Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership

In this episode of Forged in Fire, Dr. Liz Cavallaro and guest co-host Eduardo Placer sit down with Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis to explore what leadership looks like when it happens in full view of the people you serve.
From knocking on thousands of doors to pointing out potholes on a neighbor’s street, Peter reflects on leading in one of the most immediate and accountable forms of government. Local office, he reminds us, isn’t about party labels — “We don’t have Democratic potholes or Republican snowplows.” It’s about problem-solving, public safety, and earning trust one conversation at a time .
Peter shares how his immigrant roots, his grandmother’s quiet wisdom, and his early career in community lending shaped his belief that leadership is fundamentally about service. He discusses becoming the first out elected official on the Milwaukee County Board, launching a sweeping recognition effort for LGBTQ+ leaders, and passing legislation to ensure the Intersex Progress Pride flag flies at every county and city building during Pride Month. A letter from an intersex resident who finally felt “seen” by government captures why representation — and visibility — matters.
This conversation weaves together themes of neighborliness, courage, accountability, and endurance. It’s about showing up. It’s about refusing to give up. And it’s about understanding that leadership isn’t forged in grand speeches — it’s forged in daily decisions, shared streets, and the commitment to serve every neighbor, every route, every time.
If you’ve ever wondered what leadership looks like at ground level, this episode is for you.

Season Four of Forged in Fire begins by turning the spotlight inward.
In this welcome episode, host Liz Cavallaro is joined by rotating co-host Itay Bailey and members of the Forged in Fire volunteer team for a candid, reflective conversation about the leadership culture behind the season. Rather than focusing on titles or credentials, this episode explores the yes moments—the personal, often quiet decisions that lead people to step up, serve, and build something meaningful together.
Executive Producer Kirsten Pecua, guest researcher Trinity Downing, and guest relations lead Robert Garrett share why they said yes to this work, how lived experience shapes their leadership, and what it looks like to lead without recognition, authority, or a microphone. Together, they reflect on empathy, trust, patience, burnout, boundaries, and the kind of leadership that happens behind the scenes—especially in uncertain times.
This episode sets the tone for Season Four: leadership shaped through challenge, reflection, and lived experience, built by people who believe leadership begins long before a title and often without applause.

Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of Campaigns and Communications at the Human Rights Campaign, joins Forged in Fire to talk about leadership rooted in service, impact, and inclusion. From shaping national communications and policy efforts to advancing equality for LGBTQ+ and minority-owned businesses, Jon’s career reflects a commitment to leading with purpose rather than position. He shares lessons on self-awareness, adaptability, and creating space for others, and reminds us that strong leadership is built on trust, curiosity, and the courage to protect what matters most.

Tech leader, author, and trans advocate Erica Vogel joins Forged in Fire to talk about authenticity, vulnerability, and how a lifetime of solving problems shaped her leadership. From growing up without the language to describe her identity to leading global change initiatives at a Fortune 25 company, Erica’s journey shows that self-acceptance is both personal work and professional superpower. She shares lessons on storytelling, self-awareness, and the balance between openness and self-protection and reminds us that the key to leading well is to protect your peace.

Former Palm Springs mayor Lisa Middleton has spent her life breaking barriers—from working-class roots to the halls of California politics. In this episode, she joins Bree, Liz, and Eduardo to talk about courage, self-acceptance, and the art of listening as a tool for leadership. Lisa shares what it means to stand firm against hate, to build coalitions across difference, and to leave the next generation with a brighter, braver torch to carry forward.
“Our uniqueness isn’t a problem to solve—it’s what makes the world interesting.”
-Lisa Middleton