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

Covid In The Jails - A First Hand Exposure

As the heart of COVID is hopefully in our rearview mirror, it is important to learn from what happened and how people we treated during those times. Jejune was lucky enough to get an exclusive interview from an ex inmate who recently was released from prison, but was there for the entirety of the pandemic. For the privacy of this individual we have kept this interview anonymous. It is heartbreaking to see how mental health was completely dismissed during this time and how the prisons took advantage of the situation to milk these, mostly poor prisoners, of their money while they so hungrily craved their loved ones during scary times. Please read on.

Editor's Pick, zIssue 44Kira BuccaAugust 23, 2022prison, prison reform, covid, COVID testing, covid-19, COVID, jail, pandemic livingComment

How To Balance Environmental Sustainability and Budgeting as a Student

Student life is difficult, with all of the new experiences, school work and overall just finding balance, keeping a sustainable home and life isn't easy. Although, there are little things to do and keep in mind to really make a difference for the environment and your ecological footprint. Finding the perfect balance between staying on a budget and doing what you can to be environmentally conscious does not have to be impossible!

Articles, zIssue 44Goldie AharonAugust 22, 2022enviornment, sustainability, sustainable, student, dorm room, apartment, studyComment

Deborah Alessi is Face Forward - Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Not all heroes wear capes! Deborah Alessi, the founder of Face Forward, is changing lives, and if you haven't heard of her yet, now is the time. Face Forward is a not-for-profit organization that provides free life-changing surgeries and emotional support to those who have been victims of cruel acts. Alessi and her organization have witnessed some of the most heartbreaking stories, which is why we are overjoyed that they have grown to over 13 countries and are still rapidly expanding! Face Forward is a truly special and powerful organization. Please keep reading to learn more about Face Forward, upcoming fundraising events, and ways you can get involved.

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.

Chelsie Hill - Dance Is Dance

Dancer, Chelsie Hill, could have stopped dancing at 17 when she was involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, leaving her paralyzed. However, even with her world upside down, she found joy, courage, and a way to empower other women. And such was born the Rollettes and the global movement of "Empowering Women with Disabilities to Live Boundlessly and Shift Perspectives Through Dance and Content Creation!" When Chelsie Hill isn’t seen inspiring others with dance, she can be seen staring in the Sundance Channel's award-winning TV show "Push Girls," working on the Be Boundless Campaign and the "We Can Together" campaign, and much more, please keep reading.

Prachedes Indyra GermanoAugust 16, 2022dancer, dance, wheelchair, women's marchComment

The Best Vegan and Natural Soaps of 2022: Treat Your Skin with Kindness

It can be hard to find the right soap, whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or even if you are trying to focus on anti aging, soap can all be so overwhelming. As soap has been used for thousands of years by humans, it is still so often underrated, there are so many different types and uses for soaps that can help add so many benefits to one's skin. Taking time for self care and overall maintaining your skin's health is so important… So take note!

Goldie AharonAugust 15, 2022skin, skincare, natural, environmentallyfriendly, vegan, clean, freshComment

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

Environmental Impacts of the Russia Ukraine War and Europe's Plan to Dump Russia's Energy

We all know the Ukrainian and Russian war is terrible for many terrifying reasons, but there is one that we haven’t really been talking about. With these extreme heat waves blazing over Europe we need to talk about how this war is impacting our environment and further intensifying climate change.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 44Goldie AharonAugust 8, 2022ukraine, war, bombing, environment, protest, support, peace, impactsComment

Save the Penguins with Davey Harris!

Save the penguins with Davey Harris! Singer-songwriter Davey Harris is producing music not only for us to enjoy but also to promote awareness and change. Harris was a member of the band "The Tins" for ten years before going solo and releasing songs like "Predictable" and "Self Saboteur," as well as his most recent single, "PNGN DNCE." which was released on June 16, and addresses the negative effects of the global climate crisis. Harris not only writes songs about change but also participates in them by working with an organization called ASOC, or Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Coalition. Keep reading if you want to learn more about Harris's transition to a solo career, his singles, "Predictable," "Self Saboteur," and "PNGN DANCE," and how you can assist with the current climate crisis.

Eco-Friendly Swaps for Popular Home Essentials

With so many eco-friendly alternatives for everyday items on the market, the transition to sustainable living has never been easier. Even making one sustainable change can significantly reduce your environmental impact. If you're wondering how to live more sustainably, these eco-friendly swaps of popular home essentials are a great place to start.

Articles, zIssue 44Cora GoldAugust 4, 2022ecofriendly, Sustainability, Home, swaps, natural, ReusableComment

Take A Step Forward With Mike Gauyo

Los Angeles-based Haitian writer Mike Gauyo is making it his mission to build creative opportunities for POC youth. You can thank Mike for hit series like "Insecure" and "Ginny & Georgia. Mike not only sees the importance of sharing his perspective as a Black gay Haitian immigrant, but also explores outside of his comfort zone to bring new narratives to life. To align with his values of making the writing industry more accessible to people of color, Mike founded Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes to connect young Black writers with industry professionals. Through Mike’s amazing program, students can receive mentorship from established writers like Amy Aniobi, Morgan Cooper, and Kemp Powers. If you are interested in Mike Gauyo’s efforts to create a more inclusive Hollywood, his newest show “Send Help”, or his experience with writing some of America’s favorite series please continue reading the interview below!

Bringing Awareness of Piping Plovers (The Ultimate Underdog) with NYC Plover Project

Have you heard about the Piping Plover? It is an adorable tiny shorebird that is seen to nest as well as feed along coastal sands and gravel beaches throughout North America. These sweet and loveable birds NEED our help! Between environmental, human, and predator impact there are only around 6,000-8,000 of them left in the world. Luckily, we have the New York City Plover Project, which has been working towards bringing awareness to the Piping Plovers and striving to help them to their fullest abilities to repopulate and stay safe. Please read further about how you can help protect the Piping Plovers, especially on your trips to the beach this summer, with the founder of NYC Plover Project, Chris Allieri.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 44Goldie AharonAugust 1, 2022birds, plovers, endangered, cute, adorable, in need, new yorkComment

Making Waves with Ethical Vegan Hair and Skincare Brand GRATIUM

GRATIUM is a certified organic vegan hair and skin care brand that ethically produces natural hair and skin care products! Based in the UK, this incredible brand proudly advocates for healthy hair and skin care products without the use of toxic ingredients that prevent all hair types from flourishing. Dedicated to creating organic products that use natural ingredients, GRATIUM has been nominated this year for ‘the best emerging brand’! From their best seller’s Clay Shampoo to their new GRATIUM Conditioner, there are numerous products you will want to try. To learn more about GRATIUM, and their devotion to successfully creating organic hair and skincare products, please read our exclusive interview with the CEO of GRATIUM below.

SWAC: Beauty, zIssue 44Sophie LaSalaJuly 29, 2022hair products, hair, Beauty, skincare, skin care, Vegan, organic, vegan make-up, organic productsComment

Kayla Thompson Is Singing Her Way Into Our Hearts

You better watch out! Kayla Thompson is a one-of-a kind musician that is singing her way into our hearts. Singer/songwriter best known for hits such as "Younger," which gained major recognition through Spotify's Fresh Finds Pop Playlist. Along with Honest, Pray you Away, and most recently, The Remains (Stripped), which was recently released and is the original version of her previous single, "The Remains." When she’s not singing, she is advocating for other black artists, appearing in American Eagle's Black History campaign, and serving as a board member for Projects of Hope. Her dreamy sound and genuine lyrics are not something to miss and we can't wait to see what she does next! Please continue reading to learn more about her singles, advocacy for black artists, and position as a board member for Projects of Hope.

Fiona Frills - Changing the Game in Skincare

Fiona Frills, the founder and Gen Z entrepreneur behind Frilliance, is not only a young entrepreneur providing clean, affordable, and effective skincare for teenagers, but she is also a successful YouTube influencer with nearly 1 million subscribers. Frilliance has a wide range of products, such as the cutest heart-shaped pimple patches and a soothing Perfecting Primer + Serum, which you will not want to miss! She also has makeup assortments such as cream blushes, illuminating cream highlighters, and moisturizing lip balms. Her line doesn't stop there, as she also has acne-fighting face masks to help combat the long-term pandemic. Fiona Frills is changing the game in teen skincare by being a relatable and accessible source for teen skincare shopping, and we couldn't be happier. Continue reading to learn more about Fiona Frills' skin care line development journey, as well as her Frilliance routine and upcoming new drops!

SWAC: Beauty, zIssue 44Maddy MaierJuly 26, 2022skincare, #skincare, young, entrepreneur, women entrepreneur, influencer, gen-z, makeup, brand, clean, natural, acne, natural makeupComment

Will Ropp - A Desire For Change

Los Angeles-based actor Will Ropp is a breath of fresh air in the acting industry. Most known for his role as “Nick” in “The Fallout”, Will embodies his character's desire for activism and change. As a University of Michigan graduate with a BFA in Theater, Will puts all he’s mastered into his craft and it shows! Additionally, his advocacy for Colon Cancer and dedication to educating those about the exponentially increasing cases in youth, makes it further crucial for his story to be heard. Be sure to keep an eye out for Will's upcoming projects, such as his period piece film called “The Greatest Beer Run Ever” with Zac Efron, Russell Crowe, and Bill Murray! Jejune is excited for “The Greatest Beer Run Ever” to hit the big screens! But until then, please enjoy this interview with Will Ropp. If you are interested in Will’s acting, hobbies, and cancer advocacy please continue reading the interview below!

Scarlett Bella Song - Dancing For a Difference

Scarlett Bella Song is using her dancing to make a difference, and we couldn't be happier. She is a South Korean dancer, social media personality, and designer who started competing in dance when she was three years old. She has over 600,000 social media followers and has been dancing her way to the top. She recently collaborated with Annie and Sisters on the teen line Annie x Scarlett, which consists of 15 pieces with messages of kindness, empowerment, and collaboration. She also performed as the first and only dancers last month at the Kids Rock For Kids: Global Teen Rock Music Festival in New York City, which raised money for Ukraine and homeless youth in NYC. Continue reading to find out more about her dance, jewelry line, Asian American heritage, and involvement in the Kids Rock For Kids: Global Teen Rock Music Festival.