Wisconsin has never had a talent problem; we have the drive, the vision, and the work ethic. However, we do have a connection problem. Too often, our state’s best and brightest stay tucked away in their own professional bubbles, divided by city lines, industry silos, and generational gaps. We tend to operate in our own corners of Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton or the Fox Valley, rarely crossing paths long enough to build something meaningful together. But the truth is simple: Wisconsin is better when its best people actually know each other.
Bridging the Gap Between Cities
This is why Forward 48 exists. It isn’t just another networking group or a standard leadership seminar; it’s designed as a piece of human infrastructure. By intentionally bringing together leaders from Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, and Green Bay, we are creating the connective tissue our state needs to move forward.
Our Spring 2026 cohort was a living example of this. We kicked off at the Trout Museum of Art in Appleton and spent six weeks traveling through the heart of our communities. Our journey took us from the historic Pfister Hotel to the vibrant energy of ThriveOn King in Milwaukee, finally closing at the Pyle Center in Madison.
The room actually looked like Wisconsin. We had participants ranging from age 23 to 53, spanning healthcare, tech, government, the arts, and real estate. We saw first-generation college grads sitting across from third-generation business owners. In any other setting, these people might never have met. In this setting, they became a cohort.
The Personal Shift
When you strip away the titles and the industry jargon, you’re left with real people working through real challenges. The impact of that kind of environment is hard to overstate.
“Forward 48 has opened my eyes to my own leadership capabilities, has inspired me to engage in my community, and has brought people into my life that I would have never met otherwise. It’s been one of the best leadership experiences of my life.”
— Jamie Rudie, Learning & Development Specialist, U.S. Venture
If you are ready to stop operating in a bubble and start building, Forward 48 is the catalyst you need. This 6-week cohort is more than networking; it’s an immersive, unique experience designed to stretch your leadership perspective. You will engage in direct dialogue with state visionaries, and step into environments that challenge your comfort zone.
We aren’t looking for specific titles; we are looking for leaders ready to move Wisconsin forward. Because we keep our cohorts intimate to ensure deep, meaningful connections, spots are limited. We encourage early applications to secure your place.
[Apply for the Fall 2026 Cohort]
More Than a Program: A Network
As the Spring 2026 cohort joined our alumni network, they became part of something much larger: a 560-strong community of leaders who are actively shaping the future of this state. We are building a network of people who believe that our geography shouldn’t be a barrier to our collective success. We are proving that when we bridge the gaps between our cities and our sectors, we all win.
Join Us for Fall 2026
The work continues this fall. Early bird applications and nominations for our next cohort are now open. If you know an emerging leader who is ready to step out of their silo and help move Wisconsin forward, we want to meet them.
If that leader is you, it’s time to apply.
Fall 2026 Cohort Dates
- Thursday, October 15: 1:00 to 6:00 PM (plus travel time)
- Thursday, October 22: 2:00 to 5:00 PM (plus travel time)
- Thursday, October 29: 2:00 to 5:00 PM (plus travel time)
- Thursday, November 5: 2:00 to 5:00 PM (plus travel time)
- Thursday, November 12: 2:00 to 5:00 PM (plus travel time)
- Thursday, November 19: 1:00 to 6:00 PM (plus travel time)
Apply by August 15 to receive a 10% early bird tuition.
The Fall 2026 cohort is expected to fill quickly, and this early pricing is only available for a limited time. If Forward 48 has been on your radar, now is the best time to take the next step.
[Nominate a Leader for Fall 2026] [Apply for the Fall 2026 Cohort]