Celeste Cuffie sits down with Dr. Eve Hall, President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League, to explore what keeps leaders moving forward in turbulent times. If you're searching for fresh insights on staying encouraged and impactful—despite setbacks—this episode gives real stories and actionable ideas.

Dr. Hall unpacks the powerful influence of her family legacy, the lessons of resilience learned from her grandparents, and why embracing opportunity over fear can transform anyone’s journey. She also reveals strategies for collaboration that crush the myth of competition on your team—so everyone thrives.

Ever wonder what keeps a changemaker inspired—and how you can spark the same momentum in your own life? Hit play and learn what fuels Dr. Hall’s optimism and trailblazing leadership.

Episode Highlights:

09:57 – I would say not to be fearful. There were opportunities. There have been moments in time where I could have, or I'm not going to say I should have, but I could have said yes, and I didn't because of fear, because of thinking maybe I couldn't handle something.

25:16 – We just stay focused on that message. We have watched our semantics, but at the same time, we've always served everyone and anyone who comes to the door. Make no mistake, our primary clientele historically has been African American. That's what we were founded back in 1910, nationally, in 1919, here locally, was to help African Americans become self-reliant, you know, get jobs, be in quality housing, etc, during the Great Migration.

42:12 – It's that you're encouraged. You know, for me, it's what drives me, Celeste, is that as a result of someone having an interaction with me, that they walk away feeling better, that they walk away feeling more encouraged or uplifted, if maybe that was a point of the conversation... But that's what I always want to do. Like, are you better as a result of our interaction, of our conversation?

Guest Bio
Dr. Eve M. Hall, PhD, is the President and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League, where she leads initiatives that drive economic empowerment and educational advancement for African Americans and underserved communities across Wisconsin.

A proven leader in both business and education, Dr. Hall previously served as President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, strengthening the foundation for Black entrepreneurship statewide. She is also the co-founder of the African American Women’s Project Fund, which supports organizations serving women and girls.

Dr. Hall holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University, a Master’s from UW–Milwaukee, and a Bachelor’s from Florida A&M University. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her numerous honors, including recognition among Wisconsin’s Most Influential Business Leaders and Milwaukee’s Power Players Class of 2025.

A dynamic speaker and respected thought leader, Dr. Hall continues to inspire transformation through her commitment to opportunity, equity, and community leadership.

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website: www.celestecuffie.com
email: lecs@celestecuffie.com
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Celeste Cuffie sits down with Ginny Finn, attorney, philanthropy executive, and Chief Development Officer for the MATC Foundation. With an unconventional career spanning law, leadership, and community work, Ginny shares her journey of embracing authenticity, seizing unexpected opportunities, and finding purpose through connection.

She opens up about learning from early mistakes, saying “yes” and “no” with intention, and how growing up in Milwaukee shaped her perspective on kindness and humanity. Tune in for an honest conversation on authentic leadership, personal growth, and finding joy in the path that’s uniquely yours.

Episode Highlights:

05:55 – And the question is, how do you handle that opportunity? And that's kind of like all of life, right? I mean, you don't really know. That's the thing, I guess, is about "growing up," right? When you're 22, you think you can script absolutely everything. And I don't think that's a bad thing because it gives you drive and it gives you a sense of curiosity, et cetera.

12:50 – 37th and Lloyd was a great place to grow up, despite the fact that it wasn't a perfect place to grow up. And you are gonna be more prepared for life than most adults that you meet... We had a parish priest who apparently sat down, the families, including my parents, and said, please don't leave. And I didn't understand any of this till later on when it was explained to me.

41:38 – I think it's embracing is simply being open to the human being you cross paths with today... And I really think sometimes empowering is recognizing when it's the right time to step to the side. That doesn't mean you don't take pride in your own work. It doesn't mean that you are always on the side or that if it's inappropriately and you've been pushed, that's not the same thing.

Guest Bio
Ginny Finn brings over 20 years of experience in business and nonprofit leadership, with expertise in healthcare, higher education, and the arts. A corporate attorney by training, she has advised healthcare systems, physician practices, and numerous nonprofits.

Ginny has served in key leadership roles including Executive Director of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, CEO of YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, and Interim Executive Director of Present Music. Her consulting work spans organizations like the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Arts@Large, and Legal Action of Wisconsin.

Currently, she serves as President of the Board for Professional Dimensions and Renaissance Theaterworks, and as a board member of the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Ginny holds degrees from Coe College, Purdue University, and the University of Wisconsin Law School, with additional studies at Harvard Business School and George Washington University.

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website: www.celestecuffie.com
email: lecs@celestecuffie.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lecsembraceempowerelevate

Celeste Cuffie sits down with Joseph Franz, Fire Captain with the Milwaukee Fire Department at Engine 16, to unpack the messy truth behind personal growth, bouncing back from failure, and why loving people is always better than loving stuff. If you’re tired of playing it safe or stuck after a setback, Joe’s hard-earned wisdom feels like guidance from someone who’s truly been there.

Joseph shares unfiltered stories of losing it all, rebuilding, and learning to ask for help sooner rather than later. He talks about teaching courage to the next generation, building a marriage on friendship, and shifting from selfishness to service—without getting preachy.

Ever wondered how a “fearless” firefighter finds strength after failure and keeps building a life of meaning? Find out what’s changed for Joe and how you can build resiliency that lasts.

Episode Highlights:

14:51 – You're going to make mistakes. You're gonna fail, but don't let the failure define you. Continue to push hard and anything work hard at. Nothing we've ever been given or have that's been given to us easily do we even value or have anymore. But the things that you work hard for, and that you're paying for or you're invested in. You take care of it. You cherish it. You nourish it like you do all the things. Because you're invested in that thing that you're doing.

25:50 – It's important not to lose yourself in all. All of this stuff. And so I think when I lost all that stuff before, I think I loved stuff and I used people in that moment in my life, and now I love people and I use stuff. That's really what it's about. It's being good to people.

36:27 – One is don't be afraid to fail. That's the number one. Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to step out... For you and the stuff you do, and for my wife to watch her step out of her comfort zone. My wife likes to be very comfortable. And one thing I think she likes about me is I'm always kind of like, hey, let's get to that edge.

Guest Bio
Joseph (Joe) Franz is a dedicated and experienced fire service professional currently serving as a Fire Captain with the Milwaukee Fire Department at Engine 16, located on Fon Du Lac Ave. On the city’s northwest side. With a career spanning over two decades, Joseph has held various roles, including Heavy Equipment Operator, Fire Lieutenant, and Interim Health and Safety Manager. He has been instrumental in training and mentoring new recruits and has played a significant role in the department's peer support and safety initiatives.

As a proud MPS graduate of James Madison Highschool. Joe’s commitment to serving his community started at an early age when he joined the Fire Cadet program right after graduation. He is also actively involved in his community, serving as a Deacon at Greater New Birth Church and coaching youth softball teams. His commitment to public service and community well-being is evident in his extensive experience and ongoing contributions.

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website: www.celestecuffie.com
email: lecs@celestecuffie.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lecsembraceempowerelevate