When AALAM thrives, the region thrives 

On Oct. 8, the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM) hosted its 2026 Annual Community Meeting. AALAM alumni, regional business leaders, donors, partners and the greater community gathered to celebrate the Alliance’s growing leadership network, Cohort 16’s completion of the African American Leadership Program (AALP) and a transformational $500,000 anchor investment from the Brico Fund that will jumpstart AALAM’s exciting next chapter. 

AALAM President & CEO Angela Adams is pictured with key philanthropic partners and funders. From left: Yvonne Mitchell, Lynde B. Uihlein, Yvette Murrell, Angela Adams and Erin Frederick.‌

Launched in 2008, AALAM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and supporting a thriving pool of diverse, talented leaders. Its signature program, AALP, convenes a curated cohort of professionals from various industries and organizational structures over nine months to develop in six key leadership areas and connect across social experiences. Last year, the Alliance celebrated 15 years of growth and impact. Now, AALAM is building on that momentum with a three-year strategic plan and a 10-year vision.  

“Our signature leadership program remains central to who we are. It is trusted, it is impactful and it has created a strong community of leaders. But our community also sees an opportunity for AALAM to do more,” said AALAM President and CEO Angela Adams.  

Adams pointed out Milwaukee’s position among 20 similar-sized metropolitan areas. Regional benchmarking reveals a real need in Milwaukee’s business community to strengthen the talent pipeline at both the management and leadership level.  

“Leadership is not developed in isolation. It grows through relationships, opportunity, accountability and community,” said Adams.  

AALAM leadership spent the last year reflecting, strengthening local partnerships and testing out innovative ideas. This work solidified the Alliance’s decision to expand beyond the AALP, creating a platform for impactful mentorship opportunities and stronger employer partnerships.  

“It will take leaders working within companies, community organizations, educational institutions, philanthropy, government and the civic sector. No single organization can build that coalition alone, but together we can, and AALAM is poised to connect leadership development, employer commitment, alumni activation, civic convening and accountability and governance within one regional platform,” said Adams. “That’s the next chapter. That idea is at the heart of our new 10-year vision and our three-year strategic plan. AALAM is growing from a signature leadership program into a broader leadership platform for greater Milwaukee.” 

Thanks to a $500,000 anchor investment made by the Brico Fund, a grantmaking organization founded by donor Lynde B. Uihlein, AALAM can begin advancing key strategic priorities.  

“An anchor investment gives us momentum. It signals what is possible when people and institutions choose to lead,” said Adams. “It represents a belief in leaders, a confidence in our direction and an investment in what’s possible.” 

Several members of AALAM’s board participated in a Q&A panel with Board Chair Tanya Hines. The board officers highlighted the value of donating to the mission, spreading the word about AALAM’s work and alumni sharing their AALP experience.  

“It is important when you can be seen. It is important when you can be developed. It is important when you can be given opportunity,” said Hines. “But what’s more important is when you can be a leader and open the door to that opportunity.”  

To learn more about AALAM and its next chapter of impact, visit: https://www.aalamilwaukee.org/