Across Wisconsin, from classrooms and boardrooms to basketball courts and nonprofits, leaders are living proof that leadership rooted in service transforms and helps build communities.
At Wisconsin Servant Leadership (WISL), we see these values in action every day. Our members, speakers, and community partners remind us that when we lead by listening, empowering, and uplifting others, real change happens.
Servant Leadership in Action Across Wisconsin
Servant leadership is alive and thriving in Milwaukee and beyond. It shapes how our universities educate, how our teams compete, and how our businesses grow.
- Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) includes Servant-Leadership in the MSOE Mindset, which is embedded in the MSOE culture through its strategic planning process. Also, the philosophy is integrated into the fabric of the university through its CREATE Institute, which empowers students to lead and serve local and global communities. From designing facilities for nonprofits to engaging in global humanitarian projects, MSOE students embody servant-leadership and service in action.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee’s beloved NBA star, models humility and selflessness on and off the court. His commitment to family, teammates, and the city of Milwaukee reflects servant leadership in its purest form to build community.
These examples remind us that servant leadership transcends job titles. It’s how we approach relationships — with curiosity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose.
If you’re looking for more real-world examples of servant leadership in action, check out these Timeless Quotes That Define Servant Leadership.
Modern Servant Leadership in Action
WISL’s 2025 Fall City Wide speakers exemplify how servant leadership translates into real impact:
*If you are reading this when the City Wide has passed, please check our City Wide page for upcoming events. You can also join one of our Roundtables for more interactive discussions on servant leadership.
- Annmarie Baumgartner, Senior Director of Donor Services at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, demonstrates how leadership is rooted in relationships. Her career spanning philanthropy, higher education, and community engagement shows the power of empathy and active listening in creating lasting change. She embodies the truth that great leaders build connections before they build anything else.
- Tim Hanley, former Global Industry Leader at Deloitte and Acting Dean at Marquette University, exemplifies authentic leadership grounded in integrity and humility. His journey reflects the ability to guide transformation through trust and collaboration, making decisions that balance business outcomes with human impact. He shows how adaptability and emotional intelligence create leaders people want to follow.
- Rachel Hunter, Project Engineer at Husco and Executive Director of STEM to Stern, represents empowerment and goal orientation in motion. As a young leader herself, she’s helping others discover their potential and build inclusive communities within STEM — modeling what it means to grow into the best version of yourself while lifting others along the way.
Each of these leaders shows that servant leadership is deeply practical (WISL, 2025). It’s how you listen in meetings, how you respond under pressure, how you make decisions that reflect empathy as much as efficiency.
Upcoming Opportunities to Connect and Serve in Wisconsin
The next Milwaukee City Wide will be held on November 4, 2025, at MSOE Campus Center: an open invitation for anyone interested in building community, sharing stories, and practicing authentic leadership. This event continues the long tradition of servant leadership gatherings in Wisconsin.
To explore past recordings, highlight reels, and key takeaways from previous events, visit the past Milwaukee City Wide Pages.
Everyday Servant Leadership
Beyond formal events, servant leadership is reflected in countless daily acts:
- Mentors guiding youth toward confidence and purpose.
- Volunteers serving local nonprofits.
- Leaders creating ethical, inclusive workplaces.
Each act builds the kind of world we all want to live in, one where leadership means helping others thrive. At WISL, we’re proud to help cultivate this mindset. Leadership starts with listening.
Join WISL’s community of servant leaders for stories, connection, and real conversations that inspire change.
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References
Hess, E. (2019, July 1). What we can all learn from Giannis winning the MVP. SocialSurge Marketing. https://socialsurgemarketing.com/what-we-can-all-learn-from-giannis-winning-mvp/
Milwaukee School of Engineering recognized in Servant Leader Hall of Fame | News. (2022, September 1). Milwaukee School of Engineering – MSOE. https://www.msoe.edu/about-msoe/news/details/milwaukee-school-of-engineering-recognized-in-servant-leader-hall-of-fame/
Wisconsin Servant Leadership. (2025, October 9). Roundtables – Wisconsin Servant leadership. https://wisconsinservantleadership.org/roundtable-discussions/
Wisl. (2025a, September 2). How to implement servant leadership core values in your daily life. Wisconsin Servant Leadership. https://wisconsinservantleadership.org/how-to-implement-servant-leadership-core-values-in-daily-life/
Wisl. (2025b, September 2). Tips to Build Trust & Collaboration Through Servant Leadership. Wisconsin Servant Leadership. https://wisconsinservantleadership.org/tips-to-build-trust-and-collaboration-servant-leadership/
Wisl. (2025c, September 9). Community service helps, servant leadership heals. Wisconsin Servant Leadership. https://wisconsinservantleadership.org/community-service-helps-servant-leadership-heals-differences/