Spam, Cheese Whiz & Community Care: Puerto Rican Party Classics

Live from Studio D, host Charlie chats with Shary Pérez, Community Health and Research Director at United Community Center, and Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. They discuss Shary’s journey from Puerto Rico to a public health career in Milwaukee and her community-engaged research work at UCC.

In the kitchen, Shary prepares Puerto Rican party favorites: sandwichitos de mezcla (Spam, Cheese Whiz, cream cheese, and roasted peppers) and a Puerto Rican potato salad with apples and a touch of mustard. The episode blends local leadership, culture, and comforting recipes.

You can watch the YouTube video here - https://youtu.be/ZSEIPBuMoJM

You can find the recipes on our website here - https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2026/05/14/sandwichitos-de-mezcla-puerto-rican-potato-salad/ 

“Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is part of the "Milwaukee Podcast Network (https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/). This show is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders.

We have an interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.