Forward 48 - The Region's Premier Leadership Development Program

Shaping the future of Wisconsin.

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.

getting started

You’re ready to do big things. It’s time to apply!

Through a six-week leadership course, Forward 48 connects the state’s most successful executives with the most promising young leaders between the ages of 25 and 40 from Milwaukee, Madison, Racine, Kenosha, and the New North / Fox Valley region.

Sessions will take place weekly on Thursdays in the format below:

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ( Faculty Speaking and Q/A )
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM ( Faculty Optional, facilitated session with team )
Virtual or in-person sessions according to the schedule above

Forward 48 connects the state’s most successful executives with the most promising young leaders between the ages of 25 and 39 from Milwaukee, Madison, Racine, Kenosha, and the New North / Green Bay region. We provide an authentic learning environment where high-profile leaders share with participants the confidential lessons & insights that shaped their lives.

Introducing our Spring 2023 Faculty!

Darrell Hines, Bishop, Christian Faith Fellowship Church
Pamela Hines, Pastor, Christian Faith Fellowship Church
Austin Ramirez, CEO, Husco International
JoAnne Anton, Director of Charitable Giving, Herb Kohl Philanthropies
David Gruber, Attorney, Owner, Gruber Law Offices
George Oliver, CEO, Johnson Controls
Cordero Barkley, Partner, TitleTowntech
Kevin Conroy, CEO, Exact Sciences

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.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply today.

Example letter to your employer here.

Sessions are held every Thursday for six weeks.

Our Spring 2023 cohort begins on Thursday, April 27th.

Sessions:

April 27, In-person session in Madison 8 AM – 8 PM
May 4, Virtual 3 PM – 6PM
May 11, Virtual 3 PM – 6 PM
May 18, Virtual 3 PM – 6PM
May 25, Virtual 3 PM – 6PM
June 1, In-person session in Milwaukee, 8 AM – 8PM

We are currently offering the entire six-week program for $3,000, which includes all program materials.

Four Marquette University scholarship credits that may be applied to the Master in Business Administration (MBA) or Master’s in Public Service programs ($5,000 Value).

-Four Marquette University scholarship credits that may be applied to the Master in Business Administration (MBA) or Master’s in Public Service programs ($5,000 Value).
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– Complimentary 6 month membership to Rotary ($800 Value)
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– Exclusive networking opportunities, and special alumni content designed to continue fostering the growth of Wisconsin’s next generation of leaders ($1,500 Value)

The Forward 48 Experience

Unprecedented Access

Forward 48 attracts passionate and purpose-driven professionals that believe in change. We dive deep into social and civic challenges, spark meaningful dialogue, and develop the relationships needed to drive actual change in our communities.

Authentic Connections

Being a part of the Forward 48 network gets you in front of today’s most impactful civic leaders and surrounded by the next generation of change-makers from across the region.

Unforgettable Experience

In just 6 weeks, you’ll get a “behind the scenes” look into how cities grow, communities change, and people get big things done. After that, you’re in the network – joining us for exclusive alumni events with an ever-growing group of incredible people.

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

Announcing

THE Spring 2023 Faculty

Cordero Barkley

Partner at Titletowntech

George Oliver

CEO at Johnson Controls

Darrell Hines

Bishop & Founder at Christian Faith Fellowship Church

Pamela Hines

Pastor & Founder at Christian Faith Fellowship Church

David Gruber

Founder at Gruber Law Offices

JoAnne Anton

Director of Giving at Herb Kohl Philanthropies

Austin Ramirez

CEO at Husco International

Learn what 100+ companies already know

Don't just take our word for it,
hear what our alumni's have to say:

"Forward 48 gave me a greater understanding of the existing and future leaders in Milwaukee, which increased tremendously my appreciation of this city. Forward 48 also helped me gain a better understanding of inclusive leadership and small actions we can all take to live a more inclusive life and build a more inclusive city.”

“I appreciated the diversity of thought, the connections to incredible professionals, and a refreshing way to spend time on my own growth and development each week. The Forward 48 team went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a voice and felt welcomed. I highly recommend this experience!”

"The Forward 48 program provides unparalleled exposure to some of the region's top current leaders as well as the chance to collaborate with like minded, rising leaders looking to promote change throughout the community. The program will not only inspire you to do "more" but also give you some tools and connections which are necessary to do so.”

“Forward 48 blew away all of my expectations. This program not only brings together current and future Milwaukee leaders to share their unique perspectives and experiences — it also successfully offers a core curriculum building upon key leadership skills, providing the tools for continued development. Forward 48 sessions were much more than a typical classroom. Our cohort quickly grew into an organic network, providing a comfortable space for bonding and support, but – importantly - also encouraged us to listen, learn from each other, and grow. I highly recommend Forward 48 and will always value the relationships built and lessons learned. Thank you!”