Leaders In Government
![Illustration of Walter Bresette](https://content.pbswisconsineducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/28134220/wib-bresette-card-510x340.jpg)
Walter Bresette
Treaty Rights and Sovereignty
1947–1999
Not afraid to stand up for what he believed in, this member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa dedicated himself to protecting the rights and lands of First Nations people in Wisconsin.
![Illustration of Charles Clark](https://content.pbswisconsineducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/22191009/wib-charles-clark-hero-card-510x340.jpg)
Charles Clark
From Rags to Riches
1842–1891
From New York to Neenah, this industrious innovator’s journey to becoming a leader in the paper products world was marked by his commitment to serving his community and country.
![Illustration of Belle Case La Follette](https://content.pbswisconsineducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/22191059/wib-belle-case-la-follette-hero-card-510x340.jpg)
Belle Case La Follette
Ballots and Bloomers
1859–1931
This activist and advisor didn’t let limiting ideas about what women could do —or uncomfortable corsets—confine her in her quest to get access to the ballot box and foster greater peace in the world.
![Illustration of Gaylord Nelson](https://content.pbswisconsineducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/22190918/wib-gaylord-nelson-hero-card-510x340.jpg)
Gaylord Nelson
A Vision for the Earth
1916–2005
From outdoor adventures in Clear Lake, to representing his community and his state in government, this down-to-earth visionary always kept his eyes on the environment to make a better world for us all.
![Illustration of Chief Oshkosh](https://content.pbswisconsineducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/22190952/wib-chief-oshkosh-hero-card-510x340.jpg)
Chief Oshkosh
Leader in Troubled Times
1795–1858
When the United States Government’s land grabs put his people in harm’s way, this Menominee leader pushed back and proposed a new plan to protect their homeland and way of life.
![Illustration of Vel Phillips and James Groppi](https://content.pbswisconsineducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/22190703/wib-vel-phillips-hero-card-510x340.jpg)
Vel Phillips & James Groppi
The Fight for Fair Housing
1924-2018
1930-1985
Upon learning about the school and housing discrimination happening in their hometown, these Milwaukee movers and shakers took action, making their case on the campaign trail, in the courtroom, and on the streets of their city.
![Embroidered illustration of Joe Bee Xiong from animated biography](https://content.pbswisconsineducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/22190901/wib-joe-bee-xiong-hero-card-510x340.jpg)
Joe Bee Xiong
War to Peace
1961–2007
From growing up in a mountain village in Laos, to leaving his home country after the Vietnam War, to making a new home in Eau Claire, this Hmong American leader became a cross-cultural connector in his community.