Shaping the future of Wisconsin.
Forward 48 is Wisconsin’s premier leadership development program, designed to connect the next generation of changemakers with the people, knowledge, and opportunities to move their companies and communities forward.
FALL COHORT NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Join us for six weeks that will change the way you lead with a community designed to spur you on.
- Thursday, October 15 – 1:00 to 6:00 PM + travel time
- Thursday, October 22 – 2:00 to 5:00 PM + travel time
- Thursday, October 29 – 2:00 to 5:00 PM + travel time
- Thursday, November 5 – 2:00 to 5:00 PM + travel time
- Thursday, November 12 – 2:00 to 5:00 PM + travel time
- Thursday, November 19 – 1:00 to 6:00 PM + travel time
Nominate an emerging leader today or take the next step yourself.
REFLECTIONS FROM THE SPRING 2026 COHORT







Forge your future: Learn from the region's best executives
SPRING 2026 FACULTY SPEAKERS
The COHORT:
YOUR FIRST SIX WEEKS
Through an immersive six-week cohort, participants engage in candid conversations with seasoned leaders, collaborate across industries, and develop the skills needed for leadership.
Each weekly session contains:
- Faculty Storytelling + Dialogue
- Small Group Conversations + Processing
- Personal Vision + Strategy Work with Home Teams
The COHORT: COST & ACCESS
The total cost of the program is $3,000. This includes six weeks of unprecedented access within our cohort programming, ongoing access to alumni programming and the 500+ members within our alumni network, plus other benefits through partners such as Milwaukee Rotary, Marquette University, Milwaukee Magazine, the Business News, and more!
Forward 48 accepts applications on a rolling basis. Early applicants receive $300 off program expenses:
- Early Bird Access ($2700)
- Standard Access ($3000)
Forward 48 offers payment plan flexibility for your ongoing success. Contact us at admin@forward48.com to learn more!
The Alumni Experience:
After YOUR Cohort
The Forward 48 experience doesn’t end after six weeks—our growing statewide network of 560+ leaders continues to connect through exclusive alumni events, professional development, and ongoing civic engagement opportunities.
After the six week Cohort experience:
- Participants begin to practice the wisdom and insights revealed in the Forward 48 experience in their daily lives.
- Participants begin to engage with the Forward 48 alumni experiences and content that supports their continued growth and impact.
learn what 200+ companies already know



























































Forward 48 member benefits
Tailored Leadership Development: Maximize Your Potential
Embark on a transformative journey crafted for your strengths and aspirations. Forward 48 offers personalized development, equipping you with tools to elevate skills and make a lasting impact. Unleash your leadership potential for future success.
Diverse Network, Lasting Bonds: Expand Your Connections
Connect with leaders across industries, backgrounds, and experiences. Forward 48 is about forging connections, broadening perspectives, and building relationships that extend beyond the program. These bonds are invaluable throughout your career.
Exclusive Access to Leaders: Learn from the Best
Experience one-on-one interactions with influential Wisconsin leaders at Forward 48. Benefit from exclusive access, gaining insights, mentorship, and guidance. Seize this opportunity to learn from those who navigated challenges and emerged successful.
Impactful Community Initiatives: Drive Meaningful Change
Join a movement for positive community change with Forward 48. Contribute to impactful initiatives addressing real-world challenges. Drive change where it matters, making a tangible difference in the communities we serve for a vibrant Wisconsin future.
Lifelong Learning and Growth: Invest in Your Success
Forward 48 commits to your lifelong learning. Beyond the program, access resources and a supportive community for ongoing success. Invest in yourself and your future with Forward 48—a commitment to continuous improvement and leadership excellence.
Forward 48 member benefits
Access to Foundational Leaders
Gain insights and guidance from six influential leaders from across Wisconsin: successes, failures, and lessons learned.
Exclusive Alumni Experiences
Enjoy access to ongoing Alumni experiences, designed to expand your network and skills.
Elevated Thought Leadership
Be recognized as a thought leader helping to shape the future of our region.
Curated Statewide Network of Alumni
Join a carefully curated network of 560+ alumni across Wisconsin, united by a vision of civic leadership.
Access to Rotary Milwaukee Programming
Gain access to Rotary Milwaukee programming, connecting with the city’s top leaders.
Marquette University Scholarship Credits
Receive four scholarship credits toward a MBA or Master’s of Public Service from Marquette University when you begin within one year of Forward 48 completion.
Discover the Perfect Payment Tier for You
Apply Today: Unlock Your Journey with Forward 48
PROMOTION ENDED
Apply by January 30 for a $500 discount. Payment due two weeks after acceptance.
$2500
For
Access
- Apply by January 30th
- $500 Discount
- Lifetime Access
Early Bird
Apply by February 20 for a $200 discount. Payment due two weeks after acceptance.
$2800
For
Access
- Apply by February 20th
- $200 Discount
- Lifetime Access
Full price
Apply by March 15 for full benefits. For this option, we offer payment flexibility for your ongoing success.
$3000
For
Access
- Apply by March 15th
- Full Price
- Lifetime Access
Don't just take our word for it,
hear what our alumni have to say
Kayla Conklin
Summit Credit Union | Talent Acquisition Manager
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the Forward 48 kickoff event at the Fiserv Forum! Mayor Johnson and Peter Feigin dropped jewels of knowledge to many emerging leaders across the state. I can’t wait to continue conversations with the cohort on how we can be change agents and inclusive leaders in our cities to benefit the greater good of Wisconsin!
Jesús Gonzalez
Rockwell Automation | General Counsel
An invigorating series with Milwaukee’s diverse and young leaders who are eager to be change agents in the community.
ALICIA LANTZ
US Bancorp Investments | Regional Development Manager
So proud to officially be a Forward 48 alum! Yesterday was the perfect culmination of our 6-week inclusive leadership journey. The connections, lessons in leadership, and fresh perspective I gained through this program have been invaluable. Thanks to Gruber Law Offices, Cordero Barkley, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson for helping us wrap this program by sharing your stories and insights.
Maciej (Matt) Pietruczak
Quarles & Brady | Partner
I think seeking to understand and being self-aware were a key part of the program for me. A great reminder and lesson to be aware of preconceived notions and that we never know where people come from, who they are, what is going on in their lives, and what their motivations are until we seek to understand from them.
John Chidester
Johnson Financial Group | Senior Vice President
Forward 48 gives you the tools, network and mindset to expand and grow. It helps you build a foundation to expand your leadership potential amongst a group of diverse individuals.
Tajaey Young
Rockwell Automation | Global Digital Services Sales Executive
Forward 48 was a phenomenal experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to get involved and ingrained in the Milwaukee community. The program offers the opportunity for like-minded individuals from different walks of life to network and grow together.
Mai Krenzke
Oshkosh Corporation | Manager, Global Ethics & Complian
Something tells me this was one of those opportunities of a lifetime. The caliber of leaders that I met was quite special. I left the Forward 48 leadership program inspired, invigorated, and hungry for serious impact.
Ryan Schmidt
CG Schmidt, Inc | Senior Project Manager
Forward 48 provides a platform for people throughout the Milwaukee community to openly share ideas. You connect with people outside your typical network in a truly unique setting.
Katie Podmokly
Baird | Managing Director Strategic Initiatives
I am grateful for the opportunity to connect and learn from so many diverse leaders representing multiple different industries and career paths in Milwaukee.
Devin White
JP Cullen | Project Manager
This group expanded my network and opened my mind to the untapped tools and resources in Milwaukee that will allow us to grow together and create a better community.






