Beauty school graduate from Milwaukee just wants to work but has been thwarted for over a year.

“We’re not playing with people’s lives. We’re playing with people’s hair,” says northern Wisconsin salon owner.

The Badger Institute’s “Unlocking Potential” event in Milwaukee drew more than 100 participants representing law enforcement, the judiciary, the Legislature, business, community groups and faith leaders. The discussion focused on how ex-inmates, with help from one of their own and the same cops who once pursued them, can find a way back to their families and jobs.

Chris Petko, retired lieutenant from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Hope for Prisoners mentor coordinator, speaks at the “Unlocking Potential” event.

Jon D. Ponder, founder and CEO of Hope for Prisoners, speaks at the “Unlocking Potential” event.

Question and answer session with guest panelists at the “Unlocking Potential” event.

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch speaks at the “Unlocking Potential” event.

Robert L. Woodson Sr., founder and president of the Woodson Center, speaks at the “Unlocking Potential” event.

Todd Fasulo, assistant sheriff with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, speaks at the “Unlocking Potential” event.

Badger Institute President Mike Nichols on “UpFront with Mike Gousha” talks about the need for corrections reform in Wisconsin.

Conservative UW System students, at a round-table discussion hosted by the Badger Institute, recount their challenges bucking the liberal trend.

Excerpts of a speech by Woodson Center President and founder Robert L. Woodson Sr. at the Wisconsin Center.

Excerpts of a speech by Woodson Center President and founder Robert L. Woodson Sr. at the Wisconsin Center.

Excerpts of a speech by Woodson Center President and founder Robert L. Woodson Sr. at the Wisconsin Center.

Excerpts of a speech by Woodson Center President and founder Robert L. Woodson Sr. at the Wisconsin Center.

Excerpts of a speech by Woodson Center President and founder Robert L. Woodson Sr. at the Wisconsin Center.

A promising path: Blended / online learning in Wisconsin’s K-12 schools. Featuring guest speakers Susan Patrick and Michael Horn. Sponsored by the Badger Institute and the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison.