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. 

Session Dates for the Fall 2026 Cohort: 
  • 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

Tina Chang

Chairman & CEO at SysLogic

Maria Van Laanen

President & CEO at Fox Cities Performing Art Center

Dan Bader

President & CEO at Bader Philanthropies

Kevin Newell

Founder & CEO at Royal Capital Group

Greg Wesley

President & CEO at Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Anne Norman

EVP, Chief Marketing & Product Strategy Officer at UW Credit Union

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.

Unlock these benefits and more by joining Forward 48 today!

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

Early Bird

Apply by February 20 for a $200 discount. Payment due two weeks after acceptance.

$2800

For

Access

Full price

Apply by March 15 for full benefits. For this option, we offer payment flexibility for your ongoing success.

$3000

For

Access

Don't just take our word for it,

hear what our alumni have to say

THANKS TO OUR REGIONAL PARTNERs