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Local Activist
Emilio De Torre
The Turner Society had become a quiet footnote in Milwaukee history before Emilio De Torre became executive director. De Torre returned the organization to the mission that began with political refugees who helped settle Milwaukee in the 19th century. At this summer’s No Kings rally he said: “If you don’t call out wrong and hateful actions, you are colluding with them,” he declared “Tell them ‘Hell no!’ Stand up! Fight back! Our diversity is our strength!” (David Luhrssen)
Local Character
Charlie Berens
Although Berens’ name may now be nationally renowned, he keeps comedically connected to his home turf through headlining dates at The Riverside Theater. He exemplified his commitment to the city at a lower key level co-hosting The Berens Brothers Comedy Hour with his sibling and fellow funny man/comedy show promoter John Berens. The monthly residency has also showcased Midwestern comedians of many types at The Laughing Tap. (Jamie Lee Rake)
Local Entrepreneur
Russ Klisch (Lakefront Brewery)
What started as a sibling rivalry between brothers Russ and Jim Klisch over who could brew a better beer is now one of Milwaukee's standout breweries, offering 20 different beers available in more than 30 states and distributed across the world. Lakefront Brewery is one of the most popular brewery tours in the country, attracting more than 80,000 every year. (Ben Slowey)
Local Podcast
Milwaukee Uncut
Hosted by Richie Burke, Milwaukee Uncut covers local news, culture and stories through interviews with the people behind them from business owners to professional sports players to artists. Regular episode themes include “Dating in Milwaukee” and seasonal guides. True to its name, the podcast offers an in-depth look into Milwaukee for transplants and seasoned locals alike. (Caroline Dannecker)
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Milwaukee Alderperson
Marina Dimitrijevic
Marina Dimitrijevic has championed the major issues facing all Americans, including the environment and immigration, but she has also thought locally as well as globally. As the common council member representing Bay View, she has responded to the questions and worked for the needs of her constituents. (David Luhrssen)
Milwaukee Influencer
Derek Mosley
Judge. Assistant District Attorney. Kidney transplant recipient. Foodie. Derek Mosley has such a varied and diverse background that truly qualifies him as an influencer. And certainly, our readers agree. The accolades for his work are endless; the achievements and awards consistently follow. Where does he find the time to do it all? Catch him if you can. (Harry Cherkinian)
Milwaukeean of the Year
David Crowley
David Crowley has been the most impressive, effective, and hard-working county executive we have had in the past three decades. He is totally a self-made man growing up in a family where his parents struggled with addiction issues that resulted in his family getting evicted three times by the time he graduated high school. Among his many accomplishments as county executive, Crowley successfully worked with the extreme rightwing state legislature to get some concessions enabling the county to have more local control so he could balance its budget without major cuts in needed programs. (Louis Fortis)
Milwaukee County Supervisor
Sheldon Wasserman
Sheldon Wasserman was a state representative and now a county supervisor and by profession an OB-GYN doctor. He believes strongly in public service not only as an elected official but with his work as a doctor delivering thousands of babies over the past number of decades. As a result of his hard work and dedication in serving our community, he is both a very popular and beloved doctor and elected official. (Louis Fortis)
Most Beloved Politician/Most Trusted Public Official
Tammy Baldwin
Tammy Baldwin was elected and reelected twice to the U.S. Senate. Not only is she smart and very hard working, she also understands the issues affecting Wisconsinites in all parts of the state—the small-town folks, the farmers, the small business owners, the veterans, the urban dwellers, the various ethnic and religious groups. She is honest and genuine about who she is, the first lesbian elected to various Wisconsin positions from state assembly, congress and the U.S. Senate. Most Wisconsinites have met her at least once and they know she fights very hard for them. (Louis Fortis)
Non-profit/Human Services Organization
Street Angels
streetangelsmke.org
Street Angels is Milwaukee's leading provider of street outreach services, committed to bridging the gap between housing and homelessness by way of support, advocacy and community collaboration while leading with dignity and compassion. (Ben Slowey)
Organization Supporting Veterans
Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative
Founded in 2008, MHVI is run by veterans serving their fellow brethren and their families who are homeless and at risk. From emergency food programs to support for housing needs, the group relies solely on donations, be it financial food or household items. The nonprofit also features the Women Veterans Initiative, as female vets are the fastest growing homeless population. And a quarter of these vets have children. (Harry Cherkinian)
Philanthropist
Lisa Attonito - Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee
womensfundmke.org
Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee advances equity for women through economic empowerment, leadership development and education via community events, grants and scholarships. In 2016, after years of intersectional non-profit work across Wisconsin, Lisa Attonito joined as executive director. She has deepened the organization’s commitment to actionable equity measures, seen through current giving initiatives such as the African American Women’s Fund Project, Latinas en Acción, the Lesbian Fund and Viv Ncaus: A Hmong Women’s Giving Circle. (Julia Watt)
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Place to Pick Up the Shepherd Express
Outpost Natural Foods
outpost.coop
With its multiple locations across the Milwaukee area, Outpost Natural Foods has provided Milwaukeeans with options for healthier, environmentally friendly food and other products since the ‘70s. Outpost is also one of the city’s longest-lasting coops and continues to thrive as a venue for locally produced and carefully sourced goods. (David Luhrssen)
Best Socially Responsible Business
Penzeys Spices
penzeys.com
Founded in 1986, Penzeys Spices’ marketing is as flavorful as their spices. The company’s “Be Kind” campaign is now synonymous with their logo. In recent years, Penzeys has made national headlines for being openly anti-Trump, calling out the Trump administration and Republicans for xenophobia, bigotry and racism through emails, sales and product launches while regularly running “Spice Drives” in support of non-profit organizations. (Caroline Dannecker)
State Legislator
Chris Larson
Chris Larson is one of the most capable state senators, and we are fortunate that he represents many of us here in Milwaukee. He has served in a couple of leadership positions in the state senate, but unfortunately during his entire time in the state senate, his party has been in the minority. Despite serving in the minority, he has still been very effective in getting things done for the residents of Milwaukee. (Louis Fortis)
