2022 Community Report

Community Report 2022

MKE Fellows is a powerful initiative offering support to academically talented African-American young men in Wisconsin to ensure that they graduate from college prepared for career success.

Our Mission Our Vision

The primary goal of MKE Fellows is the creation of a vibrant pipeline of young, African-American male college graduates ready to return to Wisconsin to excel in their careers, build wealth, and become engaged servant leaders that will be emulated by others.

Dear Friends and Supporters of the MKE Fellows,

Milestones come and go, some more significant than others. When a turning point in the growth and development of an organization occurs, that defining moment merits pause for reflection and appreciation. At the pinnacle of achievement, there is a revelation of comprehension.

2022 has been that year for the MKE Fellows.  By any standard, the year has been phenomenally progressive. For the Fellows program, now a full decade into implementation, those standards are defined by the Hall of Fame, Olympians, World Champions, CEO’s, Presidents, History Makers, and America’s most distinguished and influential business leaders, corporate icons, and sports figures they encounter. These are the highest levels of accomplishment which embrace, nurture, and advance the next leaders of our generation through the MKE Fellows experience.

First and foremost, we sincerely thank the many friends and sponsors who have allowed us to grow and develop as an organization. Without the life blood you supply through financial, professional development, mentoring, and program support, this bridge to prosperity could not have been built. Our corporate and community partnership enhances and amplifies the collective resources being leveraged to open the entire career spectrum to these young men. The platform upon which we stand has been reinforced through demonstrated leadership in your industry and among your peers. Our partnership provides clear evidence of your committed support for a bright Wisconsin future.

Google, BlackRock, MIT, Harvard, Pro Football Hall of Fame, American Express, PGA of America and other widely recognized corporations and organizations now advise, intern, mentor, or employ multiple MKE Fellows graduates as proof of the initiative’s authenticity. By design, MKE Fellows are emerging as thought leaders with organizations like Church Mutual, RW Baird, Morgan Stanley, Advocate Aurora, BMO Harris, and many others. Our educational partnerships have never been stronger as evidenced by the impact of the “Lead Generation” program with Cardinal Stritch, MATC, and MPS. Marquette University was instrumental in participating in the SACP data analytics project which bought the former star to the doors of the NCAA Hall of Fame and back to Wisconsin to celebrate Butch Lee Day in Milwaukee. We launched or expanded initiatives with UW-Green Bay, Lakeland College in Sheboygan, and Edgewood College in Madison. The MKE Fellows program now boasts of over 185 collegiate scholars matriculating around the country from HBCU’s to the Ivy League. We take exceptional pride in those young men who have chosen to remain in-state and complete their degrees on one of Wisconsin’s many outstanding collegiate campuses. Gratefully,

John W. Daniels, III President & Director of MKE Fellows

MKE Fellows is a well-documented, growing youth leadership initiative providing support to Wisconsin’s talented and ambitious young African-American men designed to facilitate academic excellence, degree completion, and career and vocational preparedness never veering from commitment to community. The phenomenal success of the Fellows initiative has been evidenced in its ability to respond to today’s urgent social and health conditions while engaging Wisconsin communities most affected by these calamities. As an example, when the pandemic caused a disruption in academic services to MPS students, the MKE Fellows responded by creating the Five Pillars Tutoring Program – a collaboration between Marquette University, the Milwaukee Links and Henry Aaron’s Chasing the Dream Foundation – to successfully provide virtual tutoring and instruction to students at Ralph Metcalfe School in the heart of Milwaukee.

Civic Engagement

MKE Fellows model provides meaningful opportunities to develop social relationships and business networks that will help students secure a job AND build a career. Fellows participate in “Lunch and Learn” events hosted by corporate and civic organizations as well as social events including the Fellowship Open, Summerfest, and more! Not only that, but our cohort mentality helps students connect with each other on a personal level providing peer-to-peer mentorship relationships that will benefit them as they continue along in their careers while retaining bridges to maintain the integrity of our talented city leaders.

Mentorship

Each Fellow is paired with a volunteer leader from the community who serves as a dedicated mentor providing career guidance and leadership advice. Fellows also have opportunities to meet successful professionals across a range of careers and consult with dedicated program staff as they navigate through the program.

MKE Fellows Five Pillars of Success Internships & Job Experience

MKE Fellows are paired with Wisconsin companies that offer paid internships that help them gain on-the-job experience, build professional networks, and present fresh perspectives to company teams & cultures.

Through a vibrant network of commited businesses, corporations, civic, and community organizations, these young scholars are awarded internships and career options post graduation. This career advancement aspect of their individual professional development highlights the distintiveness of MKE Fellows and quantitatively demonstrates our succcess through these sustained, commited partnerships.

Careers & Professional Development Scholarship Opportunities

Earn merit-based book scholarships to help with academic materials. MKE Fellows has emergency funds to provide support to Fellows in emergency circumstances. Outstanding leaders also win awards, medals, and special gifts.

Professional Development

Through experiential and engaging summer workshops Fellows learn about networking, interviewing, prioritzing, resume building, elevator speeches, conflict management, time management, stress management, use of technology, leadership skills, and other keys to a successful career. The MKE Fellows instills in their students the initiative to independent learning to signal employers that they are open to new experiences and are enthusiastic about continuing to grow.

Mentorship

Since its inception, MKE Fellows has utilized an intentional, personal, multi-faceted mentorship approach. Informally, community leaders have provided one-on-one interaction with many of the students leading to deep personal relationships. The development of these life-changing relationships underscores the program’s value and effectiveness. The MKE Fellows are particularly fortunate in partnering with major companies and community groups that provide professional mentors, many of whom have comparable developmental experiences along their own chosen paths. Combined with their enormous diversity of backgrounds and exposure to a wide range of career options, MKE Fellows has developed an elaborate system of tracking and coordinating these mentors/mentee through a 360-degree feedback mechanism.

Civic Engagement

One of the profound benefits of this game-changing program is that it tends to encourage other young professionals towards Community Engagement both social and business related. Community goals meet where the MKE Fellows program begins. Their desire to address the issues of the current day abounds in every field of endeavor. The increasing ability to manage these challenges depends on the ability to cast a wide net across a diverse constituency. Demonstrated by their own current growing desire to give back, the MKE Fellows initiative awakens in the heart of each student a personal sense of Civic commitment and moves the group to collectively address inclusive solutions and future prosperity for our communities.

Fellows Assist in Planning/ Execution of Black Arts Fest MKE, Black & White Ball

Revitalizing a Milwaukee Tradition with Fellows Thought Leaders, Influencers, and Volunteers Culture, artistic performance, and community enrichment were all on prominent display during Black Arts Fest MKE, celebrated by thousands at Henry Maier Festival Park on the shores of Lake Michigan this summer. An important community-unifying event on Milwaukee’s Black events calendar, this year’s Black Arts Fest MKE was augmented by the contribution and on the ground participation of the MKE Fellows. Dovetailing purposefully with the MKE Fellows core principle of Civic Engagement, on one of the few occasions for African Americans to gather and celebrate on Milwaukee’s lakefront, the Fellows were there to set up booths, host the MKE Fellows Center, and provide strategic input as part of the planning committee all summer long. The MKE Fellows model is centered upon Civic Engagement at all levels of social interface – including and extending beyond galas, premieres, sporting events, and civic activities which continue to engage and empower our community. Notably, the Fellows also served as hosts at the Greater Milwaukee Urban League 38th Annual Black & White Ball helping to greet more than 1200 attendees at the Wisconsin Center in support of the outstanding work of the Milwaukee branch of the Urban League.

MKE Fellows selected as Field Immersion Project Partner for Harvard Business School

MKE Fellows recently had the opportunity to host a team of students from Harvard Business School in Milwaukee for one week as part of a required course called the FIELD Immersion. MKE Fellows was one of 171 FIELD Immersion Project Partners spanning 15 cities across 15 states. Together these Partners combined to host more than 1,000 Harvard Business School students in all.

The FIELD Immersion is a course designed to strengthen and develop students’ ability to manage and operate effectively in a variety of business contexts. MKE Fellows executives had been working with the team remotely in the months leading up to their arrival. While here, the students pitched their ideas to the leadership team, conducted field research with consumers around Milwaukee and presented their final recommendations to management. The purpose of this immersive experience is to provide students with the opportunity to ’learn by doing’ through the challenge of introducing a new product, service or customer experience for their Partner company. This requires students to also focus on building contextual intelligence and team effectiveness skills while delivering value in an unfamiliar context. Harvard is quick to acknowledge that this important learning experience would not be possible without the Project Partners.

“We are extremely grateful to the MKE Fellows and all the FIELD Immersion Project Partners organizations for all they do on behalf of our students,” said Carrie Elkins, Professor of Business Administration and Faculty Chair for the FIELD Immersion. “The students benefit immeasurably from this experience and we hope the partner organizations do as well.”

1st Fellowship Open Youth Tournament

Opportunities for junior golfers to compete in well-run tournaments throughout Wisconsin have exploded in recent years, thanks in large part to various programs administered by the Wisconsin PGA Section.

In partnership with The Fellowship Open, the MKE Fellows, WeBlackWeGolf, Kappa League, First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin and PGA REACH Wisconsin will host the inaugural Fellowship Youth Open on Aug. 12 at Currie Park Golf Course in Wauwatosa.

The Fellowship Youth Open is an 18-hole stroke-play tournament open to youths ages 14-18 who reside or attend high school in Milwaukee.

Top finishers in each division were invited to play in The Fellowship Open on Aug. 19 at Silver Spring Golf Club in Menomonee Falls.

For 22 years, friends and supporters dedicated to serving young people in Milwaukee have gathered at The Fellowship Open. They share the core mission to acknowledge exceptional achievement and

John

MKE

recognize outstanding leadership in promoting diversity, inclusion and youth empowerment.

“I think golf in and of itself is important because of the networking aspect of it,” said Richard Badger, director of WeBlackWeGolf. “With this event, the ultimate goal is to introduce and expose youths to corporate leaders. The Fellowship Open draws a lot of corporate leaders, not just from Milwaukee but from all around the country.

“This event will help expose kids from this area to other individuals who have grown up in similar communities. It shows them that though you come from a certain place, there are opportunities available to you. Golf becomes one of those opportunities.”

“We’re hoping that we get a great response,” Badger said. “But we definitely know it’s going to be a continuum, so years down the road we anticipate this possibly being one of the largest youth tournaments.”

“Our efforts to engage a broad diversity of Milwaukee’s young people have gained phenomenal traction and next-level status with this inaugural youth golf initiative,”

W. Daniels III

Fellows President

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Names Fellows Official Partner

Over the past few years, MKE Fellows engagement with United Way has increased dramatically. From serving as a host orientation site to a formal employment partnership, we are excited to continue to share resources and empowerment efforts with United Way Worldwide in coming years. This strategic MKE Fellows and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County alliance marks notable empowerment and engagement commitment and progress.

“As we continue to fight for racial equity, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County is committed to support the work on the ground that makes things move. We have been delighted to host a MKE Fellows intern for the past several summers and are excited and encouraged with the measurable progress we’ve already witnessed. This cooperative agreement meand tremendous enrichment for our families and comunities in need.”

President and CEO Amy Lindner

As an official partner with United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, the MKE Fellows become a powerful agent of engagement for a much broader community in support of the corps of academically-talented African American males returning to employment and community service in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.

The Fellowship Open, Inc. was also selected as national advisor for a project outside of Wisconsin based on the measurable success of the MKE Fellows model.

IT Scholars Program

In partnership with Northcentral Technical College (NTC) and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and MKE Fellows and Lakeland University, Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., based in Merrill, is proud to offer the Information Technology Scholars Program.

About the Program

Provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors aspiring for a career in information technology. Two programs are available:

Enroll in a computer science-related course of study at Northcentral Technical College. Upon completion of this program, then transfer with the approval of Church Mutual to complete a bachelor's degree in an IT program at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Enroll in a computer science-related course of study at Lakeland University.

In exchange for the education assistance provided, participants agree to work in Church Mutual's Information Technology Department on a part-time basis while in school, and upon graduation, transition to full-time employment, serving one year for every one year (minimum two semesters) of financial assistance provided.

Northwestern Mutual

College

Financial Representative

An internship with Northwestern Mutual provides college students with more than just a foot in the door—it’s an opportunity to jumpstart their careers while making meaningful professional connections and collaborating with mentors.

Call on potential clients and set meetings to understand their financial goals

Build your client base through prospecting and Networking

Prepare plans and offer useful recommendations

Capturing History: Fellows Filmmakers Document Butler’s Journey to HOF

MKE Fellows Justin Carr, a film and arts major at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and Nathanael “Squeaky” Washington, Fellows alum, sports management major, and graduate of Nova Southeastern University, have been in creative lockstep with recently inducted NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler for the past two years. With multiple cameras and microphones in hand, Justin and Squeaky have captured on-the-road and behind-the-scenes footage of Butler’s emotional journey to enshrinement in Canton, Ohio, as well as numerous special appearances and speaking engagements with the former Green Bay Packers Super Bowl Champion.

Just as #36 leapt iconically into the Lambeau Field stands, his story of overcoming poverty and adversity has jumpstarted our hearts. LeRoy’s nurturing personality casts a giant shadow of desire to positively impact the lives of young people just as he impacted the game of football. His Butler vs. Bullying program generates face-to-face time with students throughout Wisconsin revealing his

bullying and harassment in school. Mr. Butler was recognized

When LeRoy received official notice of HOF induction, he chose to engage the MKE Fellows as the official film crew for preparatory trips, the excursion to Canton, and designation as official media crew for his nationally televised Pro Football Hall of Fame “Ring of Excellence” ceremony at historic Lambeau Field.

As photographers and videographers, Justin and Squeaky’s creative and technical skills continue to blossom. As artists and founders of Cotation Mark, Inc., their ability to work cohesively with storytellers, social media thought-leaders, and today’s communicators toward goals of empowerment and inclusion are defining them as exceptional MKE Fellows and extraordinary men.

own personal struggles of constant

as the 2021 Fellowship Open Legends Honoree.

Is there a Doctor in the House?

In celebration of our ten-year anniversary and a full decade of empowering engagement, the MKE Fellows take great pride in saluting the remarkable accomplishments of each and every young man who has matriculated through the MKE Fellows professional and leadership development initiative. Since the launch of the pilot program in 2012, which started at Morehouse College with 10 young men, we have engaged more than 275 African American collegiate scholars and proudly salute the over 100 and growing number of graduates among an astounding 80% of black males achieving four-year degree completion as a result of their time in the program.

We proudly acknowledge the accomplishments of our MKE Fellows in the legal profession. A number of J.D.’s have returned to work as both legal counsel for Wisconsin businesses and in private practice. That tradition continues in 2022 with Kyle Williams studying at UW Law School after serving in the military. We also salute our Doctors of Theology (Th.D.’s) who are using their moral compasses to guide many through spiritual and personal development journeys.

This year we exuberantly welcome our first Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT.) MKE Fellow Maurice Lucre, who studied at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, after interning with several Wisconsin companies has successfully completed his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy.

“There is a tremendous shortage of African American professionals in this field, I am thrilled to see Maurice walk across the stage and to begin his next journey. I am also optimistic that he will be able to open doors for others interested in the medical profession to follow suit.”

Vincent Lyles, System Vice President of Community Relations at Advocate Aurora

Maurice Lucre stands as a shining example of the tenets of the MKE Fellows core principles of Civic Engagement and Mentorship. His smile and future are noticeably bright as he shares his own personal sojourn with other attentive young men and we continue to feed and strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce with a robust pipeline of prepared, motivated, and community-focused leaders of tomorrow.

Google Me!

Fast Start, Measurable Results, Bright Future: An MKE Fellows Super Star

“MBraced Culture” brand including a session on financial planning and fiduciary management with mentor Nick Walls, Managing Director with an entity of Northwestern Mutual. Measurable results fueled by dedicated effort providing clear evidence of the veracity of the MKE Fellows model and another home run for the MKE Fellows record books. Congratulations, Braylon!

Fellows Spolight

DePaul University graduate Braylen Stevens is now working smart at Google Headquarters in California. His progressive developmental experience with the MKE Fellows prepared him for this amazing career opportunity in their scouting department and has resulted in Braylen being quickly identified by coworkers as thoroughly prepared. Those who know Braylen praise him as a multi-talented artist, visionary, and innovative entrepreneur. Before heading west, Braylen made sure to give back to the Milwaukee community and the MKE Fellows by producing pop-up empowerment and professional development events through his

Juan Hogans is a young entrepreneur who started his very own apparel brand, King Boss Inc. In his senior year at Brown Deer High School, he was

Fellowship Open: Dr. John Carlos and Loyola Project Screening

Highlight Discussion

“A

Podium for Civil Rights Exchange: Mexico City to Milwaukee.

”

During Black History Month, Fellowship Open weekend, and throughout the year, the MKE Fellows historically salute individuals and organizations who have demonstrated superior leadership and community service especially in the face of global social and health challenges. Through the annual Fellowship Open golf event in August, many legendary Hall of Famers, World Champions, and Olympians have been recognized including Hank Aaron, Oscar Robertson, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Senator Herb Kohl, Frank Robinson, Drs. Tommie Smith and John Carlos, Willie Davis, LeRoy Butler, MLB Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig, and many, many other distinguished Wisconsin benefactors. In the spirit of Black History Month and in execution of Career & Professional Development – one of the five core pillars upon which the MKE Fellows initiative is founded – the series of events served to highlight the phenomenal growth and expansion of the MKE Fellows program, establish a vibrant hub and training center designed specifically for practical application and skill development in the business world, and showcase many of Wisconsin’s most iconic athletic figures in Butch Lee, LeRoy Butler and many others.

At the Fellowship Open Charity Golf Event in August, the presence of 1968 Olympian and Civil Rights Champion Dr. John Carlos brought the year in review to a decidedly significant point of discussion. His remarks at the awards luncheon, followed by a screening of the nationally acclaimed documentary film “The Loyola Project” brought meaningful and animated discussion examining social conditions in Milwaukee and exploring new ways and thoughts to address ongoing issues of racism and exclusion. In the history of the Fellowship Open event, amidst scholars and entrepreneurs, elected officials, corporate and business leaders, community constituents and youth advocates, special guests, and influencers from around the country and the state gathered together at Silver Spring Golf Club, the 2022 Fellowship Open stands atop the podium as one of the most powerful and significant in the event’s long history.

Lead Generation: Dramatic Improvement In Milwaukee Student Academic Performance

Test Score and Grade Advancement Driven by Cultural and Behavioral Factors

Lead Generation is a pilot project designed to dramatically improve the ACT scores of students in this community and introduce them to a variety of careers in financial services and healthcare. The project is a collaboration of nationally acclaimed t.Lab accelerated learning program, together with local partners Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), ALIVE, Inc., and Cardinal Stritch University. The t.Lab model has demonstrated exceptionally robust performance metrics and bringing access and implementation to Milwaukee promises an outstanding opportunity to help students. Industry experts were amazed by the data showing such exceptional improvement in scores reported from the pilot project.

It is widely acknowledged that healthcare is among the most important growth industries in the country. Lead Generation students are introduced to vocational opportunities in the academic,clinical, business, and administrative sides of the industry. By engaging students in actual presentations by healthcare professionals who delve into the expanse and variety of career options, a developmental perspective and professional plan are stimulated. The project stimulates student academic achievement through facilitating a real-life connection and bridge to career success. The project also encompasses a secondary vertical in financial services and fiduciary management.

“The primary hurdles and roadblocks to realizing academic competence and mastery are discipline, parental involvement, and a rigorous and relevant curriculum based on market forces,” noted t.Lab Founder and CEO, Dr. Clarence Nixon. “Thus a holistic engagement model addressing the behavior modification, cultural, and applicable relevance aspects of our academic acceleration plan must effectively and swiftly address and overcome these dynamics. The t.Lab model has effectively accomplished those objectives since inception and we eagerly look forward to expanding opportunities for student growth and enrichment in Milwaukee.”

MKE Fellows Alumni Network Class #1 to Host “In the ATL” Event

Morehouse Men Step Up: First Cohort to Ensure Vitality/Viability of Fellows On-Campus

Ten years ago on college signing day, fueled, nurtured, and bolstered by the support of MKE Fellows benefactors and designers Skip Poliner, Charles Harvey, and John W. Daniels, Jr., a group of 10 young men set off on an amazing adventure of enrichment and inspiration launched on the campus of Atlanta’s historic Morehouse College. Upon graduation four years later, several of the original 10 returned to Milwaukee to work and serve in the community while others from that first cohort accepted employment offers or pursued post-graduate academic studies and remained in the Greater Atlanta area.

To ensure that the connection remained vibrant, the first cohort of MKE Fellows Morehouse men elected to gather with incoming MKE Fellows students serving as mentors and big brothers. Devon Ellis, one of the original MKE Fellows cohort members, now a Finance Analyst at BlackRock, Inc., never lost the bond to his hometown. “While Atlanta has afforded me the opportunity to develop my skills, hone my talents, and enlarge my career options, Milwaukee nourished me from the beginning,” Devon reflected. “The MKE Fellows found me and molded me through the Fellows program. Milwaukee will always be my home.”

MKE Fellows Alums continue to find effective and unique ways to give back to new Fellows by providing essential support in navigating their collegiate academic journeys through mentoring, counseling, and professional development guidance. The potent inner circle and subsequent MKE Fellows resource base continue to strengthen and expand progressively. Data analytics, wealth management, medical and academic professionals – the doctors, lawyers, business leaders, community servants, thought leaders, and visionary professionals being generated through MKE Fellows partnerships have become phenomenal representatives of educational and community advancement. MKE Fellows Alums still based in Georgia have picked up the baton establishing a dedicated source of support for new Fellows cohorts in the AUC community.

Fellows Spolight

Emmanuel Akpan

Industrial Engineering Student University of Wisconsin-Madison

Intern as a Quality Engineering Co-op with Sub-Zero Group, Inc. In this cooperative education program offered through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Emmanuel is working on-site with the Range Business Unit Team Wolf Appliance, Co. to help improve the quality of products and optimize production processes.

“It has been a rewarding expirience to apply concepts learned in class to real world manufacturing situations. The engaging projects I work on in this role continue to teach me the importance of developing creative problem solving strategies, receiving feedback from the customers, and utilizing the resources available optimally”

Billye Aaron: A Game Changer’s Blueprint

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Aaron help to create MKE Fellows

Fellows and staff were privileged to soak in the sage wisdom of Mrs. Billye Aaron as we ‘represented’ during her most recent appearance in Milwaukee. Keynoting the inaugural ‘Employ Milwaukee’ fundraiser luncheon before an enraptured audience of hundreds at the University Club, Mrs. Aaron provided intimate insight into her personal and professional triumphs in the face of adversity and exclusion. Henry and Billye Aaron have been supporters of the Fellowship Open and MKE

Fellows for many years.

After receiving a fellowship to attend Atlanta University in Georgia, Mrs. Aaron graduated with her M.A. and continued post-graduate studies at the University of California at Berkeley. She taught in the Atlanta public school system, at Spelman College, Morehouse College, South Carolina State College, and Morris Brown College. She became the first African American woman in the southeast to co-host a daily, hour-long talk show. Masterfully, she guided us through a career of literary, academic, and broadcasting accomplishments which at times was compelling and often mesmerizing. From a practical application standpoint and founded upon the MKE Fellows core principles of Career & Professional Development, and Mentoring, Mrs. Aaron’s perspective and tale of adaptive achievement delivered awareness and inspiration to the young communicators gathered to take heed of her knowledge. These perspective-changing, idea-generating, personal and professional development exposures are what we produce throughout the MKE Fellows holistic, immersive leadership experience. We seek out and embrace those who have walked the path of greatness and continue to sow seeds into the boldness, courage, and compassion of each and every MKE Fellow. Profoundly meaningful, actionable, and historical, this model of preparedness and development is the precise blueprint which has earned national attention and expansion for the MKE Fellows program. With all of our hearts, the MKE Fellows gratefully thank Billye Aaron for a lifetime of continuous support, benevolence, and guidance in preparing America’s next generation of young black leaders.

Fellows Spolight

Justin Greenlee

Justin Greenlee used his summer to get ready for this upcoming basketball season and spend time with the Milwaukee Bucks. Greenlee had an internship for Milwaukee Bucks Inc. as a Corporate Social Responsibility Intern. As an intern, Greenlee did more than just learn from some of the best in the business. He was able to execute and initiate more than 10 projects dealing with education, empowerment, health and wellness, civic engagement, and justice reform.

“I decided to pursue this internship because I have always known that I wanted to work in sports and knew this would be a great opportunity to gain knowledge and experience from a top tier organization”

Concordia University Chicago

Associated Bank Center for Professional Development (ABC4PD)

ABC4PD Provides Practical Application, Environment, and Functional Skill Set Development

Associated Bank has served as a major corporate sponsor for the annual Fellowship Open golf event for many years and has been an MKE Fellows foundational supporter since its inception a decade ago. The provision of professional office space to enhance and bolster the training, guidance, mentorship, and professional development of the state’s next corps of leaders is a tactical exercise with strategic business intent. Financial literacy, asset management, and wealth-building capacity are skills critical to future prosperity and vital to securing the ability to compete as individuals and as a community.

“We are tremendously excited that our long-standing relationship and committed partnership with Associated Bank has resulted in the creation of a living and breathing professional development training center for Wisconsin’s future leaders,” said John W. Daniels III, MKE Fellows President. “We are equally thrilled that the occasion has allowed a poignant moment to capture and salute one of Milwaukee’s most beloved sons, current Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and give our kids a chance to meet him, as we continue to plant seeds of excellence and unveil an innovative and pragmatic blueprint for Wisconsin’s future economic prosperity, technologicalproficiency, and social equity.”

The MKE Fellows Associated Bank Center for Professional Development (ABC4PD) provides a vital brick-and-mortar component essential to success in the business world. An ideal backdrop for the practice and advancement of vocational and career skills, tomorrow’s burgeoning professionals, business leaders, and young executives will benefit enormously from the creation of this learning and practical application space. Academically prepared MKE Fellows will now gain direct access to resources and experiences which will immediately bolster and broaden their individual skill sets maximizing their opportunity to explore and succeed in every field of human endeavor. This corporate business space delivers an energy and buzz experienced by every MKE Fellow who walks through the door.

Building skills, changing perspective, and creating opportunities accurately describes the fundamental purposes of the ABC4PD. A myriad of progressive and business-related activities will be instituted as part of the core strategy designed purposefully to enhance the growth of young professionals with the express intent of readiness to enter the working world post-graduation.

Fellows Spolight

Bryson Patrick Kellen Sharp

Grambling University Junior The University of Texas at Austin

Bryson Patrick, junior at Grambling University, was elected as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. The National Society of Leadership and Success is the nation’s largest leadership honor society. Students are selected by their college for membership based on either academic standing or leadership potential.

Kellen Sharp graduated from UW-Madison in 2022, where he majored in Communication Arts: radio, TV, film, communication and media studies. Kellen is now attending The University of Texas at Austin where he is working towards a Masters in Communication and Media Studies.

Malachi Crenshaw

UW-Platteville Senior

Malachi Crenshaw is currently a senior at UW-Platteville, and he has managed to secure a job before graduating! He has recetly accepted a new job opportunity at Billerud, as an Environmental Engineer Co-Op. Billerud provides paper and packaging materials that challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future.

Career

Fellows Data Analytics Initiative Leads Push to HOF for Marquette Legend Butch Lee

Development Project Launches Data Scientists into Technological Universe

In celebration of Black History Month, the MKE Fellows hosted former Marquette University All American basketball phenom Alfred “Butch” Lee, Jr., Naismith, AP, and UPI college player of the year, 1977 NCAA MVP champion, and one of Marquette’s greatest sports heroes. Recognition of Mr. Lee was part of a weekend-long salute to excellence and achievement highlighted during the annual Marquette University Alumni weekend and saluted publicly as “Butch Lee Day” at the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new MKE Fellows Associated Bank Center for Professional Development (ABC4PD) in downtown Milwaukee.

Alfred “Butch” Lee, Jr. is a native of Puerto Rico and still resides in San Juan. He won the 1977 NCAA championship with Coach Al McGuire as the tournament’s most outstanding player. After graduation, Lee was drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks and went on to spend three years in the league with the Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers winning an NBA championship ring while in LA with Kareem and Magic. Lee is recognized as the first Hispanic player ever to be drafted and play in the NBA. One of Marquette’s most legendary players and favorite sons, his iconic #15 jersey has been retired and hangs in the rafters of the Fiserv Forum.

While in Milwaukee, Butch attended games, toured campus athletic and technological facilities, spoke to Coach Shaka Smart and the Marquette men’s basketball team, and met with the students and faculty from the MKE Fellows Sports Analytics Club Program (SACP) at Golda Meir School. All year long, those young MPS students, in partnership with Marquette University, have been building Mr. Lee’s portfolio to support his induction into the NCAA Hall of Fame. That case study was submitted successfully to the NCAA HOF for 2023 enshrinement consideration. Many of Milwaukee’s most influential business, academic, professional sports, broadcast media, and community leaders including Mayor Cavalier Johnson were present for official acknowledgement of “Butch Lee Day” in Milwaukee.

Among those Golden Eagle alums present-and-accounted-for, somewhere amidst the rabid student section at a packed and electric Fiserv Forum, was proud Marquette alum, Chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises, Marcus Lemonis. Screaming into fanaticism, Marcus was on hand to witness the deafening ovation for Butch Lee’s emotional

had many highlights during my time here at Marquette. Seeing Marquette alums from around the world rising in thunderous applause to salute one of our greatest sports legends is something that stands near the very top. I will never forget this monumental experience.”

Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises

return to Milwaukee. Former Marquette basketball star Bo Ellis and former President of the Marquette Alumni Association Valerie Wilson Reed joined Mr. Lemonis in the festivities further encouraging the Fellows to pursue their dreams in all vocational directions.

SACP is an acclaimed data analytics career track initiative with 14 high school clubs operating across the country. Launched in 2017 by a team of dedicated, influential thought leaders, academic advocates, and proponents of positive youth development, the project has grown exponentially as companies and communities continue to commit resources to enlarging a national base of data analysts throughout corporate America and within the executive leadership of major league sports. SACP is specifically modeled to engage high school students of color and steer them toward

careers as data scientists and research analysts, technological vocations where minority youth are disproportionately absent and untrained. The design was conceived to address inequity and unpreparedness in technological advancement. The program has received critical acclaim and partnered with some of the nation’s most respected institutions including MIT, the NFL, and Harvard University to pursue their mission of engagement and technological expertise. The MKE Fellows support two Wisconsin chapters in Green Bay and Milwaukee.

“I have

Ron Adams

Northwestern Mutual

Corry Joe Biddle

Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)

David Bowles

Creative Marketing Resources

Don Cohen

Landmark Credit Union (Retired)

Grady Crosby

Northwestern Mutual

Clifton Crump

City of Milwaukee

John Daniels, Jr.

Quarles & Brady, LLP (Retired)

Dr. Michelle Gee

University of Wisconsin Parkside

Daniel Geiger

Morgan Stanley

Cecilia Gore

Brewers Community Foundation

Ellen Gilligan

Greater Milwaukee Foundation (Retired)

Dr. Eve Hall

Urban League of Milwaukee

Peter Hammond

RW Baird

Bonnie Hoeft

RW Baird

Ralph Hollmon

Urban League of Milwaukee (Retired Executive Director)

Dr. George Koonce, Jr.

Marian University

Daniel Myers

Marquette University

Christy Nyemeck

Cardinal Stritch University

Lisa Olmer

Wells Fargo Bank

LaNelle Ramey

MENTOR Greater Milwaukee

Gerard Randall

Milwaukee Education Partnership

Shannon Reed

United Way Worldwide

Sabrina Robins

COO at AbaCor, an Abaxent Co.

Sande Robinson

Marquette University (Retired)

Dr. Kristina Ropella

Marquette University

Anthony Ross

Professor

Mark Sabljak

Milwaukee Film Festival

Julia Taylor

Greater Milwaukee Committee (Retired)

Brandon Wigley

Bader Philanthropies

Billy Young Advisor

Advisory Board Program Staff

Thank You!

To the members of the MKE Fellows and our partners, thank you.

To our staff who work tirelessly networking and raising awareness of our mission, thank you. To our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and Shareholders who espose our mission around the globe, thank you.

To every member of our Fellows family who shows their support through social media posts and likes, donations, and other gifts, thank you. To every corporation, foundation, and partner who has made this year possible from the bottom of my heart, I Thank You!

John W. Daniels, III President & Director of MKE Fellows

Stay Connected with Us!

Follow us on: