Mentor Highlight: Brandon Wigley

Milwaukee Fellows is proud to recognize Brandon Wigley for the stellar mentorship and intentional support he has provided to our Fellows. Brandon has consistently ensured that the young men assigned to him are equipped with the tools, encouragement, perspective, and support needed to succeed, serving as both a listening ear and a trusted guide. His soft-spoken yet intentional demeanor has made his mentorship especially effective, showing that meaningful leadership can be demonstrated through patience, consistency, wisdom, and presence. Brandon’s own professional journey is also a powerful example for his mentees, reminding them that they do not have to be confined to one career path or one definition of success. His experiences as a foundation program officer, former Lutheran minister, member of law enforcement, trial attorney, and now Director of the Bader Leadership Institute demonstrate the value of being willing to grow, adapt, and move where life and opportunity lead. He is also an alumnus of the African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee, serves as a director for another private family foundation, and actively serves on boards supporting Christian K–12 education. Brandon holds a bachelor’s degree from Martin Luther College, a Master of Divinity from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School. Through both his mentorship and his personal journey, Brandon continues to show Milwaukee Fellows that with purpose, preparation, and determination, they can succeed in whatever path they choose to pursue.