Forging the Future with Forward 48

Forward 48 is the region's premier leadership development program. We're building a robust and diverse civic leadership succession strategy through experiential learning, professional development, and exclusive networking opportunities.

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Utilizing the best practices for engaging virtual learning, Forward 48 provides:

Live Instruction

Direct virtual engagement with the city’s top business and community leaders

Curated Networking

Private events, networking opportunities, and unlocked Forward 48 content exclusively for alumni

Skill Development

Advanced skill development and toolkits to spur economic growth and civic impact

Forward 48 faculty

Upcoming Spring 2021 Faculty

stay tuned for more information

Jeff Yabuki

Former CEO + Chairman, Fiserv

Cory Nettles

Founder + Managing Director at Generation Growth Capital, Inc.

Mary Ellen Stanek

Managing Director
Chief Investment Officer, Baird Advisors
President of Baird Funds

Ulice Payne

President, Addison-Clifton

Rep. Gwen Moore

U.S. Congresswoman

Gale Klappa

CEO, WEC Energy Group

Class details

Here is the critical information you need to know:

How much does it cost? Tuition is being offered at an introductory rate of $2,000.00 (includes all course materials).
How long is each lesson? Each lesson is 3 hours long and conducted virtually.
Who will instruct the courses? Your instructors will be eight of Milwaukee's business and civic leaders who have laid the foundation for much of Milwaukee's growth.
How does the application process work? You either apply or are nominated by a leader in your organization or professional network. Your application must include a letter of recommendation from a leader within your organization or the individual who nominated you.
When does the course take place? Classes take place from 3:00pm - 6:00pm every Wednesday beginning on March 24th and concluding on Wednesday, April 28th.

Who should apply for Forward 48?

We’re selecting a group of 48 of Milwaukee's absolute best and brightest. Those that not only show promise within their field of work, but are actively working to impact their own community.

The ideal candidate has:

A minimum of 6 years professional experience
Proven to be a young leader within their corporation
Engaged civically in their community

Desire to network with the region's best minds
Desire to learn from and implement strategies from today's leaders

If you know - or are - this person, Forward 48 is the next step in becoming an impactful civic leader.

Application Deadline: March 5th, 2021
Nomination Deadline: March 5th, 2021

Apply Today Nominate a Rising Leader

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Who benefits from Forward 48?

Are you on a leadership track within your organization?

Are you seeking to get more connected and involved in your community?

Are you curious about how leadership skills translate from the boardroom to the neighborhood?

We’re looking to develop Milwaukee’s next generation of civic leaders and if you answered “yes!” to any of those questions, we want to hear from you.

As an HR leader or corporate exec, you know that emerging leaders aren’t always defined by their age, but rather that moment in their career when they’re poised to do big things.

We’re seeking the person that’s leaving strong impressions on their company and in their community.

We’re not looking for corporate climbers.

Our ideal candidate is a rising star who is passionate and determined to make a difference, and someone equally interested in developing others as much as him or herself.