By Natalia Rueda 
Raíces y Realidades: Milwaukee’s New Podcast Spotlighting Community Educational Gains
On March 13, the Hispanic Collaborative launched Raíces y Realidades, a groundbreaking podcast that pairs hard data from the Hispanic Well-Being Index with personal stories from Milwaukee’s Latino community. In under 30 minutes per episode, host interviews and on-the-ground reporting bring to life the challenges—and triumphs—of educational access, cultural resilience, and grassroots collaboration among Hispanic residents and leaders.
Bridging Numbers and Narratives
“Education is the best inheritance” says Laura Gutierrez, CEO of the United Community Center and the guest on the inaugural episode. This podcast translates those numbers into real lives—our children, our families, our futures. Each show zeroes in on one of 40 key indicators—from high-school graduation rates to bilingual program enrollment—comparing Milwaukee’s standing with the nation’s top 50 metros.
When asked about a highlight of the UCC’s outcomes, she noted that one of their high school aged beneficiaries is the recipient of a full ride scholarship to Princeton University.
Through candid conversations with educators, local activists, and policymakers, Raíces y Realidades demonstrates how data can drive strategy. In Gutierrez’s episode, listeners learn how UCC leveraged Index findings to expand community access programs in Milwaukee, with one of her highlights being the engagement of elderly community members where volunteers chaperoning her to one of their centers.
Linking to Chicano Voices
Although the podcast addresses broad Hispanic well-being, a consistent thread is similar to the Chicano experience so often centered around access to education. The economics of the Hispanic community were well articulated by the UCC’s leader, as she noted that one recurring issue was that often times people didn’t have 500 dollars to invest into specific education or retraining outcomes. She noted that this was the type of minimal investment that an entity and community could provide for further development.
From Data to Action
Data without action is only theory. Raíces y Realidades closes each episode with practical takeaways: toolkits for educators, contact info for community resources, and steps for listeners to get involved. “Our goal is to spark collaboration,” says the host. “We want nonprofits, families, and local government to see themselves reflected in these conversations—and to connect the dots between insight and impact.”
Why Milwaukee—and Why Now?
Milwaukee’s Latino population has surged in recent years, yet persistent achievement gaps and under-resourced schools remain pressing concerns. By marrying quantitative benchmarking with qualitative testimony, the podcast arrives at a pivotal moment—offering both a mirror and a roadmap for communities striving toward equity. One of the goals mentioned throughout the podcast is the need to make Milwaukee a top 10 great destination for Hispanics in the United States.
Looking Ahead
New episodes of Raíces y Realidades drop every Wednesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Future guests include school-district superintendents, youth-led arts collectives, and public-health researchers exploring the intersection of education and well-being.
For anyone invested in Milwaukee’s future—educators, advocates, parents, or policymakers—Raíces y Realidades provides a concise, data-driven window into the city’s Chicano heart. It’s more than a podcast; it’s an invitation to listen, learn, and act.