ALIMA - Bridges of Stories

With roots in Dakar, Senegal, ALIMA is redefining humanitarian care across sub-Saharan Africa, championing the health of the most vulnerable. Since 2009, ALIMA has transformed maternal healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa, treating over 13 million people across 15 countries, with a focus on the mothers and children most vulnerable to conflict, displacement, and crises. Their recent campaign, “Ode to Strangers," was inspired by stories of strangers stepping in to help, exemplifying that acts of compassion can bridge distances and save lives, and its visual storytelling, brought to life by artist Rohan Eason’s raw, emotive illustrations, emphasizes urgency and humanity, ensuring that these powerful narratives resonate with audiences. Read on to hear more from Charlie Kunzer of ALIMA USA and Rohan Eason.

Editor's Pick, Art, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanDecember 20, 2024Motherhood, mothers, Immigration, childbirth, strangers, kids, artComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Liz Sheehan, Lexington, KY Urban County Council District 5

Three months ago, we profiled a candidate running at the local level to be a city councilmember in Louisville, Kentucky (the largest city in the state). Today, we are profiling another candidate running at the local level, who is an incumbent on the city council of Lexington, Kentucky (the second-largest city in the state). Dr. Liz Sheehan (she/her), is a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky and is the first openly bisexual individual to hold elected office in the state. Having served two terms on the city council, Liz is passionate about creating policy solutions to tackle problems associated with housing and homelessness, environmental sustainability, LGBTQ rights, pedestrian and biker safety, and mental health. Liz lives in Lexington with her husband Dan and daughter Ash.

Claire London - Returning to Our Roots

From a childhood steeped in soulful blues to navigating the bustling landscapes of New York City and the glittering allure of Los Angeles, Claire’s path has been a tapestry woven with diverse influences that define her distinct sound. With the release of her latest EP, Stardust, Claire returns to her musical roots with a raw, authentic approach that resonates deeply with listeners. Beyond her music, Claire is a passionate advocate for mothers in the music industry, championing initiatives like Mamas in Music. With a career fueled by passion, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of musical expression, Claire stands as a beacon of creativity and empowerment in today's ever-evolving musical landscape. Read on to learn more about Claire London.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Alison Beale, Tennessee House of Representatives, District 45

One such candidate is Alison Beale (she/her/hers), a millennial mom who was motivated to run because of a law passed by the Tennessee legislature and signed by the governor that went into effect on July 1, 2021, allowing citizens to openly or concealed carry handguns without a permit. This has led to a rise in mass shootings in Tennessee, including one at an elementary school in March 2023. But Alison has been a gun control advocate since before this law was passed. A former teacher, Alison taught a student who was the younger sibling of a victim of a mass shooting at a Nashville Waffle House in 2018, subsequently getting involved with a foundation named for this young man.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Lexi Melton, Tennessee House of Representatives, District 35

In 2024, we have a large number of young people running for office to challenge the status quo upheld by older, long-entrenched representatives at all levels of government. Today we are highlighting one such person. Lexi Melton (she/her/hers), is a millennial wife and mom of two. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lexi decided to go back to school to finish her degree and graduated with an A.A.S. degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Chattanooga State Community College! Lexi fiercely advocates for strong public schools and women’s rights, and believes in gun safety and equitable healthcare, especially in rural areas.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Yasmin Trudeau, Washington State Senate, District 27

Yasmin Trudeau (she/her) is a millennial attorney who currently serves as a Washington State Senator. A Bengali-American, Yas is the first Muslim to serve in the Washington state legislature. After spending much of her childhood in poverty, including being homeless during her teens, she was motivated to make a difference for people whose experiences were like hers. After a stint working as a Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, the current chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, Yas entered politics in her home state of Washington, where she focuses on issues like housing justice and equitable housing development, corporate responsibility and accountability, and continuing to provide the kind of resources for young people that she benefitted from in her youth to put her on the path to success.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Ysabel Jurado, Los Angeles City Council, District 14

Today we are continuing our profiles of candidates across the country who want to bring progressive change to America at all levels of government! Ysabel Jurado (she/hers) is an eviction defense attorney and affordable housing activist running for LA City Council. A daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrants, she became a mother as a teenager and later she put herself through UCLA for both undergraduate and law school. Her work as a tenants rights attorney focused on building pathways to home ownership for communities of color, the preservation of open space, and reparative justice. This millennial single mom identifies as Queer and is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Her platform focuses on expanding affordable housing, ending homelessness, supporting small businesses, tackling the climate crisis, and building a more just economy for all.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Mandi Remington, Board of Supervisors for Johnson County, Iowa

Mandi Remington (she/her) is a queer millennial political activist running for a position on the County Board of Supervisors in Johnson County, Iowa. A single mother of three, including a trans child, Mandi is a lower middle-income wage earner. She is most passionate about advancing platforms that prioritize equity for disadvantaged socioeconomic groups. Mandi recently lost an election in 2023 for a position on the Iowa City Council but is running again on a platform of abortion rights, as well as affordable housing, childcare, food, and transportation.

Julie Tolivar - Women Supporting Women

Acting has always been a passion for Julie Tolivar, from gracing the stage from a young age to being in front of the camera. But while she is excited about every role she takes on, she is especially passionate about being a mom and working with organizations like Women to the Front, which helps support and fundraise for many nonprofits that are helping to support women and voting rights. Read on as we get real about Hollywood and its treatment of women and mothers and the issues of type casting actors, in our exclusive interview with Julie Tolivar.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 48Jejeune MagazineMay 12, 2023Acting, actress, women, Women's rights, voting rights, vote, MotherhoodComment

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.

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

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

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

COVER: Toni Trucks- Military Mother Made

Toni Trucks is currently kicking ass and taking names as Lisa Davis on the CBS hit series SEAL Team. In her interview with Jejune, Toni tells us what originally drew her to the character and what she has learned from playing this role. Inspired by her role on the show, this October Toni curated family themed boxes in partnership with Military Made. The boxes feature fun and luxurious items for the whole family and are made by entrepreneurs who were either in the military or are military spouses. Partnering with Military Made has given Toni the unique opportunity to engage and bring awareness to the military community. You can continue to purchase the boxes well into the New Year and of the proceeds go directly back to the business owners and Military Made. For her next role, Toni is gearing up to become a mother, as her and her partner Brandon are expecting a baby boy! Read on to learn more about her various roles, her partnership with Military Made and other charitable organizations, and the advice she has received regarding motherhood.