Age: 49
Occupation: Human-rights activist
Most lobbyists claim to influence government. Few can say their efforts helped persuade the U.S. President to deploy troops. Prendergast focused the energy of Invisible Children's campaign to arrest Lord's Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony — who is accused of widespread atrocities in Central Africa — and turned that effort into presidential action. He has also inspired stars like George Clooney to shine a light on other African emergencies. Combative, dramatic, firm, his position could be summarized by the name of his organization: Enough.