There’s only one direction Milwaukee Pride, Inc. is headed and that’s forward, said president and CEO Wes Shaver. What began as humble beginnings, including a small group of dedicated people to organize the first Milwaukee PrideFest has now become one with a new model, a strong commitment to team building and succession planning and a talented team of directors with entrepreneurial spirit.
Milwaukee Pride, Inc. is the parent organization to PrideFest, one of Milwaukee’s largest city festivals. The organization’s mission is to create an event that supports and amplifies the city’s nickname, “The City of Festivals,” while producing the state’s largest LGBTQ+ event bringing over 46,000 people to Henry Maier Festival Park over a three-day festival.
“The ‘come as you are’ attitude of the event reinforces to everyone that, this is a place for people to be their authentic selves,” said Shaver.
PrideFest is no longer just an event for LGBTQ+ people, but for the entire city and state, said Shaver. “This was accomplished by establishing strong and purposeful business relationships and community partnerships that elevate an entire community,” he said. “I don’t apologize for representing an LGBTQ+ event; I’m proud to bolster the people and talent within the community and create a louder, larger voice that supports it.”
Shaver leads the organization with tact, class and empathy, said Milwaukee Pride HR representative Corey Kanas. “He goes out to market as the face of Milwaukee Pride and helps to build the reputation of this being a great organization that creates a safe space for the LGBT community,” he said. “His leadership is individualized, and he has the ability to understand what motivates specific people and that’s very beneficial to this group.”
At the helm of the organization, Shaver has created long-lasting partnerships with corporate and community partners and remains dedicated to the community he serves while including allies and businesses to participate in equitable spaces, said his staff. “Wes is not afraid to represent Milwaukee Pride in a forward-facing role as he champions LGBTQ+ and civil/civic rights issues in an open and very public way,” they said. “This can be difficult at times and often met with opposition, hate speech or intolerance but Wes holds a confident and controlled composure that represents himself and Milwaukee Pride in a positive way.”
His efforts have garnered recognition when Shaver was included in the Milwaukee’s Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class and named as an Inaugural Notable LGBT Executive.
For continuing to lead and advocate for others with passion and grace, Shaver has been named a titan.
