Economic Forum
Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Economic Forum convenes the business community to hear a world-class expert explore an issue of importance to our economy and an analysis of the issue through a local lens.
Overview
The capstone of our Corporate Partnership Program is our Economic Forum, a premier networking event with top Milwaukee business leaders that explores relevant issues of importance to the economic success of our city and region. The event is an effort to support our business community and help Milwaukee thrive. For 10 consecutive years, the Economic Forum has drawn a sellout crowd of 650 guests and over 50 corporate sponsors. The Forum is keynoted by a world-class expert. Long-standing event co-chairs are local business leaders Linda Gorens-Levey, David Lubar and Greg Marcus.
FAQs
What can I expect at the Economic Forum?
Attendees can expect a dynamic program featuring a distinguished keynote speaker, insights into current economic and business trends, and opportunities to connect with leaders from across Milwaukee. The event is designed to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations about issues shaping our community and beyond.
Who attends the Economic Forum?
The Forum attracts a professionally minded audience that includes senior executives, business owners, industry experts, civic leaders, and emerging professionals. Attendees come from a wide range of sectors and value the event for its high-level economic insights, strategic networking opportunities, and connection to Milwaukee’s leadership community.
How can I participate or become a partner?
Corporate partners are invited to participate in the Economic Forum through sponsorship opportunities that offer brand visibility, executive engagement, and access to special event experiences. Limited individual tickets may become available each year, but availability is not guaranteed.
Learn more about the Corporate Partnership Program
2026 Economic Forum
Learn more about the next Economic Forum
“The Forum always draws a VIP crowd” and attracts the “who’s who of the local business community.”
-The Milwaukee Business Journal
Past Events
Take a look back at past event photo galleries.
Leadership
Ryan Woloshin is the Director of the Business & Professional Network and Corporate Partnerships at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. He brings more than a decade of experience in Jewish communal leadership, fundraising, and education, with a professional focus on strengthening Jewish identity, addressing antisemitism, and building meaningful pathways for engagement and philanthropy.
Ryan earned his undergraduate degree from Randolph College and holds dual master’s degrees from Brandeis University: an M.A. in Jewish Professional Leadership from the Hornstein Program and an MBA from the Heller School, with a focus on leadership, organizational behavior, and social impact.
Prior to joining Federation, Ryan held leadership roles with the Anti-Defamation League, BBYO, Hillel, and Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, where he developed national programs, cultivated strategic partnerships, and supported emerging leaders. In his current role, Ryan leads the Business & Professional Network, the Corporate Partnership Program, and the Economic Forum, connecting professionals and businesses to Federation’s mission and impact locally, in Israel, and around the world.
Julie Schack serves as Chief Development Officer at Milwaukee Jewish Federation, where she plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission to strengthen and sustain Jewish life. In this position, Julie leads the Federation’s development efforts, helping to grow philanthropic support that fuels programs and services across Jewish Milwaukee.
At the Federation, Julie partners closely with colleagues, lay leaders, and donors to strengthen the annual campaign, cultivate meaningful relationships, and build a culture of generosity rooted in shared values. With more than 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and sales leadership, she brings a strategic and relationship-driven approach to philanthropy—often described as “sales with a soul.” Prior to joining the Federation, Julie held senior leadership roles within the Jewish community, including Director of Women’s Philanthropy and Affinities at the San Antonio Jewish Federation and Executive Director of Hillel Milwaukee, where she helped rebuild and reimagine Jewish life on campus and led award-winning fundraising initiatives.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys staying connected to the Milwaukee community she proudly calls home, as well as spending time with family and friends.
