Forward 48 is the region's premier leadership development program. We built a robust and diverse civic leadership succession strategy through experiential learning, professional development, and exclusive networking opportunities.
Direct virtual engagement with the city’s top business and community leaders
Private events, networking opportunities, and unlocked Forward 48 content exclusively for alumni
Advanced skill development and toolkits to spur economic growth and civic impact
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Milwaukee has a rich history of business and civic innovation:
The stories behind these successes are extraordinary. The leaders who paved the way are legendary. The lasting impact is undeniable.
We believe these stories need to be shared with you, the city’s emerging leader. We’re not talking about podcasts or video interviews or feature stories in newspapers or magazines. Nor do we mean from stages at large conferences.
We’re talking about something more exclusive and exciting than that.
Through our unique leadership development program, you get private, intimate access to the individuals who’ve shaped today’s communities… and several who still are.
That’s right, just you and 47 other people in a virtual room with six of the city’s most accomplished leaders for six weeks. How awesome is that?
Being a part of Forward 48 is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the business and civic leaders who seized the opportunities, shattered the ceilings and led the protests to give Milwaukee the depth and breadth it has today. Each session of the Forward 48 program is customized by our invited faculty and in-house facilitator to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences just for you — the next one to define the city’s future.
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Twice a year we select 48 of Milwaukee's best and brightest to be a part of Forward 48. We are looking for those who not only show promise within their field of work but who are also actively working to positively impact the community.
Cohort members tend to have the following traits in common:
We have exclusively curated and invited a select group of Milwaukee's business and civic leaders to share their roles in laying the foundation for much of Milwaukee's growth.
Visit the Our Faculty page to learn more about the leaders who will be teaching our fall 2021 cohort.
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Admission to Forward 48 is by application. There are two ways to start the selection process:
1) You can apply to be a member of our next cohort via this form.
2) A leader in your organization or professional network can nominate you with this form.
Example letter to your employer here.
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Sessions are held every Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. for six weeks.
Our fall 2021 cohort begins on Wednesday, Oct 6, 2021.
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We are currently offering the entire six-week program for $2,500, which includes all program materials.
- Transferrable graduate level credits to Marquette University
- Complimentary 6 month membership to Rotary ($800 Value)
- Complimentary 6 month membership to University Club ($1200 Value)
- Exclusive networking opportunities, and special alumni content designed to continue fostering the growth of Milwaukee’s next generation of leaders ($1,500 Value)
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