As we reflect on 2024, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I share highlights of a year marked by extraordinary progress and impactful milestones for the MKE Fellows. This year has been one of continuous growth—not only in the number of students we serve, but in the personal and professional development of the Fellows themselves. Their stories of achievement, resilience, and leadership are unfolding in remarkable ways, and the results speak to the power of our collective commitment.
This year saw the launch of the “Shadow a CEO” initiative, led by NBA Hall of Famer and business leader Sidney Moncrief. Through this program, Fellows experienced first-hand the demands, challenges, and decision-making processes of top executives. Alumni, many of whom have gained experience with nationally recognized companies, returned to mentor current Fellows, offering insights and inspiration from their journeys.
We also deepened our partnerships with leading corporations, resulting in not only increased financial support but also a higher level of engagement. These organizations have become more than benefactors—they are collaborators in building pathways to opportunity for our Fellows. Their belief in our mission is a testament to the transformational impact of this program.
In this year’s election season, we embraced the responsibility of preparing Fellows who are stepping into voting power. Through workshops and discussions, we taught them to navigate diverse perspectives, make informed decisions, and engage in the democratic process with respect and understanding. Some of our Fellows even had the chance to interface with state and federal officials. These are lessons that will resonate far beyond the ballot box.
While we celebrate these successes, we remain acutely aware that our work is far from done. As the impact of the MKE Fellows program grows, so too does the need. We are motivated by a growth mindset, determined to expand our reach and deepen our impact. With your continued support, we are poised to do more— empowering the next generation of leaders to achieve their full potential.
The stories shared in this report offer a glimpse into the transformative power of the MKE Fellows program. They are stories of forward momentum, of progress realized, and of communities strengthened by the talents and aspirations of our Fellows.
Together, we are shaping a brighter future—one Fellow at a time.
Gratefully,
John W. Daniels III President & Executive Director, MKE Fellows
About the MKE Fellows
Young African-American men in Wisconsin face daunting challenges. Rates of unemployment, crime, and poverty are excessively high, while the graduation rate is well below national averages. Despite these grim statistics, there are many high-potential and resilient young African-American students performing above the achievement gap. Unfortunately, even after they complete high school, there are many barriers that keep them from graduating from college and launching successful careers. Too often these students lack the social networks, personal mentors, financial wherewithal, and access to pre-professional experiences that lead to career success. 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.
MKE Fellows
Pillars of Success
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
The MKE Fellows program offers students valuable opportunities to build networks, secure jobs, and thrive in their careers. Through events like “Lunch and Learn” and social gatherings, Fellows connect with organizations and form meaningful relationships with peers, fostering mentorship and strong connections among talented city leaders.
CAREERS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
By partnering with dedicated businesses, corporations, civic, and community organizations, MKE Fellows provides internships and post-graduation career opportunities to young scholars. This unique focus on career advancement showcases the success of MKE Fellows and is supported by long-lasting committed partnerships.
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.
INTERNSHIPS & JOB EXPERIENCES
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.
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.
MENTOR Greater Milwaukee Symposium
The Fourth Annual Mentoring Symposium hosted by MENTOR Greater Milwaukee served to convene stakeholders representing the mentoring movement from Milwaukee and surrounding communities. MENTOR Greater Milwaukee garners support from both the private and public sectors including national mentoring organizations and youth-serving organizations who serve as supporting partners. The Mentoring Symposium provides an opportunity for advocates passionate about amplifying mentoring to gather, advance a collective agenda, and strengthen and enhance programming and practices.
The MKE Fellows eagerly joined the
collaborative effort to support and uplift positive youth development through mentoring. Milwaukee Fellows Engagement Manager, Michael Hyler, invited a panel of Fellows to speak - the topic of discussion centered on Best Practices for providing peer-to-peer mentorship to boys and men of color. The MKE Fellows panel included alumni Kyle Williams, Brandon Ramey, Richard Nwabuzor, and current Fellows Tyler Beaver and Zion Bullock.
Showcasing Inspiration: Zion Bullock
“Family should be the place where you can be your most complete self. Where you're accepted and appreciated, seen and valued…the place where you're reminded that no matter what happens to you, in the face of your deepest challenges, you are loved.” – Oprah Winfrey
Family values have propelled creative expression for Zion Bullock whose artwork tells a tale seen with the eye and embraced in the heart. In January of 2024, Bullock’s artistic talents were on full display for the world to enjoy at Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Create Gallery in downtown Milwaukee. Each piece told a personal story of resilience, triumph, inspiration, and joy revealing Zion’s unique talents on canvas. As guests strolled the gallery, he shared his family’s legacy and impact including stories about his mother and grandmother, strong women who shaped his moral and ethical upbringing and first instilled and activated his creative curiosity. Through the ups and downs, Zion Bullock has incorporated multiple mediums to give voice to ideas once silent and now poignant articulation of what #BlackBoyJoy can be.
Jerome For The Win!
Jerome Gray, esteemed alum of the MKE Fellows program, has used his skills from his time in the program as an Assistant Coach & Director of Basketball Operations for Grambling State University’s basketball team. Under his guidance, the team clinched the SWAC Basketball Championship and earned a coveted spot in the March Madness tournament, marking a significant milestone in Gray's burgeoning coaching career, while making history.
Gray's journey with Grambling State University has been marked by his strategic acumen and unwavering dedication to the sport. Since joining the coaching staff, he has been instrumental in developing game plans, mentoring players, and fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork. His efforts have not only elevated the performance of the team but also brought national attention to Grambling State's basketball program.
The SWAC Basketball Championship victory was a testament to Gray’s coaching prowess and the hard work of the entire team. This achievement was followed by an exhilarating run in the March Madness tournament, where Grambling State showcased their determination on a national stage. Gray’s role in these successes cannot be overstated; his tactical insights and motivational leadership were crucial in navigating the challenges of the season and inspiring the team to perform at their best.
Gray’s accomplishments as an assistant coach are a refection of his dedication to the principles he learned during his time with the MKE Fellows program. The program’s emphasis on leadership, community engagement, and academic excellence has clearly influenced Gray’s approach to coaching. His ability to connect with players on a personal level and his commitment to their holistic development are hallmarks of his coaching style, resonating deeply with the values of the MKE Fellows.
MKExplore: A Day At Baird
One of the Core Pillars of the MKE Fellows initiative is Civic Engagement. We recognize the importance of sharing and creating valuable opportunities for our youth to expand their visions and grow meaningful relationships while building their professional networks.
Year two of MKExplore allowed returning students to dive deeper into their chosen interests as a result of the program’s expansion generated by its tremendous success in 2023. Students from across southeastern Wisconsin explored the entirety of career options from the boardroom to the trading floor, locally and internationally. Members of the Baird financial management team discussed daily regimens including scheduling, in-person and remote work styles, methods for success, and even a weekly practice of “Nice Girls Wear Pink” as a way to show unity in the workplace.
A captivating panel led by Generation Growth Capital CEO, noted wealth management executive, and MKE Fellows Board Member, Cory Nettles, revealed how local talent like Raquel Filmanowicz, Dana Guthrie and Carlton Holland, have invested not only in themselves, but also in others to drive change.
Serving Those Who Served
The 4th of July holiday yielded the occasion for a poignant MKE Fellows community give back. The Fellows dropped off 125 lunches and care packages to US military veterans in residence at Vets Place Central in Milwaukee, a housing development for homeless vets retired from military service. Annually, ALIVE MKE designates 12 days in July to give back to deserving communities throughout Milwaukee. Honoring those who served our country was imperative for the Milwaukee Fellows as many have relatives who are currently serving or have previously served our country in the past.
Staff members participating in this meaningful day of service included Michael Hyler, Kenya Hyler, Jeremiah Lewis, and Jireh Lewis who prepared the lunches and care packages donated by Associated Bank. The Milwaukee Fellows look forward to continuing to serve a diversity of communities in greater Milwaukee.
Associated Bank Circle Of Excellence Awards
Annually, Associated Bank recognizes the outstanding performance of colleagues through the Circle of Excellence Award. Over the span of two days, team members across the region are highlighted for achievements and accomplishments. During this time of celebration, Associated Bank continues to uphold their values of volunteering, investing, and taking an active role in their communities. Each year during the Circle of Excellence activities, they partner with a local nonprofit to learn more about their needs and work alongside them to make a difference.
Director & CEO, John Daniels III, welcomed employees, some for the first time to our office. Engagement Manager, Michael Hyler, shared the core function of our organization and MKE Fellow, Zion Bullock, shared his personal highlights of how the program has changed his life. Before concluding their time with us, these top performers prepared 100 congratulatory packages for the MKE Fellows to celebrate the completion of another school year, over 100 lunches that were donated to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and 50 care packages for Veterans of Vets Place that were shared during the ALIVE initiative of 12 Days Of Christmas in July.
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Maximizing & Advancing
Black Men In White Coats (BMWC) seeks to increase the number of Black Men in the field of Medicine through exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. BMWC partners with medical schools across the country to produce powerful video documentaries bringing awareness to this national disparity which affects black males as well as the country as a whole. BMWC Founder, Dr. Dale Okorodudu, uses education, mentorship and networking to establish summits across the US and expand the mission’s reach.
Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) engaged local partners MKE Fellows, Black Latino Male Achievement, and the Greater Milwaukee Urban League for Milwaukee’s inaugural Black Milwaukee In White Coats Youth Summit. The day consisted of mentoring, medical workshops, and networking sessions. The summit closing panel included MKE Fellows supporter, Dr. Benjamin Ivor, Center Director and Professor of Medicine for MCW, as he and other healthcare professionals conversed about overcoming barriers and forging pathways to success for aspiring physicians.
Honor Spotlight: Rickie Weeks
The MKE Fellows had a proud moment to celebrate and hit the field with the popular and talented Rickie Darnell Weeks, Jr. starred for the Milwaukee Brewers from 2003-2014, earning All-Star status and a spot in the Home Run Derby in 2011. This season, in his emotional return to Milwaukee, he joins new manager Pat Murphy and the Brewers franchise in a leadership role which owner Mark Attanasio calls, “Exactly what we were looking for - a history of leadership by example! Rickie’s return is truly exciting.” “It really is a dream come true,” said the passionate and grateful Weeks, a Southern University legend and HBCU Baseball Player of the Year in 1996. “Basically, I was raised on the baseball field and now, being able to be back here, I get emotional. I genuinely want to help, on and off the field, and coming back to the city where I basically grew up, means a lot to me.”
Soaring to Another Level: Juan Hogans
Few ever fly this high, but up here is where you’ll find MKE Fellow Juan Hogans. Mr. Hogans completed his professional flight training instruction with an unforgettable, inaugural solo flight on 06/14/2024. That’s rare air, even for the MKE Fellows.
New Beginnings Aviation Ministry was launched in Wisconsin over 10 years ago specifically targeting “at risk” youth of color. Certified Flight Instructor, Pastor, retired National Guard, and passionate youth advocate, Dr. Charles Allen, provides guidance, mentoring, nurturing, and in-depth instruction to the fortunate few who brave the wild blue yonder through access to this one-of-a-kind pilot training program.
Over nine weeks of intense instruction, enrolled youth meet at the Waterford airfield, learning to fly and about all related airport operations. The program, which usually costs thousands of dollars per student, is free. Ongoing financial support allows New Beginnings Aviation Ministry to cover all costs and fees for a limited number of youth, taking most from their first time on a plane to obtaining their private pilot license. Flying high in the friendly skies - another phenomenal opportunity generated through the MKE Fellows initiative.
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Johnson Controls Scholarship
The Milwaukee Bucks teamed up with the Johnson Controls Foundation and surprised incoming college freshman, Zion Owusu-Yeboa, with a $10,000 scholarship! Zion, a full-diploma International Baccalaureate, maintained a 4.0 GPA while attending Reagan High School, and concluded his stellar academic career as one of the school’s valedictorians. Zion is a Link Crew and National Honor Society member. “I plan to go to college for four years, complete my degree and graduate with little, if any, student loan debt,” stated the astute scholarship winner. Mr. Owusu-Yeboa has his sights set and is majoring in Civil Engineering at the prestigious Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Lunch & Learn Sessions
Professional Development, one of the MKE Fellows five core pillars, is where the rubber meets the road for our aspiring young leaders. During the summer of 2024, several “Lunch & Learn” sessions served as interactive symposiums where nationally recognized organizations and corporations provided insight and guidance. United Way, Church Mutual, Employ Milwaukee, Weyco Group, and Versiti Wisconsin all invested time, resources, and applicable content in advising and encouraging our leaders of the future.
Longtime supporter, and Area Vice President and Director of Donor Services for Versiti, Jasmine Johnson, coordinated a blood draw and information session for our students giving real life context to the critical need for an uncontaminated, available blood supply for our community. Talented MKE Fellow, Desharr Saddler, hosted a “Lunch & Learn” at Weyco Group where he was interning for the summer. The Madison Fellows cohort (MSN) held a very informative “Lunch & Learn” with United Way of Dane County where they gained insight into United Way’s identified target areas and organizational priorities for funding - Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Health Community, and Community Resiliency.
Experiencing Our National Treasure
As you enter the foyer of the sports exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., you are greeted by the larger than life statues of 1968 Olympians Tommie Smith, John Carlos, and Peter Norman. With fists raised and heads bowed, capturing a moment that changed the world forever, the iconic display represents dramatically the significance of the athlete in the quest for social justice. From Muhammad Ali to Jesse Owens to Jackie Robinson to Jim Brown to Althea Gibson and many others, the stories and images of the most significant sports figures in the American civil rights movement draw reverence and deep appreciation for their sacrifices and contribution to addressing the human condition.
Two years ago, Dr. John W. Carlos was named the 2022 Fellowship Open Legends Honoree. The crossroads where Major League Baseball, a global civil rights leader, a group of talented young men of color from Wisconsin, and a golf tournament meet, serves to highlight with precision the exact intent, purpose, and engagement design of the MKE Fellows initiative. The Milwaukee Brewers, a founding sponsor and committed supporter of the Fellowship Open for 24 consecutive years, hosted a group of young scholars on an excursion to the nation’s capital. The fly-away “field” trip included a tour of the National Museum and an evening at Nationals Park watching the Brewers and Nationals play ball.
“The Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation and our community relations department believe strongly in positively impacting youth and families,” Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation, Cecelia Gore, noted. “It gives us great pleasure to provide an exposure opportunity for these deserving young people. ALIVE MKE/MKE Fellows and MENTOR
Greater Milwaukee are two organizations that are doing outstanding work. We wanted to add even more, real-world value while expressing committed belief in our community’s youth.”
With the seat of the United States government as the backdrop and a presidential election topmost in the news, opening new doors, generating new perspective, driving new career options - for many of these young MKE Fellows, it was their first time on a plane, first time in another major city, and it will be their first time voting in a national election. For some, it was also their first time in a Major League ballpark, where they engaged not only with the players but with team executives who run the franchise. That connection is both the intention and the solution - finding and recruiting young, talented minds, deploying a structured engagement program which develops and advances, and then purposefully exposing and connecting that prepared corps of fresh leadership to the corporate universe. The MKE Fellows model has materialized into an organic design inclusive of committed financial support, mentorships, internships, and ultimately, entree into the professional workforce.
Through the strategic work of the Fellowship Open and MKE Fellows, this formula has proven successful for nearly a quarter of a century. “We keep our eyes on the prize - beyond the field, stadium, and court,” remarked John W.
Daniels III, Fellowship Open President and Executive Director of Alive MKE/MKE Fellows. “Opening the world of career options in business and entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, the arts, technology, law, education, executive management, media - limitless possibilities in every field of endeavor - that is the objective. Professional sports is the rich platform through which we accomplish our mission of engagement and connection to the business world.”
“Unbelievable, awesome! I had no idea what this trip would mean,” remarked MKE Fellows Marcelino Ishag. “The African American museum is an entire course of study all by itself, and Ms. Gore and the Brewers have given us an experience I know I will always reference in my personal and professional development journey. One of the most exciting and rewarding events of my life! Thank you, all!”
“We are indebted to Cecelia Gore and the Milwaukee Brewers for creating and hosting this invaluable, game-changing experience for the MKE Fellows,” said MKE Fellows Engagement Manager, Michael Hyler. “These young men were impacted instantaneously. The conversation on the flight back to Milwaukee was riveting. They are highly motivated, eagerly enthused, and now have added resource and incentive on their journeys to vocational fulfillment.”
Sports has always been uniquely positioned to amplify dialogue and stimulate movement toward equity based upon the principles and virtues related to the purity of athletic competition. A more diverse and inclusive America - the MKE Fellows design is precisely the equation fashioned to develop through exposure the talents and proficiencies of the young men embraced through the program. The accomplishments of these phenomenal athletes are inspiring in ways which provide unique channels to address the social and economic issues which continue to impact communities of color disproportionately, in Milwaukee and across the country.
2024 NBA All-Star Weekend
Over the past decade, MKE Fellows has partnered with numerous corporate entities to initiate internships. These corporate partnerships have resulted in MKE Fellows placement with every professional sports franchise in Wisconsin including the state’s most renowned arenas and stadiums - Lambeau Field, Fiserv Forum, and American Family Field. These high-level, professional work environments undergird student efforts which combine educational training with practical application on the operational side of the professional sports business.
Sports is a galvanizing platform for the Fellows fostering conversations rooted in performance excellence and shared experiences. In February of 2024, the MKE Fellows were guests of the NBA Foundation at its annual All-Star Pitch Competition in Indianapolis during All-Star weekend.
Joining ALIVE MKE staff, several MKE Fellows who interned with the Milwaukee Bucks attended. Brendan LaGrant in Sales, Nic Stokes in Arena Entertainment, Darian Stephan in Human Resources, and Nate Butler in Marketing and Graphic Design represented very well our vibrant and fruitful partnership with Milwaukee’s NBA franchise. The entire weekend was transformational as the Fellows took in the frenetic All-Star game, cheered on the annual HBCU Classic, and absorbed wisdom gleaned during the exclusive NBA All-Star symposiums with former NBA stars and league executives providing insight.
The MKE Fellows are both thrilled and honored that the NBA Foundation has chosen to commit to ongoing support of our dynamic, nationally-acclaimed program.
Professional Development
It’s been said, “You don’t know what you don’t know,” but that doesn’t stop people from holding unpreparedness against you. This idea of readiness by design underscores the fundamental importance of proactive learning and growth - a core pillar of the MKE Fellows leadership and professional development initiative.
The robust MKE Fellows Professional Development curriculum includes an array of experiences preparing Fellows for success in school, career, and community. Saturday sessions cover essential topics like financial literacy, effective interviewing, and communication skills, equipping these young scholars with the tools they need to navigate professional spaces confidently. ‘Learning Circles’, smaller, in-school sessions, focus on critical life skills, like time and stress management, informed decision-making, and vocational selection, providing Fellows with tailored support throughout their academic journey.
During the summer ‘Lunch & Learn’ series, Fellows interact and engage with corporate leaders and business executives gaining insight into organizational missions, visions, and pathways to success. These sessions connect Fellows with role models and mentors offering invaluable perspective on thriving in their chosen fields. Together, these programs foster a culture of lifelong learning, ensuring MKE Fellows are not only prepared but empowered to overcome challenges and seize opportunities with confidence and purpose.
Honor Spotlight: Vin Baker
Two-time All-NBA and four-time NBA All-Star Vin Baker was a standout performer in his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. Alongside “Big Dog” Glenn Robinson, Baker and the Bucks were a formidable presence in the Eastern Conference. Post-playing career, Baker’s personal journey to recovery is poignant and inspirational, leading to the establishment of the Vin Baker Recovery Center, formally opened on Milwaukee’s north side on April 4, 2024. “We are really excited about what we can do together to positively impact community health and wellness,” remarked Fellowship Open Founder and Chair, Attorney John W. Daniels, Jr. “Vin’s determination to guide others to recovery has resulted in a critically-needed community health resource. Through athletics, the Bucks, and the relationships we’ve formed in Milwaukee, we have a tremendous opportunity to share his story and help those struggling with addiction. We applaud Coach Baker’s efforts as a committed community steward.”
Spinning Success
Nic Stokes, an inaugural MKE Fellow and proud Morehouse College alumnus, exemplifies how passion and dedication can transform into a thriving career. Nic has carved out a niche for himself as one of the city’s most sought-after DJs, blending creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and community engagement to electrify audiences across diverse platforms.
What began as a personal passion for music and DJing has now evolved into a full-fledged career for Nic. This year, he made waves as an official DJ for the championship-winning Milwaukee Bucks, energizing fans and players alike with his dynamic sets. His talents extend beyond Fiserv Forum—Nic also serves as DJ for the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers basketball team, proving his versatility in engaging fans across multiple sports venues.
Nic’s impact isn’t limited to sports. He has worked with premier establishments and events throughout Milwaukee, showcasing his ability to bring people together through music. Whether it’s a high-profile corporate gathering, a community celebration, or a sold-out game, Nic’s signature sound and infectious energy set him apart as a master of his craft.
As an MKE Fellow, Nic remains committed to uplifting the community that helped shape him. He uses his platform not only to entertain but to inspire the next generation of creatives and entrepreneurs in Milwaukee. By showing what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, Nic embodies the spirit of the MKE Fellows program: empowering young Black men to excel personally and professionally while contributing to the city’s vitality.
Nic’s journey from passionate music enthusiast to citywide icon is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and community support. We are proud to celebrate his success and look forward to seeing how he continues to elevate Milwaukee’s cultural and entertainment scene.
And The Winner Is...
Movement forward is not passive. Through a bold, targeted action plan, expansion and replication become organic. Results produce results. Progress becomes a platform upon which leadership excellence matures and flourishes. It does not go without notice or deep gratitude that in the rarest of leap years, MKE Fellows Leadership was singled out and honored for exceptional service and work in the community.
MKE Fellows Executive Director, John W. Daniels III, joined an austere group of Milwaukee executives when he was awarded the esteemed Doug Jansson Leadership Award, established to honor inspirational and impactful nonprofit leaders in greater Milwaukee. Former recipients of this prestigious achievement include Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation Executive Director Cecelia Gore, city of Milwaukee Municipal Judge Derek Mosley, retired WE Energies Vice President Thelma Sias, and others.
GMF staff took time to stop by and visit the MKE Fellows offices at the Associated Bank Center for Professional Development (ABC4PD) to present this distinguished award to President Daniels personally.
Annually, the Greater Milwaukee Urban League presents the Whitney M. Young, Jr. award to recognize individuals and organizations promoting social justice, civil rights, and community development. The award is bestowed in the name of Young, the prominent civil rights leader, advocate for racial equality, champion of economic empowerment, and former head of the National Urban League who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other notable figures.
In February, MKE Fellows Founder and Chair, Attorney John W. Daniels, Jr. was presented the Whitney M. Young award. Also in attendance were the Milwaukee County Executive David
Crowley, an active MKE Fellows mentor, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson, an avid MKE Fellows supporter. Recognition of this award is truly monumental, and we are extremely proud of our foundational leadership of excellence.
In August, John W. Daniels III was honored as a distinguished nonprofit industry leader by t-Labs, a nationally accredited Detroit-based accelerated learning program and MKE Fellows partner organization. Executive Director Daniels was saluted for his work with youth across the city of Milwaukee.
The t-Labs team partnered with the MKE Fellows and became aware of John Daniels’ outstanding leadership through “Lead Generation”, a collaborative academic initiative with Milwaukee Public Schools, introducing high school students to career opportunities in the healthcare and financial services industries. Many of the students who attended the intensive summer camp reported trajectory-changing perspectives and career direction. Among them were MKE Fellows Andy Guzman Soriano, now a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and AI Insight Award winner Brandon Gorton, currently matriculating at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Building A Future That Represents Us All
The MKE Fellows continue to champion civic engagement by encouraging peers to vote and actively participate in the democratic process. Through voter registration drives, informational workshops, and community dialogues, the Fellows inspire young people to be proactive in shaping the future of their communities. Their leadership fosters empowerment and underscores voting as a critical element for driving change and amplifying underrepresented voices.
This election season, MKE Fellows took significant strides, including working with U.S. Senators in key regional roles. From door-knocking campaigns to holding podium positions, current Fellows and alums contributed meaningfully across various aspects of the electoral process. Zion Thomas kept
the beat while playing with the Rufus King Marching Band at Discovery World. Aaron Lee provided a voice of challenge in Madison with local elected officials. As a non-partisan organization, MKE Fellows celebrate students’ passion for working in fields that align with their aspirations.
A standout moment during the 2024 Presidential Election was when Marquette University senior Darian Stephan took the national stage to introduce former President, Barack Obama, during the campaign stop in Milwaukee. Darian shared his personal journey with authenticity and used the spotlight to encourage his community to dream boldly and work toward shared progress. His story embodies the MKE Fellows mission of inspiring leadership and driving community impact.
Chase Hackathon
MKE Fellows recently accepted an invitation to participate in the highly competitive JP Morgan Chase Hackathon hosted in bustling downtown Chicago. Teams of young, thought leaders collaborated to tackle a critical organizational challenge: doubling the impact of the program. With a focus on scaling meaningful initiatives, the hackathon convened innovative thinkers from universities across America to brainstorm and prototype solutions aimed at maximizing reach and effectiveness.
For twenty four continuous hours, cutting-edge technology was implemented to crunch data in several categories, culminating in creative problem-solving to develop solutions that demonstrated scalability, sustainability, and measurable impact.
Participation underscored the importance of collaborative innovation in addressing complex challenges while further establishing Milwaukee’s role in contributing to transformative solutions on a regional and national level. MKE Fellows is honored to continue partnership with the JP Morgan Chase Tech for Social Good programming.
Miles Ahead Of The Pack
Miles Sigh has built an impressive career since graduating from Marquette University in 2020. He is currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, complementing his nearly five years of experience in marketing, communications, and c ommunity engagement roles. As a Research Analyst at JLL, Miles applies his analytical expertise to identify market trends and produce data-driven insights that inform strategic decision-making.
In addition to his professional roles, Miles has contributed to several trailblazing initiatives. At Apple’s Health Incubator, he advanced innovative projects aimed at improving public health. He also collaborated with the BlueSKY team to organize Connecting for Good, a multi-day symposium exploring the intersection of collegiate athletics and long-term success. This event brought together representatives from Morehouse College, the YMCA, and the NBA Foundation, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue and innovation in collegiate sports.
Miles has also played a pivotal role in launching Rhythms of Risk, a health initiative aimed at encouraging African Americans to pursue careers in the medical field, while promoting health equity among HBCU student-athletes. In partnership with Athletic Heart, INROADS, and major HBCU athletic conferences, the program seeks to empower young leaders and highlight pathways to address health disparities in underserved communities.
Through his expanding consulting practice and continued academic and professional pursuits, Miles exemplifies a commitment to leveraging data, innovation, and collaboration to drive meaningful change across industries and communities.
John Daniels III, Michael Hyler pose with the winning team
Designing A Great Future: Desharr Saddler
Featured Graduates
“Internships and Job Experiences” are the first core pillar of the MKE Fellows leadership and professional development model. Securing paid internships which align with the academic and career objectives of our design is vital in maintaining program efficacy, consistency, and integrity. Generating career opportunities upon successful degree completion often hinges upon related job experience. Accessing this method of development has proven to be one of the most effective ways of measuring the impact of the MKE Fellows initiative.
MKE Fellow Desharr Saddler, a senior at MIAD this year focusing on industrial design, is a prime example of the benefits of
Malachi Crenshaw University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Christian Golden Marquette University
Justin Greenlee Concordia University
Tyler Baldwin University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Jordyn Robinson University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Jayson White University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
being a Fellow. Desharr has a fervent interest in footwear and has dreamed of working for an established shoe and apparel company. This summer, he was awarded an internship with the Weyco Group, a local business passionate about creating quality shoes that fit the modern lifestyle. At Weyco, Desharr spent time exploring the “hows and whys” of manufacturing, materials, and costs, and a layer by layer process analysis examining the technical aspect of design. Desharr’s own fashion styles will debut in 2025.
When relating his experience to Fellows cohort members, Desharr emphasizes the importance of a substantive internship to enhance theory with hands-on experience. Becoming familiar with corporate culture and developing a personal network should be the ultimate goals of all internships, providing direct access to career options. This fall, the talented Mr. Saddler began a second internship at Weyco Group, focusing on color and materials, and he hopes to continue working at the company after graduation.
Nathan Butler Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Jordan Anderson University of Notre Dame
Devon Ellis University of Miami
Jaylon Baker Mississippi Valley State University
Joshua Jacobson University of Wisconsin-Madison
Brendan LaGrant Howard University
Obinna Anyamele University of Wisconsin-Madison
Advisory Board
Ronald Adams
Northwestern Mutual
Corry Joe Biddle
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)
David Bowles
CMRignite
Don Cohen
Landmark Credit Union (Retired)
Grady Crosby
Northwestern Mutual
Clifton Crump
City of Milwaukee
John Daniels, Jr. Quarles (Retired)
Dr. Michelle Gee
University of Wisconsin Parkside
Daniel Geigler
Morgan Stanley
Cecelia Gore
Brewers Community Foundation
Program Staff
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)
