Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Katie Wilson, Mayor of Seattle, WA

Even though it is an “off-year” for elections, several large US cities are holding mayoral elections this year, including New York City and San Antonio. In Seattle’s open primary, millennial progressive activist and community organizer Katie Wilson (she/her) came in first, ahead of Seattle’s current establishment mayor. Now a run-off is scheduled for Election Day in November between the two. Katie is the co-founder and executive director of the Transit Riders Union, a group that focuses on improving public transport and workers' rights. As she says, “I am most passionate about making Seattle a city that's affordable for working families. That means tackling the affordable housing crisis, bringing people inside, protecting our immigrant and LGBTQ+ community members from attacks from the Trump administration, expanding workers' and renters' rights, and addressing the crisis of childcare for young families, among others issues our city faces.”

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Jackie Glass, Virginia House of Delegates District 93

We are now entering the home stretch of the 2025 elections! There are quite a few elections going on this year, including for the Virginia House of Delegates, where Democrats hold a slim majority. Today we are profiling Jackie Glass (she/her/hers/ella) the delegate for Virginia’s 93rd district, which rests within the city of Norfolk, Virginia’s 4th largest city by population. A veteran of the US Navy, Jackie is now a DEI consultant and member of the NAACP and Black Chamber of Commerce. This millennial mom of two is passionate about public schools, housing and honest police interrogation.

Rising Star with a Vintage Soul: The Story of Gina Zo

With a voice that echoes the smoky allure of classic soul and the fearless edge of modern pop, Gina Zo is more than just a singer—she's a storyteller who wears her heart on every note. First gaining national attention as a standout contestant on The Voice, Gina has since carved out a unique space in the music world with her raw vocals, retro style, and unapologetic authenticity. But beyond the spotlight lies a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and creative evolution that's just beginning to unfold.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.5Kylie MurphySeptember 30, 2025singer, singer song writer, songwriter, new music, music artist, music, activism, Volunteer, authenticity, VoiceComment

INDVGO: Healing and Empowerment

New York based artist INDVGO writes music for those who feel deeply. With two new singles, “How Is It Love” and “Be Mine”, and more to come, her music aims to help others find the strength to heal no matter how messy it may feel. Beyond the music, INDVGO partners with Delta Theta Sorority Inc. and NAACP to spread empowerment and help amplify others voices. To learn more about INDVGO and her new music, read on.

More Than Music: How Dolly Doops Uses Art to Heal, Connect, and Empower

In a world where authenticity is often filtered, Dolly Doops is refreshingly real. Based in London by way of the Isle of Wight and New York, the queer indie-pop artist crafts music that’s as emotionally raw as it is sonically infectious. Whether she’s blending synth-driven beats with vulnerable lyrics, or volunteering at a community arts organization for the unhoused, Dolly is constantly exploring how creativity connects us — and how identity shapes the stories we tell. To find out more, read below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.5Angelina DeSalvoSeptember 24, 2025music, empowering, empowering women, queer, authenticity, indie, pop, art, songwritingComment

From Silence to Sound: Lily Vakili’s Journey Back to Herself

Lily Vakili’s artistic journey is as multifaceted as the life she’s led—spanning law, dance, human rights work, and now, a deeply personal return to music under her own name. With the upcoming release of Oceans of Kansas, Vakili opens a new chapter that blends vulnerability with bold sonic experimentation. From navigating change to embracing her role as a mother of a neurodivergent child, her insights reveal a compelling artist grounded in truth and transformation. Read below to find out more about Lily’s evolution, her latest music, and the stories that shaped them.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.5Angelina DeSalvoSeptember 17, 2025singer, mother, songwriter, self expression, self love, dancer, actor, human rightsComment

Talking Violet Offers a Look Into Their Mind

Talking Violet’s music transports listeners to a nostalgic grunge dreamland. After a brief pause in releasing music, their new single “In Your Mind” marks a powerful come back. With lyrics that incite self-reflection, this single surrounds an important message with a sentimental atmosphere. Beyond the music, the members of Talking Violet are dedicated to supporting others. Handing out To Write Love On Her Arms pamphlets that include mental health resources to fans at shows is just one example of this dedication. To learn more about Talking Violet and their new music, read on.

Weakened Friends on New Music and Queer Representation

With their highly anticipated album Feels Like Hell dropping on October 10th, Weakened Friends smashes it out of the park with their latest singles. With lyrics about breaking free from what’s not working, their newest release “Tough Luck (Bleed Me Out)” encapsulates the albums theme of both internal and external reflection. Partnering with The Ally Coalition for their upcoming tour, Weakened Friends strives to make their shows a safe space for everyone. To learn more about Weakened Friends and their upcoming album, read on.

Luke Speakman on Acting and Making a Difference

Weapon’s star Luke Speakman has been acting since he was just 5 years old. Now he’s sharing the screen alongside big names like Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, and Julia Garner. Beyond acting, Speakman has a passion for helping others. Donating the custom designed shoes he wore to the premiere of the Weapons movie to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and raising money for the non-profit organization Two Thumbs Up are just two small pieces of evidence of his big heart. To learn more about Luke Speakman and his time on set for Weapons, read on.

Iris Gold: Smiling Through Adversity

Singer-songwriter Iris Gold radiates positivity not just through her personality, but through her music too. Her latest single “Smile” is a testament to her perseverance and longtime mission to make herself and others smile even when facing adversity. Including her family, friends, and youth she met during her time working with the organization Plan International Zimbabwe in the music video for “Smile” is just one way she strengthens her message. To learn more about Iris Gold and her new music, read on.

Ivy Lee - Lifelong Civil Rights Activist

Ever since childhood as a daughter of immigrants, Ivy Lee (she/her) has been keenly aware of social and legal injustice. Ivy has spent her entire career advocating for victims and survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, as well as the rights of immigrants. In 2020, Ivy was invited by Mayor London Breed of San Francisco to join her administration as a policy adviser on public safety. After four years, it was evident that Ivy was the right person to stand up the Office of Victim and Witness Rights, an office approved by the voters of San Francisco. For the past year and a half, Ivy has helped set up a Special Victims Unit in the SFPD and strengthened city policies on handling sex crimes. Read on to hear more about the remarkable career of Ivy Lee!

Miracle in Motion: The Power of Being Unapologetically You

Miracle Pelayo is all about breaking barriers and owning her story. With a spark for acting, a passion for advocacy, and a name that truly fits, she’s making waves in Hollywood—and beyond. From screen roles to speaking out on disability representation, Miracle brings heart, humor, and honesty to everything she does. Her journey is one of creativity, resilience, and the belief that every story—especially the ones less told—deserves to be seen and heard.

Andrea Ware's Burning Heart

Actress Andrea Ware had her fair share of fighting fire breathing dragons on set for the live action “How to Train Your Dragon”. Playing the character Burnheart, a brave warrior with a big heart, Ware helped bring the originally animated film to life. Beyond acting, Ware spends her time helping with creative programmes for disadvantaged youth at Roadworks Media and humanitarian work at her best friend’s organization FACE Africa. To learn more about Andrea Ware and her time on set for the live action “How to Train Your Dragon”, read on.

zIssue 57.4, SWAC: InfluencerEva Elisa WellsAugust 27, 2025acting, Acting, film industry, film, Film, films, #film, movies, movie, Movie, youth, youth empowerment, Africa, entertainment, arts, creative, mentorshipComment

Christina Kwauk: Girls Hold the Answer to the Future of Climate Change

Christina Kwauk (she/her) has been on a lifelong journey of unfolding discovery. Beginning her work in education, her research led her to focus on the education of girls across the world as an area of expertise. While working at the Brookings Institution, a colleague asked her if there was any link between girls’ education and climate change. This question sparked a new course of study for Christina: how investing in girls’ education will aid the fight in climate change. Read on to learn more about Christina Kwauk!

Roots & Rhythm: Shoka Sunflower on Music, Meaning, and Growth

Shoka Sunflower has always had a gift for finding light in the cracks — pairing raw emotion with melodies that linger long after the last note. Now, with his upcoming album FOR NOW KEEP DANCING, the singer-songwriter steps into a new era of vulnerability, resilience, and rhythm. In this candid conversation, Shoka opens up about the inspiration behind the project, the stories that shaped its sound, and why this album feels like both a closing chapter and a hopeful beginning.

zIssue 57.4, SWAC: InfluencerKylie MurphyAugust 25, 2025singer, singer song writer, music, growth, activismComment

Kim Tran, Alliance Builder between the Black and Asian communities

Dr. Kim Tran (she/her) is an inspirational human being. She has lived her entire life in devotion to fighting for justice and building solidarity between like-minded people and groups. As a queer Asian woman, she is a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ community, the Black-Asian alliance, and opposing oppression. This intellectual has been a proponent for DEI long before DEI became a buzzword or reached the lips of the American mainstream. Read on to learn more about Dr. Kim Tran!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Anndrea Young, Minneapolis City Council Ward 5

The Minneapolis City Council races are heating up! We’ve already featured one other race for the council, and today we are featuring another election in a different ward. Anndrea Young (she/her) is a millennial mom of two who is passionate about her district. She says, “I love the smell of Broadway early in the morning when Cub Foods is baking doughnuts, but I don't really eat doughnuts.”

Roots and Resonance: Ant Thomaz on Fatherhood, Fusion, and Finding Purpose

Some artists follow trends; others follow truth. In a world that often demands instant output and polished perfection, Ant Thomaz chooses presence, patience, and purpose. From morning meditations with his daughter to the chilled edges of the Irish Sea, his creative process is as deeply personal as it is universal. Rooted in Scotland but echoing with Louisiana soul, Ant’s story unfolds like a song—layered, honest, and impossible to ignore. Want to know what fuels the man behind the music? Read below to find out more.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.4Angelina DeSalvoAugust 12, 2025artists, music, fatherhood, father, songs, singer song writer, album, funk, jazz, soul, stage, performanceComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2025 - Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Seattle City Council Position 8

Today we are profiling Alexis Mercedes Rinck (she/her), a queer Latina millennial who was elected councilwoman for Position 8 on the Seattle City Council who is running for re-election on the Democratic ticket. She won a special election last year by running to the left of the appointed councilmember. Born to two teenage gang members, Alexis’s father spent her whole childhood incarcerated and went on to face chronic homelessness and substance abuse disorder, while her mother ended up losing custody in the throes of the juvenile detention system, so Alexis was raised by her grandparents. Alexis is passionate about housing reform, fighting climate change, and protecting immigrant communities from ICE.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.3Andrew FAugust 12, 2025latina, latinx, queer, #queer, housing, housing crisis, homelessness, homeless crisis, election, #election, #SeattleComment

Jackie Dallas on Acting and Advocacy

After rediscovering her love for acting during medical residency, actress Jackie Dallas made a bold decision to swap career paths and pursue her passion. Now she finds herself celebrating her latest role in Netflix’s new drama filled series “The Hunting Wives”. Still a fierce advocate for women’s health, Dallas shares women’s pelvic health advice and chats about the importance of diversity and representation within the industry. To learn more about Jackie Dallas, her acting process, and her advocacy, read on.