COMMUNITY REPORT MKE FELLOWS
WE SEE THE FUTURE. IT IS VERY BRIGHT.
Advisory BoArd
Ronald Adams
Northwestern Mutual
Corry Joe Biddle
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)
David Bowles CMRignite
Don Cohen
Outreach Community Health Centers
Grady Crosby Northwestern Mutual
Clifton Crump City of Milwaukee
Attorney John Daniels, Jr. Quarles (Retired)
Dr. Michele Gee University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Daniel Geigler
Morgan Stanley
Cecelia Gore
Brewers Community Foundation
Ellen Gilligan
Greater Milwaukee Foundation (Retired)
Dr. Eve Hall
Greater Milwaukee Urban League
Peter Hammond
Baird
Bonnie Hoeft
Baird
Ralph Hollmon
Greater Milwaukee Urban League (Retired Executive Director)
Dr. George Koonce, Jr.
Marian University
Lisa Olmer
Wells Fargo Bank
LaNelle Ramey
MENTOR Greater Milwaukee
Gerard Randall Community Leader
Shannon Reed
United Way Worldwide
Sabrina Robins
AbaCor, an Abaxent Co.
Sande Robinson
Marquette University (Retired)
Dr. Kristina Ropella
Marquette University
Julia Taylor
Greater Milwaukee Committee (Retired)
Brandon Wigley
Bader Philanthropies, Inc.
Dear
Friends and Supporters of the MKE Fellows,
I am filled with immense gratitude to reflect on and share major highlights of an extraordinary year, one marked by remarkable achievements of our scholars and impactful milestones for the MKE Fellows program.
2025 was particularly special as the annual Fellowship Open golf tournament celebrated its silver anniversary. The event served as a powerful platform, highlighting the incredible accomplishments of our students and showcasing the organization’s profound impact over the past twenty-five years.
This report to the community is filled with inspiring stories that vividly encapsulate the five core pillars of the MKE Fellows experience: Professional Development, Mentorship, Internship, Scholarships, and Civic Engagement. Our Fellows, both current and alumni alike, are making a remarkable impact on their communities and I am eager to share just a few examples of their significant accomplishments in the pages that follow.
While we celebrate these successes, we remain acutely aware that the work is far from done, and the mission is essential in our ever changing world. As the impact of the MKE Fellows program and its scholars continues to grow and reverberate on a global scale, so too does the need for the program. We are driven by a growth mindset, determined to expand our reach and deepen our impact even further. Titled Mission 2030, our team has developed a five-year innovation schema designed to exponentially increase our program’s reach and enhance partnerships with our civic, corporate and community partners to continue to provide a quality experience to our scholars. With your continued and invaluable support, we are truly poised—and dare I say mandated, to do more, as we seek to empower the next generation of leaders to achieve their fullest potential.
As you continue to peruse this annual report, we are overjoyed to offer compelling excerpts of this forward moving movement; one best represented by our stories of progress realized and of communities strengthened by the talents and aspirations of our incredible Fellows.
Together, we are shaping a brighter future—one Fellow at a time. With gratitude,
John W. Daniels III Executive Director
The
ArT of JAzz: A MAsTerclAss wiTh wynTon MArsAlis
It’s often been said that art imitates life, and life imitates art. We witnessed art come to life in the performance of Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra,
illuminating the entire Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. As the trombones wailed and the trumpets sounded, the audience swayed, clapped, and cheered.
These joyous sounds were only reverberated by the generous hosting of Greg Marcus at the Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel. The post-concert reception, hosted in conjunction with the Milwaukee Fellows’ 25th anniversary, included not just a meet-and-greet but a
“talking teach.” Wynton Marsalis generously spent his time talking to every student in the room.
Milwaukee Fellows, some of whom were musicians, were enamored by the musicality of the Lincoln Center Orchestra. The ongoing conversations with Wynton Marsalis left an indelible mark on their lives as they continue to tune into their own score of following their dreams.
A weekend of hoops And heAlTh: All-sTAr weekend 2025
The buzz of All-Star Weekend 2025 in San Francisco and Oakland was electric, but beyond the slam dunks and three-point shootouts, a different kind of magic was happening. While the world watched the superstars on the court, a special group of students were busy making an impact.
On Saturday morning, six Milwaukee Fellows from diverse academic backgrounds—from Health Sciences to Computer Science and Business—teamed up with the National Basketball Retired Players Association to run a critical health clinic. They worked alongside Dr. Eric Johnson of Project EJ to serve the community and engage in meaningful discussions with retired NBA alumni about their post-career paths.
The students brought their unique skills to the clinic. The health profession majors seamlessly operated portable MRI’s, providing valuable diagnostics. Computer science students managed the digital intake system with efficiency, while business majors facilitated a LinkedIn boot camp, empowering attendees with professional development skills.
The Milwaukee Fellows’ weekend was more than just work. They had the opportunity to cheer on the Morehouse College team at the
HBCU game, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The highlight of their experience was spending dedicated time with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, who offered inspiring words and valuable career advice. It was a weekend that proved true success is measured not just in championships, but in the connections you make and the communities you serve.
A TrAdiTion of excellence: Beyond The Green wiTh The pGA
When people see the name Kohler, they often think of the world-renowned fixture company located just north of Milwaukee. That reputation for excellence holds true in the field of golf. From Whistling Straits and beyond, their courses are a beautiful setting where competitors and students alike can enjoy the game of golf.
While our previous joint event at Kohler included the world-renowned Ryder Cup tournament, this year’s trip was the launchpad for the Collegiate Championships. The Milwaukee Fellows and the PGA have long partnered for an event called “Beyond
the Green”—a celebration that a career in golf does not simply rest on a four iron and a pitching wedge. Rather, the professional opportunities in the field include a vast range of careers in Marketing, Law, Finance, and beyond.
At this year’s event, Milwaukee Fellows not only received instruction from golf professionals on the mechanics of their swing, but also heard from various PGA Pros about their front office experience. This provided a unique glimpse into the extensive and diverse career paths available within the world of golf.
A hoMecoMinG:
ArTisT chArly pAlMer reTurns To MilwAukee
There is nothing like a homecoming with impact. This was the experience for Charly Palmer as he returned home to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to accept the prestigious 2025 National Change Agent Award.
Palmer’s work has quite literally traveled the nation on a historic stamp he designed for the United States Postal Service, honoring the legal trailblazer Constance Baker Motley. This historic stamp embodies the very essence of trailblazing that has defined Charly’s life and career.
Beyond his iconic postal design, Charly is also celebrated as the illustrator of several publications and as the artist behind the cover of an album for music icon John Legend. His newest book, “The New Brownies’ Book: A Love Letter to Black Families” co-authored with his wife, Dr. Karida Brown, was the focus of the “Friends of the Fellowship” event.
But it was Charly’s time with the students of the Boys and Girls Club, a cherished partner organization, that truly illuminated his heart. As Milwaukee Fellows and the young club members created together, their bright smiles spoke louder than words. This was more than a simple painting session; it was a moment of “create and cultivate,” a legacy of inspiration passed from one artist to a new generation.
A leGAcy in The MAkinG:
MilwAukee fellows MeeT A civil riGhTs icon
"If you do not know your history, you are doomed to repeat it."
This powerful quote set the stage for a legendary opportunity as Milwaukee Fellows served during the Fellowship Open weekend, meeting with civil rights icon and trailblazer Ambassador Andrew Young.
Known for his immense involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, his partnership with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his unwavering stance for justice, Ambassador Young shared a career that spanned from the mayor’s office in Atlanta to the global stage.
Beyond his instrumental role in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, Ambassador Young’s legacy includes a “gold medal” in global diplomacy—a testament to his skills in negotiating for a more peaceful world. He imparted this wisdom to the Fellows, noting that Milwaukee has a unique opportunity to “trailblaze in its activist mindset.”
At a historical Fireside Chat, young students and seasoned professionals were treated to a rare, legacy-making moment with the Ambassador. It was a conversation that bridged generations, offering inspiration and a powerful call to action.
“There cAn Be no deMocrAcy wiThouT TruTh. There cAn Be no TruTh wiThouT conTroversy, There cAn Be no chAnGe wiThouT freedoM. wiThouT freedoM There cAn Be no proGress.” - Andrew younG
A lifeTiMe of service: honorinG MichAel hyler
Every time an award is received, it represents more than recognition, it’s a celebration of impact and accomplishment. For Milwaukee Fellows Engagement Manager Michael Hyler, that recognition came at the 1st Annual Honor & Blessings Awards Gala, held in Dallas, Georgia, on August 22, 2025. As he traveled from Milwaukee to Georgia,
“Mentoring with the Milwaukee Fellows program gives me a rare opportunity to craft the future. With that opportunity, I hope the valuable moments with my mentees create valuable monuments.”
- Michael Hyler, MKE Fellows Engagement Manager
feelings of anxiousness were soon replaced with immense gratitude for the tremendous influence he’s had on young people across the nation.
The “Honor and Blessings” Award celebrated Michael’s lifelong commitment to service, his renowned “24/7 policy” and more than 30 years of social service experience dedicated to helping youth overcome challenges and reach for a
brighter future. Recognized as a Humanitarian and a true champion for the next generation, Michael’s work continues to shape lives with discipline, opportunity, and hope.
His passion for igniting possibility has opened doors that many never imagined they could enter. As the audience honored his enduring contributions, Michael’s journey of excellence stood as a legacy in motion, inspiring young minds to believe in themselves and step boldly into the future they were created to live.
full circle: JAylon BAker reTurns To inspire The nexT GenerATion
The Milwaukee Fellows’ very own Jaylon Baker has returned to Milwaukee, to infuse the Education system with his ideas and talents. Jaylon is a 2025 graduate of Mississippi Valley State University where he obtained his Bachelor Degree in Sociology. Jaylon is currently employed as an Educator for grades 5-8 at Siloah Lutheran School. Jaylon’s long term goal is to work at a Higher Education Institution, where he can help support and guide students in their academic and personal growth. In order to accomplish this goal, Jaylon will be attending Purdue University majoring in Higher Education in January 2026. Upon completing his Master’s Degree program Jaylon plans to gain meaningful employment at one of our wonderful Higher Education Institutions in Wisconsin.
The spiriT of JusTice: MilwAukee fellows AT The fred GrAy insTiTuTe
In the heart of the South, a spirit of determination and change endures— embodied by Milwaukee Fellows who represented their peers at the inaugural Fred Gray Institute for Justice. Fred Gray, legendary lawyer for figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, has remained a powerful legal mind for over five decades, his commitment to standing with people continuing to challenge injustice and preserve history.
The symposium was a journey through both history and hope. Students toured the
National Memorial for Peace and Justice, often called the “Lynching Museum”, and visited the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Martin Luther King Jr. tomb, and National Park. They were particularly moved by Bryan Stevenson, whose tireless advocacy for justice extends far beyond the story told in “Just Mercy”, reinforcing the Fellows’ commitment to fighting for others.
froM The Green And Gold To The BiG leAGues:
The nfl drAfT
Who would have thought that the NFL’s smallest market could host a life-changing event like the NFL Draft? As thousands of people gathered in and around Lambeau Field, a special group of students from Milwaukee made their way to meet with Troy Vincent, the NFL’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
Troy, a former Wisconsin football player, is a true Badger legend. A two-time All-American found his notable career extending from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to the Miami Dolphins before landing him at the top of the game, as a top leader in the National Football League. Now a member of the Collegiate Hall of Fame, Troy has been responsible for numerous decisions, planning, and wins as a league executive.
As Troy gathered with students at Associated Bank’s Green Bay headquarters, the conversation erupted with challenges for future exploration and determination through adversity. Troy, along with Cordero Barkley of TitletownTech and Michael Barber from the Green Bay Packers’ executive committee, all echoed a unified message: continue to dream, continue to build, and continue to tackle the obstacles ahead.
Pam Stampen, the Chief People Officer of Church Mutual, shared a remarkable story about the fortitude of Milwaukee Fellows. Church Mutual has long been a proud supporter of the program, both at their corporate headquarters in Merrill, Wisconsin, and locally at their Innovation Center in Milwaukee. They continue to be a leading protector of people and property.
Last summer, Church Mutual hosted a “Lunch and Learn” for their summer interns, who were able to meet several students, including Lamont Johnson. Lamont had a keen interest in the field of computer analytics, a skill he developed while scoring tremendously at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work also included teaching young people about financial literacy, a combination of academic skills and peoplefocused passion that made him an amazing candidate for Church Mutual.
Lamont’s internship allowed him to explore the everexpanding user experience field within the insurance company. His work on their back-end processes helped secure future advancements, both from a millennial perspective and in the trusted service this company has long provided for communities.
A leAdinG proTecTor: An inTernship wiTh church MuTuAl
“Reflecting on my time with Church Mutual, I gained invaluable knowledge of the insurance industry and how it shapes the role of a data analyst.”
- Lamont Johnson Jr. MKE Fellows
invesTinG in fuTures: The fellows’ professionAl developMenT cenTer
Walking into the Milwaukee Fellows' Professional Development Center, one can feel the energy of growth and opportunity. There is always something new happening, with sessions frequently focused on topics like financial literacy, character development, and interview essentials.
“Having access to the haberdashery gave me the confidence to walk into any room prepared. It wasn’t just about the clothes—it made me feel seen, supported, and ready to represent myself with purpose.”
- Keith Neely, MKE Fellows
Just down the hall, the haberdashery continues to be a vital resource for professional essentials. Students are encouraged to select a blazer for their next interview or a polo for a casual gathering like a boss's cookout. The generosity of donors Ronald Adams, Cory Nettles, John Utz, Chuck Harvey and a host of other generous supporters ensures that our Fellows can step out with stylish apparel, feeling confident and prepared as they represent themselves and the program.
where chAMpions GATher: A MoMenT wiTh olyMpic GreATs
Where champions are made, they often return to inspire. Every four years, Olympic hopefuls journey to the small village of West Allis, home to an iconic oval of ice, in hopes of hearing their national anthem as hardware is placed around their neck.
This past August, in a private viewing suite, a different kind of gathering took place. Olympians Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Dr. John Carlos, and Tommy Smith convened not to compete, but to compel. They recognized that their wisdom was being wasted if it was not shared, and to a standing-room-only crowd, they shared stories of both their Olympic triumphs and their hopes for a greater community.
Dr. Carlos challenged everyone present to look at their efforts and truly see their results. Tommy Smith, for his part, vividly recalled the 1968 Olympics and the tremendous stance he and Carlos had taken. They reminded the audience that the less-than-15 seconds of competition was only a portion of their journey; it was paramount for them to represent their full legacy.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee shared her vision for the future—a future built on a foundation of "100 acres of possibility, 100 acres of investment, 100 acres of reality." Her dream, embodied by the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis, is a beacon for young people, providing them with a roadmap to achieve greatness and follow their own track to success.
A leGAcy Beyond The courT: honorinG Junior BridGeMAn
Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman was known not only as a legendary basketball player but, more importantly, as a Hall of Fame human being. His legacy on the court, particularly with the Milwaukee Bucks, was defined by his role as a key sixth man. Over his 12-season NBA career, he averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His impact was so great that the Bucks retired his No. 2 jersey.
His care and compassion for the community were mirrored by his tremendous economic development efforts. After his playing career, he built a business empire that included owning over 450 fast-food franchises, and later, the historic acquisition of Ebony and Jet magazines, cementing his place as a visionary entrepreneur and one of the wealthiest retired athletes in the world.
His passing in 2025 was a shock to the entire Fellowship Open community. As a 2018 honoree, he was recognized for his "free throws, long jumps, and business acumen," and now he continues to be celebrated as a trailblazer who embodied a powerful familial legacy.
nAThAn “n8” BuTler: creATinG leGAcy
ThrouGh ArT
Creativity has always been at the center of Nathan “N8” Butler’s life. A proud Milwaukee Fellow and an alumnus of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), Nate has built a dynamic career shaped by curiosity, innovation, and a deep commitment to community storytelling. Whether through design, audio production, or digital media, Nate approaches every project with a passion for creating meaningful work that reflects the culture and energy of the city he calls home.
His creative journey has led him to collaborate with notable organizations, including the Milwaukee Bucks, where he served as an intern and later continued to
contribute through special design projects. These experiences strengthened his artistic voice and expanded his skill set, allowing him to merge professional design with community-focused storytelling.
In a project honoring the legacy of Milwaukee Bucks figures connected to the Fellowship Open, Nate released a limited-edition lithograph and designed the Milwaukee Bucks Legacy Poster for the 24th Annual Fellowship Open. Both works celebrate players and alumni who have supported the event over its storied history, capturing the spirit of the Fellowship Open through bold, meaningful design. The artwork features
powerful scenes of the Bucks’ engagement with the Milwaukee Fellows, from students standing on the court to meeting legends and learning from front office staff, serving as both a tribute and a reminder of how art can preserve history, elevate community stories, and inspire future generations.
With a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design and a growing portfolio of projects across media, Nate remains energized by what lies ahead. He continues to push boundaries, learn, and create, driven by the belief that art has the power to elevate communities, connect people, and shape legacy.
Scan to view lithograph
BuildinG A leGAcy: fellowship open celeBrATes 25 yeArs wiTh
“unfinished leGAcy” pAnel
The Fellowship Open's 25th anniversary celebrations featured a series of insightful roundtable events, sponsored by key partners including Quarles, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Northwestern Mutual. The milestone celebrations officially kicked off with a powerful panel discussion held in The Grand Hall of Northwestern Mutual’s headquarters, fittingly titled “Unfinished Legacy.”
The conversation was expertly moderated by Jeremiah Johnson, a dynamic Howard University freshman and proud MKE Fellow. The panel brought together esteemed leaders and Fellowship Open Honorary Chairs,
Grady Crosby, Joseph Hill (both Howard University alumni), Mayor Cavalier Johnson, State Representative Kalan Haywood, and other civic leaders.
The discussion moved beyond merely recounting past successes. It served as a powerful challenge, urging the audience to actively think about and shape their own paths of legacy creation.
Jeremiah himself exemplified the spirit of the event. Heading into his freshman year at Howard, where he will join the Men’s Basketball team, he carries the hopeful momentum of his two High School state championship trophies. His competitive nature and athletic prowess are undergirded by a sharp, inquisitive mind and a dedication to academic excellence.
His poised and intellectual moderation of the high-profile panel was a testament to the caliber of young leaders the Fellowship Open nurtures. We celebrate the groundwork Jeremiah has already laid as he continues to build his own impressive legacy for the future.
AAron
lee: My BroTher’s keeper AlliAnce
Aaron Lee, a 19 year old Milwaukee, Wisconsin native and student at Morehouse College, serves as one of the 18 young men nationally chosen as Ambassadors for the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Initiative at The Obama Foundation, launched in 2014 by President Barack Obama. The program identifies cities where boys and young men of color face barriers and pairs them with leaders and ambassadors to implement community-driven solutions. Aaron is currently focused on two of the initiative’s six milestones: Ensuring Youth Complete Post-secondary Education Or Training and That All Out Of School Youth Are Employed.
To achieve this, he plans to adapt Morehouse College’s “Get on the Bus” program to expose Milwaukee students to higher education opportunities they might otherwise never see. Meeting President Obama and fellow ambassadors in Washington, D.C., provided Aaron with both inspiration and insight into how collaborative efforts can generate lasting impact in communities. His work emphasizes mentorship, exposure to successful men of color, and providing youth with practical tools to navigate education and career pathways.
“I am proud to represent my hometown in the first cohort of the MBK Ambassadors program.”
- Aaron Lee, MKE Fellows
Aaron’s approach reflects a belief that sustainable change requires tracking outcomes, using data to measure progress, and creating initiatives that continue to benefit communities long after the program ends. Through the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Aaron Lee is shaping a vision of opportunity, leadership, and empowerment for the next generation of young men of color in Milwaukee.
JonAh dixon: leAdinG wiTh purpose in heAlThcAre And equiTy
“My next chapter will be focused around building other leaders and transforming healthcare through equity and impact.”
-
Jonah Dixon, MKE Fellows
TeeinG up success: Golf siMulATor AiMs To drive cAreer lessons for fellows
The Milwaukee Fellows’ own Jonah Dixon is a dedicated leader, scholar, and advocate for equity in Healthcare and Education. Born and raised in Milwaukee, he overcame systemic barriers to earn a full scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Certification in Athletic Healthcare. Jonah has interned at Froedtert Hospital and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, gaining hands-on experience in patient care, rehabilitation, and operations.
As Chief Officer and co-founder of the BLK PWR Coalition, he has led initiatives raising over $100,000 to support urban communities. As Chapter Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he promotes service, advocacy, and academic excellence. Committed to operational leadership in healthcare, Jonah works to develop teams that drive meaningful change and empower underserved communities. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Leadership and Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University.
In a world where crucial deals are often struck amidst 18 holes and two golf carts, the game of golf is proving to be much more than a leisure sport. It is increasingly seen as a mechanism for evaluating character and imparting vital life lessons.
Recognizing this, mentors have long championed the need for Fellows to become adept in the game of golf. This commitment recently culminated in a significant addition to the Associated Bank Center for Professional Development (ABC4PD). Thanks to generous donors, the center is now home to a state-of-the-art golf simulator.
The ABC4PD is the cornerstone for Fellows' development, currently hosting lessons on financial literacy, resume writing, and mock interviews. Now, it also hosts a world-class swing studio where mentors can introduce students to golf in a safe, controlled environment while discussing its benefits in the career world.
froM chicAGo To The world: Joyce Johnson’s leGAcy drives MenTorship recoGniTion
In the high-stakes world of global business, few names resonate with the dynamism and reach of Joyce Johnson. As a world-class business leader, Johnson oversees projects burgeoning on five continents, maintaining a rigorous schedule fueled by innovative methodologies and a keen awareness of new opportunities.
Yet, despite the demanding nature of her work, Joyce and her family hold one tradition sacred: their annual attendance at the Fellowship Open. This year, however, the occasion held even greater significance. The Johnson family, based in Chicago, leveraged the event to establish a new honor, the Ambassador Andrew Young
Torchbearer Award, an award designed to recognize the profound importance of mentorship for growth.
"If I thought I made it this far by myself, I'd be fooling myself," Joyce Johnson stated, underscoring the philosophy behind the new recognition. "But I do understand that with others, we can do much more."
“i JusT did iT”: how The Mke fellows chAnGes TrAJecTories And chAnGes MilwAukee
“I didn’t even think about it — I just did it.”
- Kyle Williams, MKE Fellows
When Kyle Williams graduated from UW Law School and stepped into his role as a Special Counsel at MWH Law Group, he wasn’t just celebrating personal succes, he was standing on the shoulders of a community that invested in him through the Milwaukee Fellows.
and invested in him consistently. This community of mentors helped him see farther, aim higher, and stay rooted in Milwaukee.
Kyle’s journey, from Saturday mentorship sessions at the W.E.B. Du Bois Club, to earning his degree at Fisk University, to an elite internship at Quarles & Brady, was shaped by a powerful ecosystem of support. Along the way, he was encouraged by mentors like Attorney John Daniels Jr., Greg Wesley, Kevin Long, Jackie Herd-Barber, and a circle of other mentors who saw greatness in him early
Today, Kyle is back in Milwaukee as both an accomplished attorney and an active MKE Fellows alum, guiding younger Fellows just as he was guided. Kyle isn’t an outlier, he is proof.
Proof that when we invest in Milwaukee Fellows, Milwaukee becomes stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
John Daniels III President & Director
Challenge Motto: “Lead with purpose, build with integrity.”
As Executive Director of the MKE Fellows, John W. Daniels III guides the strategic vision and growth of one of Milwaukee’s leading leadership pipelines. A dynamic connector across corporate, civic, and educational sectors, he expands access and opportunity while strengthening communities through purpose-driven leadership.
Phillip Ferrell Development Manager
Challenge Motto: “Lead with vision, create with intention.”
Justin Carr Media Specialist
Challenge Motto: “Tell stories that move people and inspire possibility.”
As Media Specialist for the MKE Fellows, Justin Carr produces story-driven content that reflects the organization’s spirit of excellence. Passionate about intentional, impactful media, he uses his craft to connect emerging talent with transformative opportunities and inspire change.
As Development Manager for ALIVE Inc. and a strategic partner with the MKE Fellows, Phillip Ferrell blends leadership development, multimedia storytelling, and fundraising innovation to elevate community impact. His background in e-learning, music production, and event design brings a creative edge to philanthropy—turning ideas into experiences that inspire giving and growth. Dedicated to empowering nonprofits and civic leaders, he champions partnerships and strategies that translate vision into sustainable outcomes.
Bianca Gallegos
Graphic Designer
Challenge Motto: “Design with purpose, create with heart.”
As Graphic Designer for the MKE Fellows, Bianca brings stories to life through visuals that celebrate the achievements of students and the impact of community. As a Milwaukee native and MIAD graduate, she combines creativity and strategy to ensure every design inspires connection and pride. Her work reflects a belief that thoughtful design can both inform and empower.
proGrAM sTAff
Ryan Gray Strategic Advisor
Challenge Motto: “Build bridges that last beyond your own footsteps.”
Ryan Gray is a Strategic Advisor with the MKE Fellows, leading partnerships and corporate engagement that expand opportunities for young men across Milwaukee. A native of the city with a background in marketing and strategy, he brings a creative and community-driven approach to impact. His work blends storytelling, culture, and purpose to empower emerging leaders.
Kayla Hall
Director
of Operations
Challenge Motto: “Be the person you needed when you were younger.”
As Director of Operations for the MKE Fellows, Kayla Hall brings focus, empathy, and precision to the organization’s daily rhythm. As a Milwaukee native, she is driven by a commitment to empower the city’s next generation of changemakers. Guided by her belief in the “Superhero Effect,” Kayla’s work ensures MKE Fellows continues to operate with excellence and heart.
Sandra Washington
Office
Coordinator
Challenge Motto: “Create systems that help others rise.”
Michael Hyler Engagement Manager
Challenge Motto: “Ignite possibility and help others see what’s already within them.”
As Engagement Manager for the MKE Fellows, Michael Hyler leads student recruitment, programming, and mentorship for participants. His passion for community empowerment began early—sparked by his mother’s example of activism—and continues through his work opening doors for students to pursue futures once thought out of reach. A proud Milwaukee resident with degrees in Human Services and Multicultural Communications, Michael inspires young minds to step boldly into purpose.
As Office Coordinator for the MKE Fellows, Sandy ensures the organization runs with precision and purpose. With deep experience in Nonprofit Administration and Fiscal Management, she strengthens the operational systems that sustain mentorship and youth development programs. Dedicated to empowering underserved students, she brings both heart and structure to the mission.
