Next Generation UPAF
Team Up With the Next Generation of Champions for the Performing Arts
Next Generation UPAF, sponsored by We Energies Foundation, is a group of young leaders who are dedicated to making our community a better place to live, work and play. Membership is open to donors in their 20s, 30s and 40s and three membership tiers allow you to engage at the level that is right for you.
Next Generation UPAF Associate — $250+ Annual Gift
The Associate level invites new members to get a taste of Next Gen through a variety of opportunities to experience the arts and network with fellow members.
Next Generation UPAF — $500+ Annual Gift
Next Gen members will enjoy the same access to Season Samplers as always and invitations to two leadership panel events.
Next Generation UPAF Executive Leadership — $1,000+ Annual Gift
Executive Leadership members enjoy access to exclusive leadership events.
Membership in Next Generation UPAF provides you exclusive ticket offers, one-on-one networking and volunteer leadership opportunities.
A portion of new and increased gifts also supports arts accessibility through UPAF Connect.
I joined Next Gen as I was interested in helping to introduce a younger crowd to the incredible performing arts scene in Milwaukee. To me, this included both philanthropy and performance attendance. After joining Next Gen, I was also able to sit on the Affiliate Grant Review Panel, which is responsible for allocating dollars to performing arts organizations that serve a need in our community, such as Latino Arts or Black Arts MKE. This has been a great experience and helped to educate me on the many programs available in our community thanks to UPAF.
Becca Schlagenhauf-StullJoin Next Gen at an Upcoming Event
Leadership Panels and Speaker Events
At every membership level, you’ll receive invitations to various leadership events featuring area CEOs and dynamic panel discussions. Past speakers include Greg Marcus of Marcus Corporation, Steve Booth of Baird and Cecelia Gore of the Milwaukee Brewers Foundation.
Past Events
Virtual "State of the Arts" Member Group Leadership Panel
Featuring Chad Bauman of Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Brent Hazelton of Milwaukee Chamber Theatre and Maggey Oplinger of Florentine Opera
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
1-2 p.m.
Virtual Executive Speaker Series Event
Featuring Rolando Rodriguez, Chairman, President & CEO of Marcus Theatres
Thursday, August 13, 2020
1-2 p.m.
Season Samplers
Season Samplers are Next Generation UPAF’s signature event and are the best way to pack more performing arts into your life! For just $20, members get a ticket to a show and an invite to an exclusive preshow reception.
Past Season Samplers
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020
Skylight Music Theatre’s
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
5:30 p.m. Reception
7:30 p.m. Performance
Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway
sponsored by 
Next Generation UPAF Council
The Next Generation UPAF Council is a group of leaders committed to cultivating awareness of, promoting philanthropy for and encouraging engagement in the local performing arts scene among younger generations.
Want to get involved and share your skills? Contact us here.
Next Generation UPAF Co-Chairs — 2020
Samantha Maldonado
Principal Financial Group
Craig Williams
We Energies
Next Generation UPAF Council Members — 2020
Margaret Edmunds, Baird
Caryn Esten, Froedtert Health
Karen Gamroth, Marcus Corporation
Matt Hills, DeWitt LLP
Betsy Katschke, Waukesha County Business Alliance
Kerri Kilbourne, Bostik
Mike King, Zilber, Ltd.
Jason Lininger, KPMG
Erica Lythjohan, BMO Harris Bank
Becca Schlagenhauf Stull, Northwestern Mutual Capital
Emily Shircel, Quarles & Brady LLP
Tim Stewart, DeWitt LLP
Zachary Wolff, Associated Bank