Influencers With A Voice

Artist Jules recently released his anticipated 10-track debut album “Loverboy Chronicles.” The project provides an unfiltered view of his personal experience and expression of love in our highly digital culture. Through raw emotional openness, Jules shows us that strength is found through honesty. Beyond the music, Jules is dedicated to supporting his community through participation in quarterly blood donations, helping local food banks and community events, and becoming the project manager for Union Dance. To learn more about Jules and his latest album, read on.

Actress Kerry Frances has been a storyteller and entertainer since a young age. Her upcoming role in Netflix’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery! , the latest installment of the popular Knives Out series, is just one of the many recent projects she’s been involved with. Her love for the film industry has also led her to writing, directing, producing, and starring in her very own short film MAMA MAMA. Beyond acting, her love for dogs shines bright through her involvement in several different dog-related initiatives, including Dogs Without Borders. To learn more about Kerry Frances and her part in Netflix’s upcoming film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery!, read on.

Staring alongside Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman in the new film SONG SUNG BLUE!, young actor Hudson Hensley is making a name for himself in Hollywood. From taking part in several acting endeavors to volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and the Humane Society, running his own dog walking business, and learning multiple languages Hensley is doing it all. To learn more about Hudson Hensley and his upcoming roles, read on.

In light of seasonal spirit, singer Judy Whitmore recently released a Christmas album. The project features covers of her favorite holiday songs and her single “The Ghost of Christmas Past,” a heartfelt sentiment to loved ones. Whitmore is also a dedicated community leader in the arts. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Pacific Symphony and volunteers her time as a member of the Board of Directors of Pacific Jazz Orchestra, Backhaus Dance, and The OC World Affairs Council. To learn more about Judy Whitmore and her new Christmas album, read on.

Cytrus, a Seattle-based Psychedelic Powerfunk band, recently dropped their new album “Duality.” The project explores the fusion between familiar psych rock elements and a modern 60s/70s psych soul. They let their passion for supporting others bleed into their music by hosting musical livestreams to raise money for organizations near and dear to their heart, including Snohomish Boys & Girls Club, Christopher Street Project, and Backline. To learn more about Cytrus and their new album, read on.

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Alexis Plaen just released her new album, “Enjoy the Void.” The project was born out of the mass isolation felt during the recent COVID-19 lockdown and carries a confrontational energy towards society. Incorporating activism into her music, Plaen has performed at benefit concerts to provide support for families in Gaza and hosted her album listening party in partnership with the mutual aid group Yardsales against F4ascism. To learn more about Alexis Plaen and the Void, read on.

Music artist Rich Allo explores the ups and downs of the human experience through music. From mental health to relationship dynamics, his introspective lyrics speak to deep human emotion. His new single, “You” details the emotional difficulties of trying to stay in control and not let something break you down. Show his dedication to mental health awareness even further, a number of his shows have been in aid with the mental health focused organization Mind Jersey. To learn more about Rich Allo and his new single, read on.

Actress Kylee Levien brings Christmas magic to life on the big screen in her new movie A Chrismystery. Filled with bright holiday spirit and a little mystery, A Chrismystery is the perfect holiday watch to bring you warmth during this cold winter season. Beyond acting, Levien has a passion for supporting others. She dedicates her time to organizations like Baby2Baby, The Thirst Project, and her local food pantry. To learn more about Kylee Levien and her character in A Chrismystery, read on.

Singer-songwriter Becca Hannah creates music that blends styles of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop to communicate the complexities of human emotion. “Caramel,” the lead single off of her upcoming album “Tonight In My Dreams,” embodies the irresistibly addictive feeling of a new crush. It brings a light-hearted and playful start to the album’s emotional journey. Beyond the music, Hannah shows her passion for supporting children with developmental disabilities and mental health struggles through her work at organizations like Holding Hands. To learn more about Becca Hannah and her upcoming album, read on.

Yilian Cañizarez uses music as a tool for translating emotion and connecting with her audience. Her new single, “Vamos a Florecer,” functions as a reminder that resilience can bring renewal. Beyond the music, Cañizarez is dedicated to supporting several different movements, including ones that fight against racism, work to expand children’s exposure to art, and support the ocean. She has been able to work as an ambassador for Ville de Lausanne — Campaign Against Racism in Switzerland, support her family’s organization Palacios House of Arts, and serve as a “Voice for the Ocean” for UN World Oceans Day. To learn more about Yilian Cañizarez and her new music, read on.

Emmy-nominated director, writer, and producer Roxanne Messina Captor is a fierce advocate for California’s creative workforce. Working as chairperson for the California Arts Council, serving on the Creative Economy Workforce committee, and working alongside Governor Gavin Newsome to expand film tax incentives, Captor has a passion for arts action. To learn more about Roxanne Messina Captor and her upcoming projects, read on.

Veronica Moya is dedicated to helping others learn to implement mindfulness, meditation, and other healthy habits into their lives. With a special focus on helping the younger generations, she founded Mindful V, a platform that helps children with their mental and emotional health, and has worked with several other programs including Talented Teens Club and Quantum House. To learn more about Veronica Moya and valuable wellness tools, read on.

Lindsay Nikole believes in accessible education for all. Using the power of social media, she shares educational information about animals and evolution to her wide audience. With her new book, “Epic Earth: A Wild Ride Through the History of Life on Our Planet”, readers can expect to be taken on a joyful journey through facts about the bizarre creatures that have inhabited our planet for billions of years. Having experience working with organizations like The Cheetah Conservation Fund and Save the Elephants, Nikole is a passionate advocate for animal conservation. To learn more about Lindsay Nikole and her new book, read on.

Krishanti Vignarajah (she/her) has had quite the successful career. After immigrating to the United States from Sri Lanka at the age of nine months, Krish grew up in Maryland and attended Yale University. Krish returned back to Maryland and became involved in local politics, and interest that started in her youth. Krish worked her way up to the Obama White House, where she was First Lady Michelle Obama’s Policy Director. After leaving the White House, Krish became the CEO of Global Refuge, a nonprofit organization that has helped over 800,000 immigrants get settled and begin their lives in America. Read on to learn more about the amazing work that Krish Vignarajah has done!

Artist Kathy Kennedy has been creating for over 30 years. Art and music have always come natural to her. Her latest piece, “Vowel Jams”, an album, signifies a rise in energy with its rhythmic vocalizations and unique sounds. Influenced by women, social justice causes, and multiple different art mediums, Kennedy’s innovative art is unlike anything you’ve ever heard or seen. To learn more about Kathy Kennedy and her new album, read on.

Carlyn Cowen (they/them) has been agitating for change their entire life. As someone who is queer, Jewish, and Filipinx, none of the aspects of Carlyn’s identity place them in the white supremacist heteronormative patriarchal privileged paradigm. Carlyn’s official career has been providing social services to marginalized communities in New York City, including the Black community, the LGBTQ community, and the Chinese-American community. Read on to learn more about the amazing work that Carlyn has accomplished!

Los Angeles based actor Matthew Von Der Ahe fell in love with acting when he was a kid. Now starring in two upcoming movies, “One Perfect Date” and “Wish Watch”, after having experience on screen alongside Woody Harrelson in “Champions”, his career is on the rise. As an ambassador and speaker for several different organizations devoted to helping individuals with developmental disabilities, including Best Buddies and Hearts of Joy, Ahe shows dedication to representation in the entertainment industry. To learn more about Matthew Von Der Ahe and his upcoming films, read on.

Musician Cindy Lawson is not afraid to say what she’s feeling. After taking a break from music, her new single, The Reckoning”, has pulled her back into the craft at full force. It’s powerful and unforgiving nature screams in delight at the karmic wheel of life. Beyond the music, Lawson is dedicated to community. Supporting efforts like Minnesota Music Resistance Group, International Institute of Minnesota, and Abortion Access Front, she highlights the importance of making a difference. To learn more about Cindy Lawson and her music, read on.

In a creative landscape saturated with fleeting trends and recycled styles, artist Mykel emerges as a powerful force of originality. With a style that fuses raw emotion, cultural storytelling, and modern technique, Mykel has carved out a space where vulnerability meets bold expression. Mykel’s music invites viewers to confront the complexities of identity, transformation, and the human experience. This article dives into the evolution of Mykel’s artistic journey, the themes that drive their work, and the impact they’re making.

One progressive candidate we are profiling is Latasha Palmer (she/her), is looking to make a difference in her community on the city council in her first-ever election. Latasha, a queer Black millennial woman, is running to expand the political power of labor unions, build a green local economy, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and uplift BIPOC leadership. At one point homeless, Latasha became the first person in her family’s history to graduate from college (Columbia University) and went on to work as a community organizer at the Hilltop Action Coalition and the Aya Community Land Trust. Devoted to the natural environment, this anime fan and devoted mother of three still finds peace in the great outdoors.

Today we are profiling Lauren Myers (she/her/hers), a bisexual millennial and current School Board member up for re-election in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Lauren is a small business owner who works in behavioral health, has deep ties to her community, and decided in 2021 to give back to the public school system she was educated in by joining the school board. She is passionate about ensuring that students have all opportunities open to them, and not taken away, to help them learn and become successful with a rich, well-rounded education.

2025 is the year for New Jersey elections, both at the state and local levels. In Jersey City, the second largest city in the state, its mayor announced he was stepping down to run for governor, so the office is now open. James Solomon (he/him), a millennial current city councilman, is viewed as one of the most progressive candidates in the race. The Jersey City race can be seen as a smaller parallel of the mayoral race across the Hudson River in New York City: a progressive candidate (Solomon/Zohran Mamdani) running against a former state governor who resigned in disgrace (Jim McGreevey/Andrew Cuomo) looking to make a political comeback.

James, a cancer survivor, is a professor of public policy at New Jersey City University, a public university in Jersey City, and is the father of three girls.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.