Derek Mosley, director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy and Civic Education, was named the 2024 Business Champion by the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin.
Mosley will be awarded the honor at the AACCWI’s annual Breakfast of Champions on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Fiserv Forum.
Mosley, a 1995 graduate of Marquette University Law School, was named director of the Lubar Center in November 2022 following a 20-year career as a judge of the Milwaukee Municipal Court.
Mosley served as an assistant district attorney for Milwaukee County from 1995 to 2002. He was then appointed by the Milwaukee Common Council to fill the vacancy in Branch 2 of the city’s Municipal Court starting on Aug. 1, 2002. At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest African American to be appointed judge in the State of Wisconsin. In August 2004, he was first appointed Presiding Judge of the Milwaukee Municipal Court.
Mosley sits on the Board of Directors of several organizations, including the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Froedtert Hospital, the Urban Ecology Center, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, Safe & Sound, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, the United Way Diversity Leadership Committee and Transcenter for Youth. He also sits on the Supreme Court of Wisconsin’s Judicial Education Committee.
He has received numerous awards recognizing his accomplishments, including the Leaders in the Law Award from the Wisconsin Law Journal, induction into the Milwaukee Community Journal’s Academy of Legends, named one of the Philanthropic 5 by the United Way, and induction into the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame.
As a kidney transplant recipient, he is an ardent supporter of Donate Life Wisconsin, the National Kidney Foundation and Versiti. He currently serves as a Donate Life Hollywood advisor to the television and movie industries to promote accurate depictions of organ donation and transplant on television and in movies.
In his spare time, Mosley is a local Milwaukee foodie and served as a 2022 James Beard Judge for the James Beard Foundation. Mosley was recently honored by the Milwaukee Press Club with the “Headliner of the Year” Award in May.
“We are thrilled to honor Judge Mosley as our 2024 Business Champion,” said Nikki Purvis, president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin. “As evidenced by his extensive list of accolades and contributions above and beyond his profession, Judge Mosley’s unwavering commitment to justice and support for small businesses is unmatched. He inspires others to look beyond themselves and demonstrates what’s possible when you lead with integrity. Judge Mosley embodies the spirit of leadership and advocacy this event celebrates.”
The African American Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the economic development and empowerment of African American businesses and communities. Through advocacy, education and networking, the Chamber works to create a thriving business environment that promotes growth and opportunity for all.
The Breakfast of Champions, presented by Fiserv, is the Chamber’s major signature fundraising event aimed at bringing the Greater Milwaukee community together to support its mission of championing growth while also honoring local business leaders who are passionate about economic development and wealth creation in the African American community. This year’s theme, “Empowering Leaders & Celebrating Legends,” underscores the Chamber’s commitment to fostering transformative leadership while honoring the enduring contributions of those who have paved the way in the community.
Tickets for the event are available now.
