Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter David Hernandez is a self-made artist with the potential to transcend any genre. He quickly gained national attention with his dynamic voice and personality as a Top 12 Finalist of FOX’s seventh season of American Idol in 2008. David’s most popular song “Beautiful” gained recognition reaching the Top 100 of the Billboard dance charts. David’s newest EP “Don’t @ Me” is out now and can be found on all digital platforms and we’re told that it’s his most personal work yet! Continue reading to find out more about this exciting time in his career and his philanthropic efforts with Human Rights Campaign.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 45Jessica MoraOctober 24, 2022singer, LGBTQ+, American Idol, songwriterComment

Isadora Ortega - Is Fighting Against Domestic Violence

We would like to introduce Isadora Ortega a multi-skilled actress, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles. Ortega is truly one to watch, from appearing in the Off-Broadway production "Eating Out” to writing the recently released graphic novel "The Curse of the Flower," and now executive producing and starring in "Another Love Story". "Another Love Story" is an award-winning film that follows an abusive relationship. Its release is well timed as October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Continue reading to find out more about Ortega’s career, future projects, and how we can be more aware of what goes on behind closed doors.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 45Jessica MoraOctober 21, 2022actress, domestic violence, empowering women, writer, producer, women of color, blackgirlmagicComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Katie Darling, Louisiana's 1st Congressional District

This week we are profiling Katie Darling (she/her/hers). Katie is a millennial executive in Covington, Louisiana who works in education technology, with previous experience in the hospitality industry. When the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade this past June, Katie was seven months pregnant and suddenly inspired to run for Congress. She recently made waves when her campaign released a campaign commercial that incorporates footage from the delivery of her son Ollie on September 14, 2022. Katie is passionate about reproductive freedom, expanded and improved education, and better hurricane preparedness.

Scary Sustainable: How to Have a Low-Waste Halloween

Sustainability is probably the last thing you think about during the spooky season. It’s just one day where you dress up and enjoy sweet treats — how can it be that bad? However, Halloween's environmental impact is even scarier than the monster costumes and ghost stories.

Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 45Cora GoldOctober 18, 2022Halloween, Sustainability, ecofriendly, thrifty, Environmentally Conscious, holiday, low waste, candyComment

Bonnie Wallace Is Helping The World Read

Bonnie Wallace is more than a celebrity mother. She is an amazing author and podcaster, but her latest adventure is is the creation of We Can Books. In true humanitarian and author style, she believes in giving back to society in the form of individually tailored books that help children learn how to read through personal familiarity. Please read below as Bonnie walks us through her brainchild, We Can Books, as we learn more about the importance of education at all ages.

SWAC: Influencer, Editor's Pick, zIssue 45Jejeune MagazineOctober 17, 2022blogging, magazine, Motherhood, Mother, dove cameron, teacher, books, phonetics, childrenComment

Fall-ing for Sustainability

With the onset of fall comes the beginning of our shopping hauls for something warmer. However, while scouring the stores, we might not be aware of where the fabric for our shoes and clothes are sourced from, and how they are produced. The current state of the world requires us to be more conscious while making purchases as every single one of our decisions has an impact on the environment. Jejune Magazine has put together a list of sustainable brands to shop from this fall!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Kim Jackson, Georgia State Senate District 41

This week we are profiling Rev. Kim Jackson (she/her/hers), an ordained Episcopal priest and the first openly LGBT+ state senator in Georgia. A Black millennial lesbian, Jackson works to protect voting rights, reform education and criminal justice, expand Medicaid, and protecting immigrants and refugees. She is the vicar of the Church of the Common Ground, a “church without walls” ministering to the needs of the unhoused in Atlanta, and is very passionate about providing affordable housing to Georgians.

Akilah Newton Is A Big Dreamer

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.

Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health As Seasons Change

As the seasons change, you may start to feel your mood shift. You could begin to feel down when the days get shorter and there are fewer hours of sunlight. Many people experience the same thing, which is why taking extra care of your mental health during this time is essential.

Wellness, zIssue 45Cora GoldOctober 11, 2022mental health, self care, Wellness, mental wellness, seasonal affective disorder, #fallComment

Why the Women of Iran are Leading a Revolution

Unveiled women are marching the streets of Iran protesting decades of oppression as the death of a young woman sparked a new wave of revolution. These women are challenging one of the main pillars of the Islamic Republic of Iran by cutting their hair and burning their hijabs in the streets. Despite being faced with violence, they are standing strong for the reform of a repressive system and the world is standing with them.

Articles, zIssue 45, Editor's PickElizabeth ShepherdOctober 7, 2022activism, equal opportunity, feminism, equal rights, unity, changeComment

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

COVER - Victoria Vesce - Endless Summer

Jejune is excited to announce our newest cover model Victoria Vesce! Victoria comes from a beautiful farm girl past, and quickly rose to stardom after pageantry. She has danced for the NBA and modeled all over, recently for Sports Illustrated and obviously for Jejune. In 2017, Victoria was diagnosed with multiple Paraganglioma, a brain-skull tumor and a carotid body tumor. But being the inspiring individual she is, she not only has made a full recovery, but she now helps promote the National Brain Tumor Society and even went to law school! To learn more about Victoria, please read our exclusive interview below.

Cover, Editor's Pick, Editorials, Most Popular, zIssue 45Kira BuccaSeptember 27, 2022cover story, cover, model, fashion, editorial, summer, swimwear, beach, survivor, brain tumor, tumor, healthComment

Sustainable Ways to Declutter Your Closet

Is your closet the one place in your house that always seems cluttered? With trends changing constantly and the mass production in the fashion industry, it can be easy to overbuy clothes. We’ve all found ourselves tempted by fast fashion at some point, and overflowing closets are a common outcome.

It’s a vicious cycle, really. You clean and organize your closet only to revisit it next season just to start the process all over again. It’s time to declutter, but be mindful as you go through the process. Don’t just make the problem worse by throwing everything into the dumpster. Here are a few eco-friendly ways to declutter your closet.

Articles, zIssue 44Cora GoldSeptember 26, 2022Closet, declutter, fashion, ethicalfashion, donate, zero waste, ecofriendlyComment

Take a Step Towards Sustainability with Psudo Sneakers

Let's discuss footwear! Shoes are everywhere. With so many variations and pricing points, there must be one style of shoe that stands out above the rest, be it boots, heels, platforms, or sneakers. Additionally, as the fashion industry and businesses are impacted by climate change, finding economical solutions for both you and the earth is undoubtedly a plus while shoe shopping! Dive into Psudo Sneakers with us!

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