Milwaukee-Based Empathic Engineering Revolutionizes Workplace Communication By: Allie Shane, Communications Specialist
![]() Remaining true to its commitment to “build for communities, with communities,” Wauwatosa-based Wangard Partners’ creation and management of Class-A multifamily properties received well-deserved recognition in the National Apartment Association Rankings. Each year, the National Apartment Association highlights trends and performance in the multifamily real estate industry. Wangard Partners sets itself apart by delivering innovative ideas, quality work and customer satisfaction, earning the firm a finalist position in this year’s rankings. CodeBaby Avatars Bring a Unique Twist to the Ongoing AI Conversation ![]() CodeBaby, a Milwaukee-based producer of AI-powered virtual assistants, is transforming the way humans interact with technology. Rooted in human connection and personalization, CodeBaby creates virtual solutions that integrate into a client’s website with just one line of code. CodeBaby: An Overview The creation of CodeBaby’s advanced solutions is marked by many years of dedication to the idea that genuine conversation is achievable between humans and virtual assistants. In 2012, CEO and founder Norrie Daroga partnered with Mark Stephen Meadows, the author of “I, Avatar” to explore the capabilities of virtual service avatars. The two gained access to IBM Watson in 2015 and started Idavatars, becoming one of the first 100 companies to commercialize IBM’s platform. Idavatars produced virtual health assistants. In 2016, Idavatars acquired CodeBaby, a company founded by two Canadian doctors looking to create animated training courses and materials. Merging the two companies allowed Daroga to utilize the proprietary tools from CodeBaby and apply them to Idavatar’s platform.
Following an afternoon visit to Humboldt Park Public School, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of activities to participate in during recess. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, four square or this creative octopus game, Playworks staff members ensure that recess is a time reserved for safe physical activity, socialization, laughter, and most importantly: play.
Playworks Wisconsin: An Overview Playworks was founded in 1996 in Oakland, California and expanded its operations to Wisconsin in 2012. The nonprofit organization seeks to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. By Hailey Pitcher, MMAC Communications Intern
Jaime Hurtado emigrated from Lima, Peru, at age 16 and finished English classes within six weeks before starting college. He now owns a contracting company, but arrived with no experience in construction, instead learning on the job.
Sec. of Commerce provides forum for area business leaders U.S. Sec. of the Commerce Gina Raimondo joined about a dozen area business leaders, as well as Gov. Tony Evers, on Friday to get their input on things going well, and also the challenges they’re facing.
“I’ve been making an effort to get around the country, to do exactly this,” she said during the hour-long event held at Northwestern Mutual and hosted by President Tim Gerand. “To visit communities and find out what is going well, and where we can do better.” Raimondo said everything she does as secretary is to “improve the competitiveness of the U.S., improve our ability to compete and, frankly, outcompete the rest of the world.” State Representative Shannon Zimmerman Addresses the Need for Data Privacy Legislation at MMAC Town Hall Event
![]() June 13, 2024 (MILWAUKEE) – Donald Trump's comments are flatly wrong. Milwaukee, in a word, is vibrant. We’re proud of our people – diverse in makeup and hard-working to the core. We’re proud of our strong history and bright future in economic development - deeply rooted in innovation, with a tradition of driving progress in American manufacturing for over a century. We’re proud of the Fortune 500 companies headquartered in our city, employing thousands of talented Milwaukeeans. We're proud of our cultural assets which stand among the best regardless of metro. We look forward to showing the world what Milwaukee has to offer next month. We know this city will impress.
Furthermore, the budget in front of the board was submitted by a superintendent who resigned because of his administration's non-compliance and will no longer be employed by the district at the end of the month.
We do appreciate the board pivoting to allow public comment prior to taking action on this proposed budget. Public input and transparency serve as the bedrock of our democracy. Without those things, we don’t have one. Lastly, MMAC and the business community once again offer their resources and expertise in addressing issues facing MPS. We have yet to receive a response after sending a letter to the board making that same overture more than one week ago. ![]() If your house were on fire, what valuable information or items would you hope are safely stowed away in a fireproof box? Beth Ridley, Founder and CEO of Ridley Consulting Group, drew this compelling analogy to emphasize the importance of safeguarding an organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This was the focal point of the final panel at MMAC’s Region of Choice DEI Summit on June 4. ![]() Did you know that feelings of belonging can boost job performance by 56%, and there is five times more human potential when a workplace fosters feelings of inclusion? Carolina Cardoso, Accenture’s North America Inclusion & Diversity Leader, shared these powerful data points with audience members during her keynote presentation at MMAC’s Region of Choice DEI Summit on June 4. The event attracted more than 200 HR/DEI/Employee Engagement professionals throughout the Milwaukee region, and Cardoso was one of several DEI practitioners to take the stage.
MMAC serves some 2,600 businesses, primarily throughout greater Milwaukee. It supports a globally competitive region to sustain high-value jobs that foster a vibrant quality of life for all.
Gov. Tony Evers’ call for an audit of Milwaukee Public Schools is a welcome step in discovering where gaps exist and the actions needed to improve our city’s schools. We owe our taxpayers, families and, most importantly, our city’s children a full and thorough look into the district’s finances and operations. A comprehensive audit is a good first step in reaching that goal. We welcome the allocation of additional resources and continued dialogue with stakeholders.
Microsoft Senior Director of Public Policy Presents on the State of AI Following Microsoft’s recent $3.3 billion investment into its data center campus in Mount Pleasant, Ryan Harkins, the company’s Senior Director of Public Policy, provided local business leaders a look back at the history of artificial intelligence, a peak into its promise as a game-changing business tool and provided insight into the steps his company is taking to provide safeguards during “The State of AI” at We Energies.
Harkins opened with a simple question: “Why all the buzz?” MKE Tech Hub Coalition Launches AI Workshops After a Donation From Technology Company 7Rivers6/4/2024
It is no secret that AI (artificial intelligence) is changing the ways companies across the nation do business. The use of machine learning to foster innovation and create efficient processes in the workplace continues to generate conversation among tech industry leaders, specifically within the Milwaukee region.
MMAC partnering with DPI to help students, businesses
June 3, 2024 (MILWAUKEE) – Regardless of the action the Milwaukee Public School Board takes this evening, Milwaukee families, taxpayers and other stakeholders shouldn’t be distracted from the larger issue at hand – fundamental change is necessary to rescue our students.
The recent news that Milwaukee Public Schools failed to file a required financial report to the state, that its past reports were missing data or inaccurate, that MPS might have to pay back millions in funds to the state and have already had federal funding suspended due to non-compliance is just the tip of the iceberg of a deeper governance problem. |