Wildlife is precious! Based in Hong Kong, Animals Asia provides sanctuary for bears and protects those loving creatures from farming in Vietnam and China. The demand for bear bile as a medical substance has put the Moon Bear species significantly at risk. This organization is adamant about preservation of the Moon Bears, especially when there are herbal alternatives to bear bile. Many celebrities including the ones featured in this article have pledged to take a stand against Moon Bear extinction. You can follow in their footsteps with the details in this very article! For more information about Moon Bears, the demand for Bear Bile, and the amazing celebrities who advocate for the Animals Asia cause, please continue reading below.

Kelsey Caesar Will Run Into Your Heart

Kelsey Caesar goes from running as an Olympic hopeful to running for his life in horror films! You can see him in the new all black horror film “Bitch Ass”, where he tells us the kill scenes are the best. But Kelsey doesn’t stop there. He is a very passionate about the environment and loves fostering dogs. To learn more about this star athlete, fun actor, and activist, please read our exclusive interview below.

The Unique McLeod Family

The McLeod Family is one unique family full of love! Mom, Eeka, always dreamed of adopting and now she has three one of a kind kids: Eli, Evan, and Ella! Can we just talk about how cute it is that everyone in this family has an E name?? Eli has Cerebral Palsy and Evan and Ella are on the Autism Spectrum. Evan is extra fabulous as he is already so self-aware that he knows he is non-binary and loves wearing dresses. To learn more about this adorable family, please read our exclusive interview below.

Joy Nash On Embracing The Skin You Are In

Joy Nash is an actress based out of Los Angeles. Fifteen years ago, while YouTube was still an infant, Nash posted “A Fat Rant.” The monologue garnered over a million reviews and inspired a lot of people to start living for today, no matter the skin they are in. As an actress you may also recognize her from Dietland (2018), Twin Peaks (2017), and The Mindy Project (2013). Nash’s resume also includes writer, voice talent, and volunteer with ‘A Place Called Home’ in Downtown LA. Their art, education, and wellness program for kids in South Los Angeles works to improve their economic conditions and lead healthy purposeful lives. Read on in our interview with Joy Nash to learn more about her career, volunteer work, and upcoming projects!

C.J. Macias's Reflection On Healing

C.J. Macias has been catching waves since he was a kid with his dad on the beaches of South Florida. Now currently located in Hawaii, Macias has been fortunate to surf some of the biggest waves in the world. In 2011 and 2012, Macias had a few setbacks when he injured his rib and disc in his lower back while surfing and playing high-level beach volleyball, respectively. Throughout his healing journey which brought him from India to Bali and Hawaii, he found that all great healing happens from the heart. Macias is involved with the "Waves of Life" project with The McNamara Foundation, which helps at-risk youth strengthen their connection with nature and themselves through the transformational power of surf therapy and community involvement. He is also featured in the latest HBO Max six-part docu-series, "100 Foot Wave," along with American surfer Garrett McNamara. Read on in our interview with Macias to learn more about his healing journey and future projects!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 43Kaylyn WenzelMay 13, 2022Healing, Healing Journey, Reflection, Surfing, Waves, Athlete, Injury, Hawaii, HBO MaxComment

Sustainability in Italian Fashion

Since the post World War II era, Italy has created a fashion empire known for its craftsmanship and elegant sense of style. Subsequently, the ‘Made in Italy’ label has gained international recognition for products of the highest quality and authenticity. To compete with other countries in the global fashion supply chain, Italian fashion brands have implemented environmental and social sustainability into its practices. The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), also known as ‘The National Chamber for Italian Fashion,’ has a Sustainability Working Group Sector that sets disciplines, coordinates and promotes the development of responsible Italian fashion. Its manifesto has guidelines for manufacturing practices, sustainable retail, and eco-toxicological requirements for articles of clothing and industrial discharges; among others. The non-profit association is located in Milan and its members include the likes of Gucci, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Discussing Inclusivity and Disability Representation With Tal Anderson

Tal Anderson is an actor and director based in Los Angeles, CA. Big into storytelling from a young age, Anderson started officially acting right before high school. You may recognize her from the Netflix series “Atypical” as ‘Sid,’ a role that was written specifically for her. Anderson describes going into the casting call for a small three-line role in Episode 2 of Season 3, but ending up getting a call for Sid after the show-runner saw her audition. Anderson also has a leading role in the national campaign for Delivering Jobs, which is in partnership with Best Buddies and Special Olympics promoting jobs for disabled people. As an autistic actor, Anderson works with organizations the work to promote inclusivity and disability representation. She is an official ambassador for Awareness Ties, a contributor to Neuroclastic, and a speaker with The Inspire Project. She also enjoys making films for the annual Disability Film Challenge. Read on to learn more about Anderson’s important work towards inclusivity and representation!

The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Furniture - By James King

The undeniable manifestations of climate change have pushed many of us to look into how we live and how it affects the world we live in. Nowadays, the fast fashion industry is under fire for how it promotes excessive consumerism and its unethical practices that devastate our environment at a colossal level. Hence, more and more people are putting their best efforts to veer away from problematic fast fashion brands in hopes of living more sustainably.

But aside from your choice of clothing, how you furnish and decorate your home is another aspect where you can incorporate sustainable practices. In this guide to sustainable furniture, we discuss what sustainability truly means, its many benefits, plus practical shopping tips. Let’s get started!

Let Kiyomila Cosmetics Introduce You to Black-Owned Vegan Skincare

Inclusive, Natural, and Vegan? Sign us up! Kiyomila Cosmetics is a black-owned vegan skincare brand based out of London, UK. The cosmetics brand specializes in healthy, vegan products that are catered for individuals experiencing eczema, acne and hyperpigmentation. The inspiration for the brand comes from the founder’s own skincare journey, as she suffered from eczema and hyperpigmentation since childhood. The brand offers a range of body butters, body scrubs and body oil for eczema and body acne. For hyperpigmentation the brand introduced the Fade Away’ face and body butter which is enriched with natural Kokum butter and Buriti fruit and Kukui nut oil. Read on in our interview with the brand to hear more about their product assortment and helpful skincare tips!

SWAC: Beauty, zIssue 43Kaylyn WenzelMay 4, 2022Cosmetics, Black-owned, Vegan, skincare, natural, healthy, #skincare, eczema, acne, productsComment

What's happening in Ukraine?

Following an eight year long war between Ukraine and Russia, the Russian leader Vladimir Putin launched a ‘large scale invasion’ on a country of over 44 million on the 24th of February 2022. Whilst Kremlin officials themselves were surprised by Putin’s actions, thinkers associated with foreign policy realism had been predicting such conflict since as early as the 90’s.

Articles, zIssue 43Saanvi SethiMay 2, 2022ukraine, russia, war, nato, conflict, protests, nuclear, putin, zelensky, freedom, attacks, invasion, global, fightingComment

Mastering Your Mindset with Charyn Harris

Charyn Harris is a woman who does it all! This Los Angeles-based author, educator, motivational speaker, musician, and music business professional began her career touring as a keyboardist for R&B legend Barry White. She graduated from Berklee College of Music and earned an MBA from The University of Phoenix. In 2004, Charyn founded Project MuszEd, a nonprofit agency providing arts education, performance, and programming. She is also, the host of her own podcast called Musicians Guide to Grit, empowering musicians and females worldwide through her knowledge and expertise as a woman and leader in the music business. She newly released her debut book The Art of War for Creatives, which addresses mastering your mindset and learning to create a foundation for yourself to have the life and career that you deserve. In 2020, Charyn co-founded My Good with Macy Gray, to support families who lost a loved one to police brutality. To learn more about Charyn Harris and the incredible initiatives she has created, continue reading below.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Meaningful and Eco-Friendly Ideas for Mom

Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate all your mom has done for you, but it’s not always easy to come up with the perfect gift. Chances are, you have already given your mom all the typical presents, like cards, candles and trinkets that say “World’s Best Mom.”

While you want to do something to show your mom you care, giving a gift that may end up in the trash in a few years is not the most thoughtful or sustainable way to go. If you want to honor your mom without creating waste or clutter, here are some meaningful and eco-friendly ideas to try this Mother’s Day.

Articles, zIssue 43Cora GoldApril 25, 2022Motherhood, mother's day, gift ideas, eco friendly, gift guide, minimalism, sustainabilityComment

Raising Awareness for Refugees With Rapper Star2

Star2 was born in a Thai refugee camp, Mae La, in Thailand. He lived there with his family until the age of six, then his grandmother and her four children migrated to San Diego, CA. Star2 and his family are Ka-ren, a persecuted indigenous tribe from Burma, now named Myanmar. He currently lives and works out of San Diego as a rapper with an affinity for conscious songwriting. His newest single, “Run Away” was recently released. The single is about the current state of the world, with references to the Black Lives Matter movement and current refugee crisis in Thailand, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. The music video for the single is just as powerful, with videos of current atrocities happening throughout the world on loop in the background. Star2’s hope is to raise awareness for these issues and give back to those helping out. He works with several nonprofits such as The Border Consortium, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Thailand, The International Rescue Committee, and Karen Outreach to support refugees in Thailand and Ukraine. Read on in our interview with Star2 to learn more about his music, upcoming EP, and how he is offering support to these organizations.

Samora Smallwood: Standing Up for Representation and Equity

The multi-talented Samora Smallwood is a Toronto based actress. Samora has taken on various roles including the lead in Lifetime’s thriller “Death She Wrote”, Star Trek Discovery, and Good Witch. Currently, she is starring as Maddi Brewer in the new drama series The Kings of Napa, airing now on the OWN Network. Her dedication extends beyond her roles on screen. Addressing the importance of representation is no simple task, but that does not deter Samora from creating real systematic changes in the film and TV industry. As an advocate for actors and the importance of equity and inclusion, she has taken on the position of co-Chair of ACTRA's Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Elected Councilor for ACTRA Toronto. Continue reading below to learn more about Samora Smallwood and how she takes action to stand up for representation and equity.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 43Sophie LaSalaApril 22, 2022actress, people of color, poc, representation, empowering women, blackgirlmagic, acting, activistComment

Temple Lester: The STEM Prodigy

Temple Lester is an Atlanta-based STEM prodigy. 14-year-old Temple is devoted to introducing those who lack representation to the STEM field. She was all too familiar with being one of the only minorities and women in STEM, now her mission is to change that. Not only did she create STEM Girl Swag and STEM Swag Box, both ways to get the youth engaged, but she has successfully exposed more than 100,000 youth through science workshops and social media. Temple takes action! Temple also interacts with seasoned masters of the STEM field such as Dr. Siam Proctor, the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft. She wishes to pass on that knowledge to the youth through fun and engaging activities curated by no other than Temple. The excellence does not stop there! Temple was nominated for the 2nd annual “Kid of The Year” Nickelodeon Awards. As an entrepreneur and leader Temple is sure to make a change! If you would like to know how, please continue reading this interview starring Temple Lester!

COVER - Meg Donnelly - Born To Stand Out

Meg Donnelly was born to stand out. From the sweet Taylor Otto in “American Housewife” to the aspiring Addison in “ZOMBIES”, Meg will act and sing her way into your heart. This Disney star is just getting started! We are excited to see the third installment of “ZOMBIES” coming out this year and, for those who can’t get enough of her beautiful voice, she will be in the new Disney “High School Musical” show! Finally, clearly Meg has a soft spot for the celestial, because she is joining the “Supernatural” world in the new prequel “The Winchesters”. While she will still be hanging out with interesting creatures, this role will be a whole new side for her. When Meg isn’t off fighting vampires and whatnot, she is tackling a whole other demon in our society — mental health. She has been very open about her own struggles with anxiety and hopes to be a positive role model for all her young fans. To learn more about Meg, please read our exclusive cover interview below.

One Year of Giving with Lucas Royalty

Lucas Royalty is an actor best known for his role as Gus in the award winning short film “Charming.” He is also an influencer who works to spread positivity and anti-bullying messages on his social media. In September 2021, Lucas started a 12 months of giving challenge where each month he picks a new charity to raise funds and awareness for. He is currently supporting his 8th organization right now by raising funds to support the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Overall, Lucas has raised $10,000 to help try to make the world a better place through social media. To donate, you can engage with Lucas on Instagram to learn more about his charity of the month. Read on in our interview with this ‘charming’ young man to learn more about his career and charity work!

Something Green: How to Make Your Wedding Eco-Friendly

Planning your wedding comes with highs and lows of excitement and stress. While your engagement might fill you with joy and hopefulness, you will quickly realize all the decisions, costs and complications among them — including the amount of waste you might produce during your ceremony and reception.

Whether the environmental impact of your wedding is a top priority or a factor you’re just now considering, here are some ways to make your wedding eco-friendly without compromising your vision or preferred traditions.

Articles, zIssue 42Cora GoldApril 13, 2022wedding, eco friendly, sustainable, wedding dress, eco friendly farms, Reusable, jewelry, diamondsComment

Kamala Lopez Sets Out to Ensure That Equal Truly Means Equal

The Equal Means Equal campaign, founded by actress Kamala Lopez (‘Star Trek: Voyager’, ‘This Is Us’, ‘Mayans MC’), works to raise public awareness of the need for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The Equal Rights Amendment establishes equality under the law in the U.S. Constitution, regardless of sex. Surprisingly, women are currently not equal under federal law. To raise awareness for this disparity, Lopez directed the documentary ‘Equal Means Equal.’ The film utilizes historical precedents and contemporary case studies to show what women in the United States face today, and why it is important to complete the process of ratifying the ERA to give women and girls the legal foundation they need to live on an even playing field. In her interview with Jejune Magazine, Lopez goes over next steps for ratifying the amendment and what readers can do to support the cause. The Biden-Harris administration expressed their support for the cause on the campaign trail, but have since taken no steps in rescinding the memo issued under the previous administration or instructing the Archivist to publish the amendment. Time is of the essence. Read on to learn more.

Doing It All With Amanda Jaros

Los Angeles based actress and writer Amanda Jaros knows how to stay busy. Whether she’s showcasing her talents while starring in ABC’s “Women of the Movement '' or putting pen to paper and crafting screenplays, Amanda has much to offer to the entertainment industry. Amazingly, Amanda was introduced to acting and writing as a mere child, and proves to be a natural at honing in on her creativity. Currently, Amanda is developing three indie features written and starring herself! When not putting her all into the industry, she is nurturing another passion: humanitarian and advocacy work. Amanda serves as a team leader for “After Hours Ministry”, a non profit organization which supports outreach for sex trafficking and exploitation victims on the streets of L.A. If you are interested in Amanda’s story or future endearers, please continue reading below.