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

Kayden Koshelev - Giving Representation To The Younger Generations

Kayden Koshelev might just be 14 years old, but he is wiser than most adults I know. This very smart and fun loving kid is already gracing theaters singing and dancing his way into people’s hearts with drag queens and taking on non-binary character roles on Disney+. If he is our future, I’m here for it! Please read on to learn more about Kayden, his acting, and his advocacy!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.1Kira BuccaMay 13, 2024Kids, kids, kid artist, Actor, LGBTQ, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ+ kids, singer, dancerComment

Mayte Garcia - Love, Life, and Legacy

Mayte Garcia's foundation, Live 4 Love Charities, embodies the essence of love, life, and legacy. From supporting aspiring musicians facing challenges to revitalizing music programs in educational institutions, Garcia and her foundation have been instrumental in nurturing the dreams of numerous upcoming artists. By carrying forward the musical and philanthropic legacy of the iconic American singer, and her ex-husband, Prince, she demonstrates the significance of assistance across various domains and the profound impact of music. To learn more about Mayate Garcia and Live 4 Love Charities, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 53Chelsea ChanJanuary 30, 2024Community, charity, giveback, music, love, kids, PrinceComment

Queer Youth Animated - Through the Lens of the LGBTQIA+ Youth

Queer Youth Animated is a new project from the Future Perfect Project. The team consists of Celeste Lecesne, Ryan Amador, Jon Wan, Julie Novak, and Emma Jane, based out of New York City, Kingston and Los Angeles. The project was initiated with the aim of encouraging youth belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community to share their stories in hopes of inspiring other members. The show features 2 seasons that start with heart warming stories in the United States and then expand to stories around the world. Bringing to light people’s stories from various walks of life, the show has inspired many to share their own journeys. Let Jejune Magazine take you through this interesting interview with the team at Future Perfect Project, and go check out what some of these inspiring kids have to say!

Seth Maxwell - Saving the Planet One Drop at a Time

Seth Maxwell started his career on stage, but soon left acting for activism. He began the Thirst Project as a way to raise awareness about the global water crisis, but never imagined the successful organization it turned out to be. With over 3,000 projects the Thirst Project has helped over 500,000 people around the world gain access to clean drinking water. Seth also created Legacy Youth Leadership which is a non-profit organization that provides students with the tools to reach their academic and philanthropic goals. Jejune got a chance to chat with Seth about his inspiration and hopes for the future generation.

Sammy Jaye - Get Ready To Be Real

Sammy Jaye, the change-making host of Let’s Be Real, is all about having powerful and candid conversations with celebrities, activists, athletes, and influencers while discussing real-life issues – from mental health and political activism to pop culture. This highly acclaimed podcast has been recognized by some fantastic people & publications, from the Ryan Seacrest show and 17 Magazine to Variety, Refinery 29 and so many more. Sammy Jaye, at 19, is the youngest to host her own podcast on iHeartRadio and was recently named to PopSugar’s 20-under-20 list. Season 4 will be exciting, revealing, and empowering and hopefully make you feel good when we’re all going through so many changes in the world today. Continue reading to find out more about this exciting time in Sammy’s career, future projects, and her passion for mental health and political activism.

Mary “Mandie” Davis - Bringing Home To You

Meet Marie “Mandie” Davis, founder of Worthy of Love, a non profit organization that hosts birthday parties for the homeless, allowing them to have a chance to celebrate themselves and experience new forms of self-love. Worthy of Love’s origin story has its roots in a sweet personal anecdote of Mandie (read on to learn more), and has been throwing monthly birthday parties since January 2013! Having been sponsored by celebrities like Steve Harvey, Mayim Bialik, and Kelly Clarkson, the non profit hopes to continue to expand in the future to other cities and events. Read Mary “Mandie” Davis’s interview with Jejune Magazine to know more about this wholesome initiative, and, remember, you are worthy of love.

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.

Caitlin Shorey is Taking 2022 By Storm

Caitlin Shorey is an incredible young Pennsylvania based actress that you should know about. She has quickly made a name for herself with buzzworthy roles in television and film. Caitlin has taken 2022 by storm! She made her television debut as the younger version of Clare Abshire in the new HBO limited series, The Time Traveler's Wife, adapted by Audrey Niffenegger's novel and later this year, will make her feature film debut in Mr. Harrigan's Phone, Netflix's film adaptation of the short story by Stephen King. Caitlin’s dedication extends beyond her accomplishments as an actress. She is passionate about philanthropy and is committed to giving back. Since 2018, she has been supporting Inheritance of Hope, sparked by her mother being diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer. In June 2021, she sang to her mom for the last time at a virtual cabaret. Caitlin continues to raise money and awareness so IOH can serve many more families. You will want to continue reading below to learn more about Caitlin Shorey!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Sophie LaSalaJuly 5, 2022kids, cancer, family and friends, family support, actress, child actorComment

The Future Perfect Project: The New Generation of LGBTQ+ Storytelling

Meet the Future Perfect Project (FPP)! This New York-based Organization promotes LGBTQ+ Youth expression and their music! Founded by Celeste Lecesne and Ryan Amador, the Future Perfect Project amplifies the queer youth narrative through workshops and social media. If you wish to see their work in action, the Future Perfect Project is hosting a free immersive event at Lincoln Center's Hearst Plaza on June 4th at 12 pm EST, kicking off Pride Month nicely! Nine artists from all around the country will perform their collaborative album “Not What You Pictured” at the event. All performances are of course LIVE! Jejune is ecstatic to get to know this small collective of artists through their music, and can wait for the show! If you are interested in the Future Perfect Project’s story and want to support LGBTQ+ youth, please continue reading the interview below!

Remaining Constant with Tabay Atkins

Tabay Atkins, California’s very own Yoga, and Reiki prodigy is on a mission! Tabay wishes to share the significance of a healthy and positivity-filled lifestyle. Yoga has changed his life in more ways than one, and those around him prove as a success story of his fundamental values. This amazing young adult has instructed Yoga to countless individuals and has accumulated almost 1000 hours of teacher training experience. Tabay serves as a role model and mentor to adults and children alike, and Jejune is here for it! If you are interested in Tabay’s humanitarian work, his journey to becoming a NIKE athlete, or his tips for healthy living, please continue reading below!

The Unique McLeod Family

The McLeod Family is one unique family full of love! Mom, Eeka, always dreamed of adopting and now she has three one of a kind kids: Eli, Evan, and Ella! Can we just talk about how cute it is that everyone in this family has an E name?? Eli has Cerebral Palsy and Evan and Ella are on the Autism Spectrum. Evan is extra fabulous as he is already so self-aware that he knows he is non-binary and loves wearing dresses. To learn more about this adorable family, please read our exclusive interview below.

The Effects of TV on the Health of the Next Generation

No-Face’s feast from Spirited Away, the grey stuff from Beauty and the Beast, and an instant Mcdonald’s microwave from Spy Kids are all things we dreamed about at some point of our childhood. Movie after movie, we saw characters stuff their faces with feasts we could only pester our mom for on our weekly grocery shop. Whilst seemingly harmless, the effects of such representations can have a bigger impact on the well-being of the next generation than we would expect.

Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 41Saanvi SethiMarch 14, 2022kids, health, Wellness, eat healthy, kids health, healthy kids, obesity, cartoons, kid shows, veggie, start young, healthyComment

Shooting for the Moon with Marcelle LeBlanc

Marcelle LeBlanc is a shining star you’ll want to learn more about! This Alabama based multitalented actress developed an interest in the arts at a young age, doing readings as Shirley Temple and playing Annie in “Annie”. Since we have had the pleasure to see her in “Stranger Things”, “Cobra Kai”, and her first voiceover role Hulu’s “PEN15”. Most recently, Marcelle stars as ‘Mary Ellen’ in the CW “The Waltons: The Homecoming”. Marcelle has so much to offer, and her dedication extends beyond her work as an actress. She is an advocate for arts education, and is passionate about finding a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease, where she has helped to raise funds for the cause. At only 14 years old she founded nonprofit “S.T.A.R.S,”. “S.T.A.R.S” is a scholarship program that works directly with the Alabama Arts Alliance to create opportunities for kids from all backgrounds who want and need access to after school arts programs. Continue reading below to learn more about the multitalented Marcelle LeBlanc!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 41Sophie LaSalaFebruary 28, 2022kids, Kids, child actor, Actor, actress, Art, artist, kid artist, CW, Stranger Things, givebackComment

Editorial - Queen Daniele

Daniele Lawson is the next big thing and you heard it here first! Based in Los Angeles, Daniele Lawson is an actress taking the world by storm! You can look forward to spotting her in the recently released “King Richard”: the inspirational tale of Richard Williams, a dedicated father who aided his daughters Venus and Serena Williams on the road to athletic domination. Daniele plays their supportive older sister, Isha Price, and WOWs us all on the big screen with her incredible performance. With more than a decade of experience, Daniele raises above and beyond all expectations as a teen in the entertainment industry.

It is not a surprise that Daniele values the importance of being a master in her craft and acknowledges the challenges that come with being truly dedicated to her field of work. She does this all while finishing high school, which attests to her unrelenting ability to excel in adversity. Not only is she an up-and-coming actress, but she also values humanitarianism. Daniele’s advocacy for organizations like the “Looking Ahead Program”, which gives young actors like herself resources to share with their community, reinforces her drive for leadership and success. Jejune is ecstatic to interview a girl as complex as Daniele! This editorial feature touches on Daniele’s experience as Isha Price, her ways of giving back to those in need, and what it's like working adjacent seasoned actors like Will Smith! For more of Daniele please continue reading the interview below!

Celina Smith Becomes Annie This Holiday

From musicals to TV series, Celina Smith has shown she is ready to be a star. And coming out today, she will be Annie for NBC's upcoming holiday production of "Annie Live!". Annie has been a long term hit in Broadway's history since its debut in 1977, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Smith may be young, but she is building a prolific career, and at the same time is also working to make the world a better place, through her work with the non-profit organization called Saving Our Daughters. To learn more about Smith, please continue reading our interview below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 38Prachedes Indyra GermanoDecember 2, 2021singer, kids, broadway, actress, Holidays, christmas, christmas time, musical, empowering girlsComment

Emma Malouff: Leading With Love And Kindness

Introducing Emma Malouff! This Los Angeles based actress is a star on the rise. She developed a love for being on stage at an early age when she began dancing Ballet at the age of three. After seeing the “Nutcracker”, she knew immediately that she wanted to be a performer and continued her passion for dance until she was 15 years old. She left dance to pursue her love of acting and move to Los Angeles. With a passion for acting from a young age, at only 18 years old, she is taking on her first recurring co-star role is “Impeachment: American Crime Story”. Beyond her passion for acting, Emma is an advocate for human trafficking awareness. Please continue reading below to learn more about Emma Malouff, and how she is helping to make the world a better place!

Going Back to School in (Responsible) Style

Back to school shopping can either be an exciting or not so exciting time for children. With the promise of school on the horizon, kids and parents alike are holding on to the last few days of summer. Get excited and check off your back to school list with Jejune’s guide for environmentally friendly fashion and school supplies!

Kerry K Is Changing Lives One Pair Of Shoes At A Time

Meet Kerry Korentang, an eleven-year-old non-profit owner who has donated over 900 pairs of shoes to Ghana natives. Kerry’s mission to provide comfortable shoes to children in need was born after a trip to Ghana when she noticed children in rural areas going barefoot to school. Not letting her age or experience stop her, Kerry worked alongside her family to start the Kerry K Foundation. Since its inception, the Kerry K Foundation has not only focused on Kerry’s first goal of providing shoes for children, it has also branched out to include clothing and advocacy. In her spare time, Kerry is a pageant queen who uses her platform to spread awareness for her cause. We love the work that Kerry and her team are doing and we are excited to share their story with you! Continue reading for our exclusive interview with Kerry K below

Articles, zIssue 35Forrest JohnsonAugust 20, 2021Africa, shoes, Give back, beautypageants, beauty queen, covid, Humanitarian, kids, children in need, Ghana, nonprofit, #nonprofitComment

EDITORIAL: Alexandra Park - The Girl Beneath The Tiara

You may know Alexandra Park as the posh princess on The Royals, but get ready to meet the girl beneath the tiara. In her new memoir, Sugar High, Alexandra dives deep into her life, specifically her journey with Type One Diabetes and her acting career. In a personal story of life’s highs and lows, Alexandra’s book is a sweet and honest depiction of re-learning how to take care of yourself in the face of diagnosis. In our interview with Alexandra, we touch on life post-Royals, and her debut as an author, and where she’s going next.

Editorials, Editor's Pick, zIssue 34, Most PopularForrest JohnsonJuly 16, 2021actress, health, healthy, health care, diabetes, sick kids, kids, royals, author, The RoyalsComment