Our Favorite Candidates in 2026 - Chase Linko-Looper, Kanawha County, WV Magistrate

Chase Linko-Looper (he/they) is no stranger to adversity. A former Army veteran, Chase returned home from war to confront two other enemies: addiction and homelessness. After overcoming these struggles, Chase became involved in community organizing to fight the evils that plague his home state of West Virginia: addiction, poverty, housing eviction, and domestic violence. In 2024, Chase ran for Governor of West Virginia as the Mountain Party candidate, but for this current race he is running as an Independent. In 2025, he published A Walk In My Broken Shoes: The Cage Is The Country. In addition, Chase also started Fights Back, a community aid organization that works to feed the hungry. This millennial father is dedicated to strengthening mental health resources and transforming the Court into a place that treats people with fairness and doesn’t punish them for being poor.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.7Andrew FJanuary 26, 2026revolution, election, food insecurity, mental health, poverty, election 2026Comment

Nicolle Maroulis of Hit Like A Girl on Music and Meaning

Lead singer of the “indie/emo/sometimes hardcore” band Hit Like A Girl, Nicolle Maroulis, opens up about their music making process, the story behind their latest single, “Keepsake Theory,” and the band’s upcoming LP, “Burning at Both Ends.” Beyond music, Maroulis displays their passion for helping the transgender community through their organization No More Dysphoria Found. To learn more about Nicolle Maroulis and Hit Like A Girl’s upcoming project, read on.

Audrey Lynn-Marie on Acting and Animals

Actress Audrey Lynn-Marie may be young, but she has talent beyond her years. Her breakout role in “Five Nights At Freddy’s 2” showcases her ability to expertly portray a broad range of emotions in a short amount of time. Outside of acting, her passion for pups is clear through her volunteer work with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue. To learn more about Audrey Lynn-Marie and her new roles, read on.

Our Favorite Candidates in 2026 - Amanda Edwards, Texas's 18th Congressional District

Today we are highlighting Amanda Edwards (she/her), a former member of the Houston City Council. Endorsed by EMILY’S List, Amanda is focused on rolling back Trump’s cuts to federal assistance programs, including SNAP, FEMA, Meals on Wheels, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, that affect the constituents in TX-18. Amanda is particularly passionate about supporting equitable health outcomes, having served on a steering committee to address the issue on black maternal deaths among other issues, and being an active proponent of funding measures like the Momnibus Bill to reduce the black maternal death disparities we face.

Ellory Grace Gives Back

Rising actress, musician, international model, and youth advocate Ellory Grace commits her time to authentic creative ventures and community service. This year she co-hosted the Annual Red Carpet Ice Skating Toy Drive benefiting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. She is also heavily involved with other youth organizations, including the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and The Kids Mental Health Foundation. To learn more about Ellory Grace and her upcoming projects, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.7Eva Elisa WellsJanuary 2, 2026model, toy drive, kids, mental health advocateComment

Xoë Miles's Vulnerable Storytelling

Singer-songwriter and producer Xoë Miles recently released her new single “Someone’s Somebody.” Creating a contrast between lyrics and beat, the track delves into one-sided feelings and the practice of overthinking with an energetic, 2010s inspired sound. Beyond the music, Miles is committed to volunteering her time to organizations like Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation, Snowdrop Foundation, Tunes for Tots, and Hollister's Girls Rock Camp. To learn more about Xoë Miles and her new music, read on.

Jules: Music as Unfiltered Expression

Artist Jules recently released his anticipated 10-track debut album “Loverboy Chronicles.” The project provides an unfiltered view of his personal experience and expression of love in our highly digital culture. Through raw emotional openness, Jules shows us that strength is found through honesty. Beyond the music, Jules is dedicated to supporting his community through participation in quarterly blood donations, helping local food banks and community events, and becoming the project manager for Union Dance. To learn more about Jules and his latest album, read on.

Kerry Frances: Acting & Impact

Actress Kerry Frances has been a storyteller and entertainer since a young age. Her upcoming role in Netflix’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery! , the latest installment of the popular Knives Out series, is just one of the many recent projects she’s been involved with. Her love for the film industry has also led her to writing, directing, producing, and starring in her very own short film MAMA MAMA. Beyond acting, her love for dogs shines bright through her involvement in several different dog-related initiatives, including Dogs Without Borders. To learn more about Kerry Frances and her part in Netflix’s upcoming film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery!, read on.

Hudson Hensley is Doing It All

Staring alongside Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman in the new film SONG SUNG BLUE!, young actor Hudson Hensley is making a name for himself in Hollywood. From taking part in several acting endeavors to volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and the Humane Society, running his own dog walking business, and learning multiple languages Hensley is doing it all. To learn more about Hudson Hensley and his upcoming roles, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.6Eva Elisa WellsDecember 12, 2025acting, Acting, Actor, film industry, film, animal rescue, animalshelter, animal shelter, animal, dogs, dog rescueComment

Judy Whitmore Shares Seasonal Spirit

In light of seasonal spirit, singer Judy Whitmore recently released a Christmas album. The project features covers of her favorite holiday songs and her single “The Ghost of Christmas Past,” a heartfelt sentiment to loved ones. Whitmore is also a dedicated community leader in the arts. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Pacific Symphony and volunteers her time as a member of the Board of Directors of Pacific Jazz Orchestra, Backhaus Dance, and The OC World Affairs Council. To learn more about Judy Whitmore and her new Christmas album, read on.

Cytrus' Psychedelic Songs

Cytrus, a Seattle-based Psychedelic Powerfunk band, recently dropped their new album “Duality.” The project explores the fusion between familiar psych rock elements and a modern 60s/70s psych soul. They let their passion for supporting others bleed into their music by hosting musical livestreams to raise money for organizations near and dear to their heart, including Snohomish Boys & Girls Club, Christopher Street Project, and Backline. To learn more about Cytrus and their new album, read on.

Alexis Plaen Invites You to "Enjoy the Void"

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Alexis Plaen just released her new album, “Enjoy the Void.” The project was born out of the mass isolation felt during the recent COVID-19 lockdown and carries a confrontational energy towards society. Incorporating activism into her music, Plaen has performed at benefit concerts to provide support for families in Gaza and hosted her album listening party in partnership with the mutual aid group Yardsales against F4ascism. To learn more about Alexis Plaen and the Void, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.7Eva Elisa WellsDecember 1, 2025music artist, music industry, new music, New Album, capitalism, mutual aid, fascism, chicago, lyricsComment

Rich Allo's Introspection

Music artist Rich Allo explores the ups and downs of the human experience through music. From mental health to relationship dynamics, his introspective lyrics speak to deep human emotion. His new single, “You” details the emotional difficulties of trying to stay in control and not let something break you down. Show his dedication to mental health awareness even further, a number of his shows have been in aid with the mental health focused organization Mind Jersey. To learn more about Rich Allo and his new single, read on.

Kylee Levien Brings Christmas Magic to Life on the Big Screen

Actress Kylee Levien brings Christmas magic to life on the big screen in her new movie A Chrismystery. Filled with bright holiday spirit and a little mystery, A Chrismystery is the perfect holiday watch to bring you warmth during this cold winter season. Beyond acting, Levien has a passion for supporting others. She dedicates her time to organizations like Baby2Baby, The Thirst Project, and her local food pantry. To learn more about Kylee Levien and her character in A Chrismystery, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.6Eva Elisa WellsNovember 25, 2025actress, acting, movies, movie, Movie, moviestowatch, films, film industry, film, #film, Volunteer, volunteer, community work, clean waterComment

Becca Hannah's Addictive Album

Singer-songwriter Becca Hannah creates music that blends styles of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop to communicate the complexities of human emotion. “Caramel,” the lead single off of her upcoming album “Tonight In My Dreams,” embodies the irresistibly addictive feeling of a new crush. It brings a light-hearted and playful start to the album’s emotional journey. Beyond the music, Hannah shows her passion for supporting children with developmental disabilities and mental health struggles through her work at organizations like Holding Hands. To learn more about Becca Hannah and her upcoming album, read on.

Yilian Cañizarez Reminds Us that Resilience Brings Renewal

Yilian Cañizarez uses music as a tool for translating emotion and connecting with her audience. Her new single, “Vamos a Florecer,” functions as a reminder that resilience can bring renewal. Beyond the music, Cañizarez is dedicated to supporting several different movements, including ones that fight against racism, work to expand children’s exposure to art, and support the ocean. She has been able to work as an ambassador for Ville de Lausanne — Campaign Against Racism in Switzerland, support her family’s organization Palacios House of Arts, and serve as a “Voice for the Ocean” for UN World Oceans Day. To learn more about Yilian Cañizarez and her new music, read on.

Roxanne Messina Captor - Keeping Busy In The Arts

Emmy-nominated director, writer, and producer Roxanne Messina Captor is a fierce advocate for California’s creative workforce. Working as chairperson for the California Arts Council, serving on the Creative Economy Workforce committee, and working alongside Governor Gavin Newsome to expand film tax incentives, Captor has a passion for arts action. To learn more about Roxanne Messina Captor and her upcoming projects, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.6Eva Elisa WellsNovember 5, 2025Art, arts, film, Film, films, film industry, cancer survivor, breast cancer, #breastcancer, creativity, #film, creative, CreativeComment

Veronica Moya on Mindfulness & Meditation

Veronica Moya is dedicated to helping others learn to implement mindfulness, meditation, and other healthy habits into their lives. With a special focus on helping the younger generations, she founded Mindful V, a platform that helps children with their mental and emotional health, and has worked with several other programs including Talented Teens Club and Quantum House. To learn more about Veronica Moya and valuable wellness tools, read on.

Lindsay Nikole - Accessible Animal & Evolution Education

Lindsay Nikole believes in accessible education for all. Using the power of social media, she shares educational information about animals and evolution to her wide audience. With her new book, “Epic Earth: A Wild Ride Through the History of Life on Our Planet”, readers can expect to be taken on a joyful journey through facts about the bizarre creatures that have inhabited our planet for billions of years. Having experience working with organizations like The Cheetah Conservation Fund and Save the Elephants, Nikole is a passionate advocate for animal conservation. To learn more about Lindsay Nikole and her new book, read on.

Krish Vignarajah - From Immigrant to Immigration Champion

Krishanti Vignarajah (she/her) has had quite the successful career. After immigrating to the United States from Sri Lanka at the age of nine months, Krish grew up in Maryland and attended Yale University. Krish returned back to Maryland and became involved in local politics, and interest that started in her youth. Krish worked her way up to the Obama White House, where she was First Lady Michelle Obama’s Policy Director. After leaving the White House, Krish became the CEO of Global Refuge, a nonprofit organization that has helped over 800,000 immigrants get settled and begin their lives in America. Read on to learn more about the amazing work that Krish Vignarajah has done!