Happy New Year from Leadership Kenosha! Our January session offered an in-depth exploration of leadership in action through the lenses of law enforcement, local government, and the justice system. We began the day with a tour of the Kenosha Police Department, after which Sergeant Cory Brennan (LK ’24) led a session on professional problem-solving. Participants learned and applied a model for addressing problems in organizations of any size. Sergeant Brennan introduced helpful theories designed to enhance understanding and empathy, in order to help our leaders reach a positive resolution to any problem.
The morning continued with a conversation with Mayor David Bogdala. Mayor Bogdala shared the City’s vision for the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, discussed pressing challenges such as affordable housing, and reflected on his personal leadership journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We’re grateful to Mayor Bogdala for taking the time to share his perspectives on Kenosha’s present and future.
In the afternoon, we engaged with two powerful panels that highlighted diverse perspectives on justice and rehabilitation. The first panel featured judicial and law enforcement experts, including Sheriff David Zoerner, Judge Gerad Dougvillo, Deputy Chief Joe Labatore, Public Defender Kristyne Watson, Deputy District Attorney Drew Burgoyne, and District Attorney Xavier Solis. They shared candid thoughts on Kenosha’s legal system, equity challenges, and the social and economic impacts on incarcerated individuals and their families.
The second panel offered a more personal perspective, featuring persons in care at the Kenosha Correctional Center. These panelists shared their experiences leading to incarceration, their daily lives in care, and their aspirations for reentry into society. Their stories reminded us of the human side of the justice system and the importance of rehabilitation.
Both of these panels challenged our leaders to reflect on systemic issues and sparked discussion about actionable solutions.
Thank you to all of our speakers and panelists for your time, vulnerability, and willingness to share your experiences. The day was filled with meaningful discussions and activities that encouraged our leaders to think critically about leadership, community challenges, and solutions for a brighter future.
Posted on
January 13, 2025