Dr. Stephanie Findley is the Board Vice-Chair of Findley Foundation, located at 10721 W. Capitol Dr. in Wauwatosa. 

The foundation was created by individuals who work in the construction, finance and non-profit sectors who shared passion for economic development, education and assisting the community, particularly those who are disadvantaged, unemployed or underemployed because they don't have access to supportive services.

The Findley Foundation believes that a key component of improving the economic quality of life for many lies in work readiness training, soft skills and financial literacy education. 

"We help individuals become healthy, healed and whole by providing mental, physical, social, financial and emotional services," says Findley.

OnMilwaukee: Where were you born, and raised and where did you attend high school / college?

Dr. Stephanie Findley: I was born and raised in San Francisco, Calif. I attended high school at James Madison High School and went to Concordia University for my BS, Cardinal Stritch for my MBA, and Grand Canyon for my Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology – Counseling.

What are your current job titles and what do you do?

I am the Board Vice-Chair of Findley Foundation. I strategically oversee and guide the Foundation's and clinic's day-to-day operations, so that the Foundation continues to flourish and succeed in a fast-moving, competitive environment.

What exactly is the Findley Foundation and how is this work fulfilling for you? 

Non-medical factors that influence health outcomes are known as Social Determinants of Health (SDH). They are the circumstances under which people are born, grow, work, live and age – as well as the larger set of forces and institutions that shape daily life. We employ Social Determinants of Health to assess the patient's and their family's needs. Addressing SDH effectively is critical for improving health and eliminating long-standing health inequities as we strive to help individuals become healthy, healed and whole.

This job enables me to give back to the community and see families thrive and flourish by being healthy and productive citizens.

How does your work move Milwaukee forward?

Our Foundation makes sure that every individual and family that comes to us, regardless of their circumstances or ethnicity, has access to high-quality health and mental health care, and vocational and case management in order to address their issues. We want to break the barriers and let them know that they have a safe space in us.

Through this, we will be able to collaborate with local leaders, public health organizations and community groups to find resources, make referrals, monitor services and establish accountability.

How else are you involved in your community? 

I participate in volunteer work for a number of organizations and am a member of Progressive Baptist Church.

Have you ever thought about moving from Milwaukee? 

I haven't considered moving away from Milwaukee. I have a soldier's heart and think that in any conflict or war, you don't surrender and give up; instead, you just keep fighting and make a difference. I feel that much more has to be done to make Milwaukee a first-class city.

What is one thing you don't love about Milwaukee?

The policyholders' complacency. Their outlook should be for the community, and the potential of their people, their own decisions must be proactive and timely. Leaders who are complacent slow down, make fewer quick decisions, develop unhealthy habits and have blind spots and a blurry field of vision. As a result, as possibilities present themselves, they eventually start responding in a reactive rather than proactive manner.

A leader's thinking may get clouded by complacency, increasing the likelihood that they would overlook a promising opportunity.

What is one thing you love about Milwaukee?

The people's diversity. People from different races, religions, genders and colors come together to form a formidable force in the city.