Episode 3: From the City for the City – Community Leaders on Opportunity
If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on city employment and community impact, the latest episode of DCMKE is a must-listen. Episode 3, titled From the City for the City: Community Leaders on Opportunity, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Milwaukee’s Department of Employee Relations (DER) is actively working to recruit, empower, and support talent from across the city.
Meet the Voices of City Employment
Host Jason is joined by two dynamic guests:
Karleen Cortés: Marketing and Communications Officer at DER
Kwabana Marcus J. Collins: the city’s Diversity Recruiter
Both bring unique stories and impressive commitment to their roles, blending experience on the ground with a real passion for Milwaukee’s future.
Breaking Down Barriers and Building Bridges
Right from the jump, Karleen Cortés shares her journey, moving to Milwaukee after Hurricane Maria and integrating her family into the community. She describes her commitment to giving back and making city employment accessible and approachable for everyone.
Then Kwabana Marcus J. Collins steps in, bringing over 20 years of community-focused work to the conversation. He talks about what it actually means to recruit for a diverse and thriving city workforce, how he avoids favoritism in hiring, and the importance of equity in every step of the process.
Markruitment: Where Marketing Meets Recruitment
Through teamwork, Karleen Cortés and Kwabana Marcus J. Collins blend marketing and recruitment into what they call “markruitment.” The idea? It’s not enough just to have job openings; you need to make sure the news reaches the right people.
Tools for Milwaukeeans: Social Media, E-Notify, and Direct Connect
One major highlight of the episode is how the team uses tech to break down barriers. They shout out their social media channels and explain the importance of making the department relatable, not “stuffy.”
They also discuss the Direct Connect Milwaukee initiative, originally conceived as a “Twitter for jobs” but now powered by ChatGPT to help match people to the right opportunities quickly and efficiently.
Job Access for All — Second Chances and Real Growth
Kwabana Marcus J. Collins makes it clear that the city is a second-chance employer. People with criminal records often ask if they can apply, and the answer is yes! He shares powerful stories of employees who started as entry-level workers and moved up to running entire teams.
The duo is also candid about the value of soft skills and personal uniqueness. They encourage job seekers not to disqualify themselves or lead with past mistakes—instead, highlight your strengths, your journey, and what makes you unique.
Going Beyond Jobs — A Culture of Opportunity
This episode is full of practical tips but also a sense of mission. Milwaukee’s city government is described as a “melting pot” and, in Kwabana Marcus J. Collins's words, a “salad bowl”—diversity in every sense. With paid holidays, internal growth opportunities, support for younger generations through internships, and Employee Resource Groups for every background and interest, you get the feeling this is about more than just filling positions. It’s about building community and legacy.
Ready to Get Involved?
Listeners are encouraged to:
Visit milwaukee.gov/jobs
Follow City of Milwaukee DER on social media
Sign up for job alerts via E-Notify