Influencers With A Voice
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.”
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.
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.