Building Community with Purpose: The Legacy of Jessi Combs with Dana Wilke

In this SEMA special edition episode, Jeni sits down with Dana Wilke to explore what it truly means to build community with purpose. Drawing from the powerful legacy of Jessi Combs, Dana shares how the Jessi Combs Foundation is redefining what’s possible for women in trades—providing over $250,000 in scholarships, creating opportunities for hands-on learning, and fostering a network of unwavering support. Together, Jeni and Dana unpack the core elements of purposeful community building: showing up consistently, nurturing authentic connections, leading with courage even when fear is present, and creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Dana sheds light on the foundation’s journey—from its early challenges to its bold vision for the future—while reminding us that fearlessness isn’t the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward anyway.