African American Leadership Program (AALP)

The African American Leadership Program (AALP) is transformative. Participants grow in confidence and self-awareness, and become more effective decision makers, communicators, and collaborators.

More than 200 Milwaukee area African American professionals from an array of businesses, professions, and organizations have completed AALP since its inception in 2008.

AALP offers 130 hours of programming in a cohort experience that uses team-based learning, executive coaching, and networking to enhance African American professionals’ ability to lead in the Milwaukee area.

Benefits of AALP

This program unleashes the talent of African American professionals for personal, organizational, and community gain.

Personal

AALP leverages each participant’s unique capabilities to enhance performance and boost career advancement.

Organizational

AALP strengthens and retains a diverse talent base for Milwaukee organizations.

Community

AALP builds a network of skilled leaders who cross the boundaries of geography and industry to help our community flourish.

Who should participate?

AALP is open to Black professionals who work in greater Milwaukee area private, public, and nonprofit organizations.

Participants should have a minimum of five years of professional employment, have potential for advancement, and hold a position with some influence, which would include at least one of the following: decision-making, program/department management, or supervisory responsibilities. Experienced business owners and entrepreneurs also qualify.

AALP application process

There are 3 steps to the application process

  1. Online application submission
  2. Recommendations
  3. Submit resume to mfowler@aalamilwaukee.org              Accepted applicants will be invited to an interview process

 

Application process timeline

ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Application opens: September 3, 2024
Application closes: September 27, 2024
Interviews: October 7-11, 2024
Notifications: October 15, 2024
Acceptance deadline: October 18, 2024

AALP Program Timeline

  • Opening retreat: November 1-3, 2024
  • Learning sessions & Workshops: December 2024 – May 2025
  • Closing retreat: June 14-15, 2025
  • Closing Celebration: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Program Components

  • Opening and Closing retreats
  • Classroom sessions in both virtual and in-person formats
  • Professional development workshops
  • Individual executive coaching and assessment
  • Group project with real-world relevance and community impact
  • Closing celebration

The AALP Curriculum

AALP concentrates on five areas of learning:

  • Personal development
  • Business acumen and management skills development
  • Career exploration and advancement
  • The experience of Blackness
  • Action learning project

AALP Fee

The AALP fee is $10,000. A sliding fee scale is available for organizations whose annual budget is less than $10M. Please contact the AALP team for more information.

FAQs

How can I expect to benefit from this program?

AALP participants will deepen self-awareness, strengthen your leadership and management skills and abilities, position yourself for career enhancement, build networks across the region with other professionals, and gain access to established leaders and key regional decision makers.

Who is this program for?

AALP is for Black professionals who work in Metro Milwaukee organizations: private, public, and nonprofit. Participants should have a minimum of five years of professional employment, have potential for advancement and hold a position with some influence, which would include at least one of the following: decision-making, program/department management, or supervisory responsibilities.

How many people in a cohort?

Each cohort has about 15-20 members.

How long is each cohort?

Each cohort is about 9 months in length.

I’m a Black business owner/entrepreneur. Do I qualify?

Yes, the AALP is also open to Black business owners/entrepreneurs.

Is this a certified/accredited program?

While Cardinal Stritch University is a strategic partner of AALAM, AALP does not offer college or continuing education credits.

Can I see a list of past cohort members?

Yes, you can access our list of past cohort members here.

Have alumni been recognized elsewhere?

The following is a brief list of awards and recognitions of participants who have completed AALP since its launch in 2008.  The awards included have been received during or after the participant’s AALP cohort year.

Milwaukee Business Journal

40 Under 40

2022: Antione Carter, AALP 2016

2021: Fiesha Lynn Bell, AALP 2018 and Raynetta Hill, AALP 2018

2019: Devon Norwood, AALP 2014 and Ebony Lewis, AALP 2018

2017: Ashley Hines, AALP 2017

2015: La’Ketta Caldwell, AALP 2015

Women of Influence

2021: Tammy Belton-Davis, AALP 2010

2019: Denise Thomas, AALP 2016

2018: Daphne Jones, AALP 2015

2018: Angela Adams, AALP 2016

Diversity in Small Business: Company

2018: Tammy Belton-Davis, AALP 2010, Athena Communications, LLC

Milwaukee Times Black Excellence Award

2019: Angela Adams, AALP 2014 (Corporate Trailblazer)

2018: Teon Austin, AALP 2013 (Education)

2015: Gina Green-Harris, AALP 2012

Greater Milwaukee Foundation Frank Kirkpatrick Award

2018: Melissa Goins, AALP 2009

Madison 365 Black Power: Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders

2018: Rayna Andrews, AALP 2018

2018: Jordan Roman, AALP 2018

Milwaukee, WI Common Council

Elected 2018:  Nikiya Dodd, AALP 2014 District 5 Alderwoman

Shorewood Village, WI Board of Trustees

Elected 2018: Wesley Warren, AALP 2018

City of Wauwatosa, Common Council

Elected 2022: Margaret Arney, AALP 2010

YWCA Racial Justice Champion

2018: August Ball, AALP 2018