Benedict LeFort
Social Enterprise Director
Ben’s involvement in social justice work began growing up west of Chicago, where his family was part of a group founded by Maryknoll priest Father Tom Peyton. That group started up the People’s Resource Center, which now assists thousands of people every year with vital social services.
After graduating with a degree in English Literature from Grinnell College in Iowa, Ben spent 3 years teaching English as a Foreign Language in Chile. Back in the United States, Ben worked as a reporter for a bilingual newspaper serving Latino neighborhoods of Chicago.
Ben has lived in Milwaukee for over 20 years, working with nonprofits both as a staff member and independent consultant. For 7 years Ben worked at a social enterprise called SHARE Nonprofit Food Buying Club, which served over 8,000 families every month with affordable, healthy foods via a volunteer-run distribution system.
Ben has consulted with dozens of small businesses and further developed his business acumen while starting up a successful local marketing agency.
In 2025, Ben joined Franciscan Peacemakers as the Social Enterprise Director. He is delighted to put his shoulder to the wheel for the critical work of a great organization. Ben is a member of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee.