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Monthly
Newsletter
Stay connected with the latest updates, success stories, and highlights from our Fellows as we continue building leaders and shaping brighter futures across Milwaukee.


Treading New Territory
Desharr Saddler has been interested in designing footwear for as long as he can remember. During the 23rd Annual Fellowship Open Golf Tournament, Saddler had the opportunity to meet Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, a trailblazing Black footwear designer with over 32 years of experience at brands like L.A. Gear, Nike and Jordan. In 2010, Edwards founded PENSOLE, a first-of-its-kind U.S academy, specializing in footwear, functional apparel and accessories, color & materials, prototyping, a


Professional Development: Code Switching: Balancing Adaptability and Authenticity
Presenter: Francisca Brown, Diversity & Inclusion Manager - Church Mutual Insurance What is code switching? Adjusting communication, appearance, or behavior to fit a group or culture. - Strategic when it helps you connect or succeed. - Sacrificial when it erases your authentic self. - Code switching isn’t hiding — it’s navigating strategically. - Flexibility is your skill. Authenticity is your anchor. UC Berkeley Study: Let’s Talk About Code-Switching: A Double-Edged Sword


From Milwaukee to Kenya: MKE Fellows' Legacy of Service Takes Flight
The power of a single principle can change lives, cross oceans, and inspire breathtaking acts of generosity. For the MKE Fellows program, that guiding light is the belief: "if you want to have much, you have to be prepared for much." This mantra isn't just about career success; it's about cultivating a profound sense of duty and the courage to serve others. This spirit of excellence and giving back was beautifully demonstrated by John , a faithful member of the MKE Fellow


Mentor Highlight: Nick Walls
About Nick: Born and raised in Milwaukee, Nick Walls serves as a Wealth Management Advisor with the Beauchamp Maleki Group. For over a decade, he has dedicated his time and expertise to mentoring through MKE Fellows, guiding more than eight Fellows toward academic, professional, and personal success. Nick has also hosted impactful Lunch & Learn sessions, helping bridge the gap between financial literacy and leadership development. Beyond the Profession: Nick’s passion for peo


MKE Fellows Experience the Magic of Black Violin in Milwaukee
October 9, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI The lights dimmed, the strings struck, and the beat dropped. On October 9, 2025, a group of MKE Fellows joined hundreds of fans at the Black Violin concert in Milwaukee, witnessing a one-of-a-kind fusion of classical mastery and hip-hop rhythm that had the entire audience on their feet. For the Fellows, the performance wasn’t just entertainment—it was inspiration. Black Violin, the Grammy-nominated duo known for shattering stereotypes in music
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