Patrick Flaherty has made his mark on Milwaukee through his tireless work to promote equal rights for all residents. The co-founder of Center Advocates and Fair Wisconsin, Flaherty is best known for his work on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, and for his campaign to represent the East Side and Riverwest in City Hall. Currently, Flaherty is working on a master’s in health policy at Columbia University, but his activism has left a lasting impression on his network of friends and allies and on this city.

Runners-up:Will Allen, Kim Fischer-Isaacs