In September, a new class of 23 working professionals began the Future Milwaukee leadership program, where they will use their skills and knowledge to complete art-related community projects.

The program’s mission is to develop a diverse group of leaders who can create positive change in the Milwaukee area.

“One of the expectations is that they will finish this program and apply what they have learned in some sort of community or church work,” said Ron Kuramoto, director and facilitator of the program.

Future Milwaukee, operated by Marquette University’s College of Professional Studies since 2005, has served more than 1,400 adults since it began in 1978.

Program participants will attend 22 sessions over nine months, meeting at different venues around Milwaukee County. So far, they have visited Fondy Food Center, Walnut Way Conservation Corp., Alice’s Garden, the Urban Ecology Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and St. Marcus Lutheran School.

For more information, visit the organization’s web site or call (414) 288-3153.