Akilah Newton has a dream to have all kids have access to the arts, at least in Montreal, and she is making it happen through her organization Overture with the Arts (OWTA). OWTA offers inexpensive or free education in music, dance, drama and vocal training to children. In addition to this, Akilah has released an inspiring book series “Big Dreamers”, which helps to educate Canadians about their own Black history. With most education systems in Canada focusing a heavy emphasis on American Black History rather than Canadian, Akilah has been inspired to help highlight notable Black Canadians to help educate the youth about their own history. Again, Akilah is stepping up to the plate to help! To learn more about this incredible woman and her many endeavors, please read our exclusive interview below.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Aarika Nelson, Sheriff of Kent County, Delaware

Aarika Nelson (she/her) is a millennial whose progressive views have led her to believe that everyday Americans are suffering under policies enacted by the dual-party system that allows special interests to divide and conquer. A married mother of four, Aarika is the primary income earner in her family, making minimum wage working at Dollar Tree and living paycheck to paycheck, and is enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in order to feed her family. Aarika's life experience as a low-income, working-class woman have made her identify with other marginalized people like her. She is a strong advocate for Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, the legalization of marijuana, and ending the failed War on Drugs.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 45Andrew FOctober 6, 2022police reform, policies, political, politics, Politics, #politics, queer, #queer, Motherhood, economy, Poverty, poverty, marijuanaComment

Boo Bitch! You will be hearing more about Alyssa Jirrels

From a commercial to your screens, Boo Bitch! Alyssa Jirrels is playing an unexpected mother in the Netflix comedy series, but you will see and hear much more of her. She is now filming to play the lead character, Ellen Gallagher, in the new Paramount+ Fatal Attraction series alongside Lizzy Caplan, Joshua Jackson, and Amanda Pete, to name a few in the drama-thriller series. Alyssa has been involved in bringing awareness to Autism, participating in "As We See It," and since her role in the short "Under the Lights," she has been a strong advocate for bringing awareness to Epilepsy. Please keep reading to know more about her career and projects.

Akelee Will Carry You To Hope

From Dallas, Tx, American Idol star, Akelee was born with the voice of a sultry angel! Inspired by the great Michael Jackson, Akelee aims to mix faith with pop culture to cultivate love and add positivity to our world. But she is doing this through more than just her music as she is very active with both the Peggy Beatrice Foundation and Dove Prosperity International to help restore communities. Please read further to learn more about her music and positive impact on the world in our exclusive interview with Akelee.

Lindsey Blackwell - Born A Star

Meet Lindsey Blackwell, a star who has worked in print, voiceover, commercials, film, and television. Blackwell has some exciting new projects to share: the Netflix Original film "13: The Musical," in which she will be playing the role of Kendra, and her brand-new EP, "Flowers," an original song that is now available to stream! Lindsey Blackwell also supports "Girls For A Change" and co-hosted their 2022 Diva Bag Auction to benefit the campaign. Continue reading to learn more about Lindsey Blackwell’s career in entertainment, her new film and single, and Girls For A Change!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Heidi Campbell, Tennessee's 5th Congressional District

This week we are profiling Heidi Campbell (she/her/hers). Heidi is a musician and former music publisher in the Nashville area. She was previously the mayor for the community of Oak Hill, and is currently a Tennessee State Senator for the 20th District. In the State Senate she has been a vocal proponent for public schools and teachers, women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and the legalization of marijuana. She is married with two children.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 45, Most PopularAndrew FSeptember 29, 2022music industry, music artist, music producer, executive, politician, politics, PoliticsComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Kristen Gonzalez, New York State Senate District 59

This week we are profiling Kristen Gonzalez (she/her/hers). Kristen is a tech worker, community organizer, and democratic socialist representing parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens next year in the New York State Senate. On August 23, she won the Democratic primary for one of two new state Senate districts, capturing 58% of the vote against a well-funded opponent. Prior to running for office, she was involved as a leader in the Democratic Socialists of America and as a local community organizer, working on campaigns for community land trusts, climate action, and public internet. She was raised by a single mother from Puerto Rico in Elmhurst, Queens, where she first got involved in activism, eventually working her way to the Obama White House before returning to community organizing in Queens.

Zibby Allen - Hollywood's Dragon

We would like to introduce you to Zibby Allen! Allen is an actress, writer, producer, and singer/songwriter who has appeared in a number of films and television shows and is a member of the band Sock and Chimes. Despite the fact that she has already provided us with a plethora of options to watch or listen to, she is not done yet and has some exciting new projects in the works, including the fifth season of Virgin River and the lead role in the Lifetime thriller Lies Between Friends. She and her family also established The Baby Dragon Fund in memory of her brother. Although this fund is no longer active, she continues to do philanthropic work and has contributed a great deal to the Human Rights Campaign. Please continue reading to learn more about Zibby Allen's acting projects and characters, as well as The Baby Dragon Fund and other philanthropic work.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Maddy MaierSeptember 20, 2022writers, producing, producer, entertainment, actres, actress, film industry, film, filmmaking, women, female, female artists, TV, TV Series, movie, star, lead, #tvseriesComment

Gabriella Uhl Is Performing Her Way Through Life

“A young acting sensation” are words too few that can truly describe Gabriella Uhl. A star in the making, Gabriella has been performing her whole life. One could even say it is in her blood, as she tells us that everyone in her family loves to perform. From her first appearance in The School of Rock to her latest appearance in Netflix’s 13: The Musical singing, acting, and dancing are a way of life. However, she also dabbles in philanthropic work in the form of women’s empowerment through the Maestro organization. Please read on as we delve deeper into the life of Gabrielle Uhl in this exclusive interview with Jejune Magazine.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Erin Maye Quade, Minnesota State Senate District 56

This week we are profiling Erin Maye Quade (she/her/hers), a former Minnesota State Representative currently running for Minnesota State Senate. A biracial LGBTQ millennial, she and her wife Alyse are active in Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) politics. Erin focuses on a variety of important policy issues such as reproductive rights, health, and justice; gun safety (leading a 24-hour sit-in protest at the Minnesota House after the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting); and economic justice for all. At nine months pregnant, she went into labor while delivering a speech at the DFL party convention in April 2022; she later gave birth to daughter Harriet.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Andrew FSeptember 15, 2022biracial, lesbian, queer, millenial, black, politician, politics, Politics, #politics, political, get politicalComment

The Tita Collective Is Representing The Family

What is better than your favorite funny aunt? How about a whole collection of them! Let me introduce you to the Tita (aunt in Tagalog) Collection. This theatrical hilarious group of Filipina-Canadian artists is here to entertain and tell us some new stories, not the same boring ones about some white guy in the same-old same-old situation. To learn more about this troupe and find out where you can catch them next, please read on!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Mauree Turner, Oklahoma House of Representatives District 88

This week we are profiling Mauree Turner (they/them/theirs). Mauree is the first openly non-binary U.S. State lawmaker and first Muslim member of the Oklahoma legislature, serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As a Black, millennial, non-binary Muslim, Turner has described the Oklahoma legislature as unwelcoming to them, but continues to work every day for criminal justice reimaginement and rebuilding, affordable and accessible healthcare, fully-funded public education, and living wages for Oklahomans.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Georgette Gomez, California State Assembly District 80

Today we are continuing our profiles of our favorite Progressive candidates who are running to represent their communities at the state and federal levels, and move the country forward, to continue to ensure that all Americans are equally represented in government.

This week we are profiling Georgette Gomez (she/her/hers). Georgette, a self-described “Queer brown woman from Barrio Logan”, is the former San Diego City Council president, currently running for California State Assembly. With a working-class background, Gomez graduated from San Diego State with a degree in environmental and natural resource geography. Gomez led the Toxic Free Neighborhoods Campaign to protect children from corporate polluters in residential communities. The environment, climate, affordable housing, and fighting corporate greed are all important issues for her.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Andrew FSeptember 1, 2022lesbian, brown, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, environmental, environment, california, strong women, 2022, election, 2022 election, politicsComment

Shawn Ahmed - Ready for Action!

Shawn Ahmed, a Canadian actor, is ready for action! Ahmed is not only breaking into the industry as an actor, but he is also managing every aspect of production with his co-founded company, Crazy Shirts Production, where he directs, writes, and produces. You might have seen him with Toni Braxton in the Lifetime film series "Fallen Angels Murder Club" or as Alphonse in season 4 of "Coroner." As if that weren't enough, he'll also appear in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, where he plays Ensign Shankar. In addition to acting and producing films, he serves on the board of directors of POV Films, a non-profit that helps marginalized youth and young adults with training, mentorship, job placement, and professional development in the film and television business. Ahmed has even pitched a series of projects led by people that were found through POV. He is changing the world, one film at a time! Keep reading below to learn more about his acting, production company, and involvement in POV films.

Dan Pallotta - Back To Where It All Began

Dan Pallotta is going back to where it all began! Pallotta has dabbled in a variety of fields, such as creating charity events and running for politics, but his music career is making a comeback and we are all ready! With new albums and singles, such as "John F. Kennedy," already released and new plans for music in the future, Pallotta is about to dominate the music world! Continue reading to learn more about his return to music, his single, "John F. Kennedy," his philanthropic events, and exciting new music on the way! You don't want to miss it!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Nikki Merritt, Georgia State Senate District 9

Today we are continuing our profiles of our favorite Progressive candidates who are running to represent their communities at the state and federal levels, and move the country forward, to continue to ensure that all Americans are equally represented in government.

This week we are profiling Nikki Merritt (she/her/hers). Nikki is a Georgia State Senator representing Gwinnett County. She is a Black progressive Democrat and CWA Local 3204 labor union member. In the Georgia State Senate, she prioritizes healthcare, worker protections, voting rights, and education. She is married with two children.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Andrew FAugust 25, 2022Black, woman, georgia black, Georgia, Mother, progressive, union, 2022 election, politicsComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Heather Mizeur, Maryland's 1st Congressional District

This week we are profiling Heather Mizeur (she/her/hers). Heather is a health policy expert, nonprofit leader, and former state legislator currently running for the US House of Representatives in Maryland's First District. She and her wife Deborah live on a 34-acre organic farm in Chestertown, Maryland. During her time in the Maryland House of Delegates, and as a candidate for governor in 2014, Mizeur focused on environmental protection, government transparency, healthcare, jobs creation, marriage equality, and the legalization of marijuana as signature issues.

Promoting Kindness With Sydney Brett

New York-based model Sydney Brett is preventing bullying one workshop at a time. Through Sydney’s non-profit organization “Stronger Than You Think,” she implements anti-bullying and mental health education for youth. Sydney's mission is to stop hate at its core, especially as a victim of childhood bullying due to her struggle with dyslexia. Sydney’s curriculum is crucially needed in a world where social media can be the root of insecurities for many impressionable children coming to terms with their identities. If you are interested in Sydney’s work in the modeling industry, her amazing non-profit, or her hope for this generation, please continue reading the interview below!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Taylor Small, Vermont House of Representatives - Chittenden-6-7

This week we are profiling Taylor Small (she/her/hers). Taylor is a millennial member of the Vermont House of Representatives and is the first openly transgender legislator in Vermont, running on the Vermont Progressive Party ticket. She is also the Education Manager at Pride Center of Vermont and has worked in mental health with homeless and runaway youth at Spectrum Youth and Family Services. She promotes youth literacy and local libraries, among other education issues.

Regina Ting Chen - Embracing Our Screens With Her Talent

Meet the talented Regina Ting Chen! You may recognize her as Ms. Kelly, the guidance counselor at Hawkins High School in the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things.” This exciting new season premiered on May 27th and is not one to be missed! If she isn't fighting in the upside-down world, you might have seen her in one of the other 30 commercials, movies, or TV shows she has appeared on, not to mention "Marvel's" The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," HBO's Emmy-winning limited series "Watchmen," and the CW's "Dynasty." In addition, when Regina is not acting, you can find her helping Vegan Meals that Heal, a nonprofit organization, teaching HIT kickboxing, or as an animal lover, painting pet portraits, or teaching her dogs tricks! Continue reading our exclusive interview below to learn more about Ms. Kelly, her time on set, Vegan Meals that Heal, and the other activities she enjoys!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Maddy MaierAugust 9, 2022actress, Actress, female actress, Vegan, Stranger Things, Kickboxing, acting, #actress, Commercials, movie, TV Series, model, dogs, animalComment