When we met with Michele Bria, who has helped turn Journey House into the thriving powerhouse that it is today, the Covid-19 pandemic was new, and she was getting used to the idea of having to temporarily close the doors at the south side community center, while still being an essential resource for so many families on the near south side. Michele has been the CEO for more than 24 years, forging partnerships for the 50-year-old organization that empowers families to move out of poverty by offering youth development, workforce readiness, adult education (including GED classes in English and Spanish) and family engagement programs. Journey House runs child care and art programs as well as an inner-city football league that plays on turf donated by the Green Bay Packers. Last year Journey House was chosen as the site for Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson to announce a new initiative for housing for young people aging out of the foster care system, and Journey House is a partner in the new Clarke Square Apartments. Michele also has taught at UWM and MATC and served on numerous boards, including Bublr Bikes and a task force looking at the future of the Mitchell Park Domes. She’s been honored for her work countless times, named a Woman of Influence by the Milwaukee Business Journal, for instance, and honored by her alma mater Marquette University and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin. She describes herself as a “vision seer,” sure, but, in truth, more of a “vision keeper,” a leader who helps a community envision change together.