44. Andrew Stepanian

As co-founder of grassroots publicity and creative direction agency The Sparrow Project, Andrew Stepanian has given a voice to dozens of activists and causes, amplifying their message while exponentially increasing the influence of their campaigns and actions. As an activist himself, Stepanian has faced off against the power elite time and time again in the name of what’s right and just, no matter how deep their wallets, how overwhelming their numbers, or how twisted yet socially acceptable their propaganda may be. He’s been in the crosshairs of the Koch Brothers, printed and distributed Occupy Wall Street’s Declaration of the Occupation of New York City, and organized too many rallies to list here, for example. (Most recently, in support of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.) Whether it’s raising awareness about the unconstitutionality of the NDAA, the oppressive imprisonment of Wikileaks whistleblower Pfc. Bradley Manning and hacktivist Jeremy Hammond, or animal rights, Stepanian, through it all, has remained steadfast in his mission and work. He is a champion of the disenfranchised, the abused, the truth-seekers; a tireless advocate of equal rights, and quite frankly, a force to be reckoned with.