. Gadzichowski highlighted Lanser’s commitment to nonprofit work, noting her efforts to maintain the work environment and support her colleagues. This recognition follows LSS program supervisor Alyssa D’Angelo being named Star of the Month in May.
LSS model in the spotlight of a new case study
The article by Lutheran Services in America features LSS’ School-Centered Mental Health Initiative front-and-center. LSS partnered with Milwaukee schools to serve 189 children, and their families, over the course of two years.
“The LSS approach to creating and sustaining this whole family SDOH model is an exemplar of excellence and innovation in attending to sustainability of social services,” the article writes.
“Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan’s School-Centered Mental Health Initiative is an exemplar of the power of attending to these factors to drive lasting improvements in behavioral health and access to SDOH services and supports for Milwaukee children, youth and families.”
You can read the full article here to find out what makes LSS’ School-Centered Mental Health Initiative unique. Plus, how LSS has ensured the program’s sustainability.
In the Ring Season 3 Episode 7: “Improving Lifelong Success Through Early Intervention” with Laura Gutiérrez
WATCH NOW: Héctor gets “In the Ring” with UCC Chief Executive Officer Laura Gutiérrez
Laura Gutíerrez
Chief Executive Officer, United Community Center
Laura Gutíerrez is the Chief Executive Officer of the United Community Center (UCC). UCC serves clients on Milwaukee’s southside ages 6 weeks to 100+ years old. Its programs include Early Childhood Education and elderly care. UCC operates one of the largest K-8 schools in the state, Bruce-Guadalupe Community School, and the UCC Acosta Middle School.
Laura has held several leadership positions within private and public education. She served as Assistant Principal and Director of Instruction at Bruce Guadalupe Community School. Most recently, Laura served as secretary of the state of Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services. While there, Laura oversaw a staff of more than 250 people and managed a biennial budget of $100M.
Before working for the State of Wisconsin, Laura was Vice President of Academic Affairs at St. Anthony School in Milwaukee. Previously, Laura served as an elementary and middle school instructor in various capacities. Additionally, she worked as a clinical and microbiology laboratory assistant at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.
Education
Laura earned her master’s degree in leadership and policy from Marquette University and her bachelor’s degree from Carroll University. She also completed the District Administrator Licensure Program at Cardinal Stritch University and received her Superintendent license in 2016.
Leadership Recognition
Laura’s leadership and impact on the community is recognized throughout Wisconsin. Milwaukee Business Journal gave Laura the “Women of Influence” award and named her to the “Milwaukee-area Power Brokers” list. In 2022 Marquette University gave Laura an “Alumni National Award”. Carroll University also recognizes her as a distinguished alumnus.
Community Involvement
Laura is an active member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC), serves on the education committee of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) and was an active advocate with City Forward Collective and the Milwaukee Health Department during COVID ensuring continued education for all students in Milwaukee.
She serves on the board of the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, All-in Milwaukee, Waukesha State Bank, and is an active member of Milwaukee Women Inc., an organization focused on increasing the representation of women onboards of directors to improve Wisconsin businesses. 
LSS to be featured on “Viewpoint with Dennis Quad”
LSS to be featured on “Viewpoint with Dennis Quad”
Leading non-profit, Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI (LSS), will be featured on the acclaimed public television program “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid.” Their corporate documentary is scheduled to air nationally this fall – and throughout 2025 – on national PBS TV stations. The feature will highlight LSS impact on mental health for Wisconsin families.
LSS has been serving communities for over 140 years, empowering people to address life’s toughest challenges around housing, adoption and foster care, disabilities, refugee resettlement, mental health, and substance use disorder. Inspired by the belief in the infinite worth of every person, LSS envisions healthy communities filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve.
The feature on “Viewpoint” will delve into the story of Yolanda. Her daughter Antonia “Toni” was recommended to the LSS School-Centered Mental Health program after her older sister died. Yolanda was surprised to find that the program was also there for her and Toni’s sisters. The LSS family coach and therapist worked with Yolanda on supporting Toni and her whole family through their grief, and they helped her to secure necessary basic needs resources for the family when needed. Viewers will get an in-depth look at Yolanda and Toni’s story as well as the dedicated team of LSS colleagues who are in homes, schools and community places where families are, working tirelessly to address barriers to health and well-being.
LSS President & CEO Héctor Colón expressed his excitement about the upcoming feature. “We are honored to be recognized by ‘Viewpoint with Dennis Quad.’ This is a fantastic opportunity to share LSS’ mission and the incredible work carried out by more than 800 colleagues with passion, expertise, and Servant-Led hearts. We also are humbled to share the incredible resilience and strength of the people we serve.”
Viewpoint Cinematographer, Jacob Lopez, says, “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid” is known for its in-depth exploration of social issues and features on organizations making a significant impact in their communities. The series, hosted by Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actor Dennis Quaid, provides a platform for non-profits, innovators, and thought leaders to share their stories. “I think LSS is an amazing organization. Viewpoint wanted to highlight…their contributions to the Greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin area.”
The episode featuring Lutheran Social Services is expected to inspire viewers and encourage support for the organization’s ongoing efforts. LSS hopes that this exposure will lead to increased awareness, community-based advocacy, and contributions, allowing them to expand their reach and continue their vital work.
In the Ring Season 3 Episode 5: “Wisconsin Workforce Shortage: A blow-by-blow analysis” with Dale Kooyenga, Joel Brennan, and Tara Treglowne
WATCH NOW: It’s 3-on-1 as Héctor steps “In the Ring” with Dale Kooyenga, Joel Brennan, and Tara Treglowne
Joel Brennan
President
Greater Milwaukee Committee
Joel Brennan was selected as the President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee in December 2021 and began his tenure in January 2022. Joel Brennan brings more than 25 years of experience in and around public policy in Wisconsin to his current role. Prior to his selection as President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Brennan served in the Cabinet of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers as the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. Joel served as President & CEO of Discovery World from October 2007 through January 2019. He grew up in the Milwaukee area and worked his way through Marquette University, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in English literature and political science. He was selected as a Harris Fellow and earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. Brennan lives with his wife Audra and their two children, Allison (18) and Conor (17), in Milwaukee’s Brewers Hill neighborhood.
Dale Kooyenga
President
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce
Dale Kooyenga is president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of commerce. He is also a Lt Colonel in the US Army Reserves and is currently serving as the Battalion Commander of the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion. Dale has served in the US Army for over 19 year and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. He maintains his C.P. A. license and has over twenty years of experience as a C.P.A including 10 years at KPMG and twelve years working as a C.F.O, for start-up, early stage, and private equity companies. Prior to joining MMAC, Kooyenga was elected and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly followed by four years of service as a Wisconsin State Senator. Kooyenga played NCAA Div III basketball at Lakeland University and graduated with bachelor’s degree in accounting. He obtained an M.B.A. from Marquette University. He is married with four children.
Tara Treglowne
Vice President
Adult Residential & Long-Term Care, Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI
Tara M. Treglowne serves as Vice President of Connections. Since 2001 Tara has welcomed the opportunity to support various programs within LSS serving first within youth residential and foster care before moving on to housing and urban development. Beginning in 2014 Tara had the unique opportunity to help build Connections, an IRIS Consultant Agency of LSS. Connections was built from the ground up with a philosophy build around Collective Leadership, Empowering Collaboration through Contribution. Tara strives to create space for her team that is focused on collaboration and co-creation, which can only happen authentically if all colleagues have an opportunity to be included, to lead. In 2015 Tara graduated with an MBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Tara was part of a newly developed executive MBA path specifically developed for executives and leaders, which focused on building skills and conceptualization at an enterprise and leadership level. She received her undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.
LSS Program Supervisor Wins Nonprofit Star Award for May
D’Angelo was recognized for her significant contributions, including setting up and training a new team of children’s long-term support staff in Milwaukee County, while also working with management in Waukesha and Ozaukee Counties. Her efforts have led to the hiring of five new employees and reduced the number of children on the Ozaukee County Children’s Long Term Support waitlist by over 100. D’Angelo’s dedication to supporting families and children with disabilities, along with her collaborative work with various agencies, was highlighted as key to her recognition.