In 1975, most women, regardless of talent, competence or position were kept outside of the city's power structure. On February 6, 1975, a handful of enterprising women set out to change the landscape for women. They gathered to participate in the first TEMPO Business and Professional Women’s Club of Milwaukee, Wisconsin which has grown and evolved into what is known today as TEMPO. The hope of the founding members was to create a society where women hold an equal place in leadership, policy, and decision making. The organization has remained true to its foundational mission and continues to evolve as the business landscape in Milwaukee changes, in alignment with the core competencies of Leadership, Mentoring and Networking.

Today, TEMPO is the largest professional women's group in Wisconsin, composed of nearly 800 executive and Emerging Women Leaders representing diverse industries, functions and companies from throughout the Milwaukee area and Southeastern Wisconsin. The purpose of TEMPO is to provide members with opportunities to network with leaders and future leaders, to enhance our members' awareness of issues and trends having an impact on Milwaukee, and to promote the active contribution of TEMPO whose presence is essential to the future success of the Milwaukee business community. TEMPO serves its membership and the community through educational programming, networking opportunities, relationship building, and mentoring, with the goal of empowering women to achieve and sustain leadership roles.