Alex Pacheco

Alex Pacheco, "a national leader in the movement for animal rights, is the chairperson and co-founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) . With over half a million members and offices in three countries, it is the largest and most influential animal rights organization, described by the New York Times as the "mover and shaker" of the movement. PETA is known for fighting multi-billion dollar corporations, such as General Motors, and winning.

"While still in his teens, Pacheco became involved in animal rights after a trip to a slaughterhouse. At the time, he was studying for the priesthood. Before that, the FBI had accepted him to work towards becoming an agent.

"Shortly afterward this trip, he served as a crewmember aboard the Sea Shepherd, sailing across the Atlantic on a voyage that ended in the ramming of the notorious pirate whaling ship, the Sierra. In preparation for the ramming, the ship's bow had been filled with more than ten tons of concrete. That year, Pacheco was voted "Crew Member of the Year."

"He then worked with the Hunt Saboteurs Association in England, taking direct action by sabotaging fox hunts and other organized blood sports. After this he worked in Alaska to protect endangered Humpback whales and went to study wildlife for the Washington, DC Commission on Public Health."

• Animal Welfare, Humane and Animal Rights Advisory Board, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society