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!
-
Session Structure
-
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
-
Instructors
-
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
-
Application Process
-
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.
-
Program Dates
-
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
-
Tuition
-
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).
-
Benefits
-
-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).
– Complimentary 6 month membership to Rotary ($800 Value)
– Exclusive networking opportunities, and special alumni content designed to continue fostering the growth of Wisconsin’s next generation of leaders ($1,500 Value)
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).
– Complimentary 6 month membership to Rotary ($800 Value)
– 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
Learn what 100+ companies already know












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




Demographically diverse
279 rising leaders have graduated from the forward 48 program
Racial Identity
Gender Identity
From Various Industries & Disciplines
67% Private Sector
- Technology
- Finance
- Legal
- Insurance
15% Non-profit sector
- Social Services
- Foundation
- Youth Development
- Arts
14% Public Sector
- Education
- Health
- Social Services
- Government
Reaching a robust civic engagement network
nonprofit boards
Reaching over 100 organizations















