Tawana Blassingame - A Pioneer for Body Positivity

Tawana Blassingame is a pioneer for body positivity. As the creator of Queen Size Magazine, she helped pave the way for the underrepresented full-figured community. Tawana also highlights talent across various platforms at the Full Figured Industry Awards, where she is the creator and host. After just celebrating her third annual ceremony this November, Tawana hopes to continue helping people find love for themselves and encourage a more inclusive fashion industry.

I had the pleasure of attending the third annual Full Figured Industry Awards this November and was impressed by the community Tawana fostered together. All the attendees dazzled on stage and I enjoyed seeing them shine. Tawana has a special ability to make people feel seen and appreciated. No good deed went unnoticed. The night was filled with compassion, joy, and beauty from the inside out.

Gabriela Milla - Even Heartbreak Is Universal

Gabriela Milla is an upcoming star. Based in LA, a born entertainer, Gabriela is more than an actor. Having an inclination towards writing and making podcasts, she is a multi faceted individual who likes to grow from her heartbreak. Starring in the new show Acapulco, her character is much like her — feisty, confident, and rooted with wings. Her ability to channel each and every character she plays makes her a sensation on the screen. In addition to acting and podcasting, Gabriela also works with The Miracle Project teaching theatre to autistic children, which she says changed her life! Her humble nature paired with her bubbly personality is what makes this interview a must read. Let Jejune Magazine take you through Gabriela’s story.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 45Tejasvi PradeepNovember 17, 2022latina, representation, actress, actoress, Actor, film, TV Series, Humanitarian, philanthropy, self loveComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Heather Mizeur, Maryland's 1st Congressional District

This week we are profiling Heather Mizeur (she/her/hers). Heather is a health policy expert, nonprofit leader, and former state legislator currently running for the US House of Representatives in Maryland's First District. She and her wife Deborah live on a 34-acre organic farm in Chestertown, Maryland. During her time in the Maryland House of Delegates, and as a candidate for governor in 2014, Mizeur focused on environmental protection, government transparency, healthcare, jobs creation, marriage equality, and the legalization of marijuana as signature issues.

Eli Zavala - Marching to the Beat of Her Own Drum

Eli Zavala is a Latinx actress, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur based in New York City. Eli is a woman of many talents and passions. Her journey into film began after she graduated from law school where she decided to change her career path and discovered her passion for the film industry. Eli is an accomplished actress who has taken on many roles, including her star role in the feature film Still the Earth Moves directed by Pablo Chavarría Gutierrez. Most recently, Eli shines bright in the lead role of her short film El Carrito. Beyond her dedication as an actress and producer, she is devoted to the importance of great storytelling that challenge creative boundaries while emphasizing the importance of diversity and fair representation of minorities on screens across the globe. She founded La Filmadora, a home for storytellers of underrepresented backgrounds and works as a creative executive at Splinter Pictures, a NYC based film production company focused on creating highly artistic and character-driven stories. Furthermore, Eli has embraced the position of chairwoman of Cinematográfica y Escénica de México a LatAm, non for profit with the mission of bringing better representation and fighting misrepresentations of minorities on the screen. Continue reading below to learn more about Eli and her remarkable strides as multitalented media entrepreneur.

zIssue 44, SWAC: InfluencerSophie LaSalaJune 14, 2022latinx, Latin American, representation, acting, actress, Actress, producer, #mexicoComment

Samora Smallwood: Standing Up for Representation and Equity

The multi-talented Samora Smallwood is a Toronto based actress. Samora has taken on various roles including the lead in Lifetime’s thriller “Death She Wrote”, Star Trek Discovery, and Good Witch. Currently, she is starring as Maddi Brewer in the new drama series The Kings of Napa, airing now on the OWN Network. Her dedication extends beyond her roles on screen. Addressing the importance of representation is no simple task, but that does not deter Samora from creating real systematic changes in the film and TV industry. As an advocate for actors and the importance of equity and inclusion, she has taken on the position of co-Chair of ACTRA's Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Elected Councilor for ACTRA Toronto. Continue reading below to learn more about Samora Smallwood and how she takes action to stand up for representation and equity.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 43Sophie LaSalaApril 22, 2022actress, people of color, poc, representation, empowering women, blackgirlmagic, acting, activistComment

The Queen of Comedy - Jiaoying Summers

Jiaoying Summers is more than a pretty face! She is a comedian, producer, CEO, and Founder of Summers Media. She does philanthropic work uniting Asia and the USA and is also a spokesperson empowering women and providing a safe space for all black, all women, all Latino, LGBTQ, and Asian to be themselves on her two open mic clubs in LA and Pasadena. Summers became a sensation on TikTok during the pandemic and talked with Jejune about giving a voice to the minority and the misrepresentation of the Asian community, and much more. Keep reading to know more about the Queen of Comedy.

COVER - Double Dose Of Dopeness - Aint Afraid

Get a double dose of dopeness with Aint Afraid! Detroit-based Twin sisters Sakinah (Straingth) & Zakiyyah (Wizdumb) Rahman make their presence known through positive and honest messages from their music. Singing since the age of two, both sisters collaborate to share their gift with the world while also showing off some much-needed melanated Muslim representation. Influenced by the likes of Beyoncé and Lauren Hill, you can, without a doubt, admire the R&B and grace in their music and demeanor alike. Although they pull music influences, their fashion is 100% Aint Afraid; Sakinah and Zakiyyah pride themselves on their brilliant and authentic fashion taste, proven by Aint Afraid's sewing skills, one of their many talents picked up during lockdown.

In their latest album, which happens to be their debut, they provide 11 impressive tracks, some titled "Smile Today," "Somebody Loves You," and "Grow,"; All songs showcase their ability to spread harmony with a soulful and fun twist. All music from the album is streamable on Spotify, so Jejune urges you to check it out!

You think Aint Afraid can't get any cooler? Think Again! Sakinah and Zakiyyah are heavy advocates for education in the Gambia and even helped raise funds to build an all-girls school for students. Ain't Afraid uplifts the audience through their music and in their community alike. This is why Jejune is so excited for the sisters to be this month's cover! If you wish to learn more about Aint Afraid's music, their unique stage names, and all the fantastic humanitarian work they have done so far, please continue reading below.

Editorial - Learning From Isabella Gomez

Isabella Gomez is the star of the new HBO Max comedy series “Head of the Class,” where she plays a young high school teacher looking to shake up the classroom. Gomez is not new to sitcoms, you may also recognize her as Elena Álvarez in the award winning comedy series “One Day at a Time.” At the heart of each show you can find an underlying theme of community and family support, which Gomez believes in wholeheartedly. She is also really attracted to what representation in the media can do for both individuals and whole communities, which can be seen in her two roles. On the charity front, Gomez is involved with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Wild Elements Foundation. Through her partnership with Wild Elements, she was matched with innovator, Rosamira Guillen, who is the executive director at Proyecto Tití in Colombia. Under her leadership, Gomez is fully fully educated on her work in order to bring that information and opportunities to her followers. Read on to learn more about Isabella Gomez, her roles in “Head of the Class” and “One Day at a Time,” upcoming projects, and her charity work.

COVER: Constance Marie - Empowering The Latinx Community

Constance Marie is a Los Angeles-based Latinx force. While she has had a prolific career from the beginning, she has always prioritized working on projects that highlight the Latinx community and social causes. You may recognize her from her powerful performance of Regina Vasquez in the revolutionary show “Switched At Birth”. But this month, she will be seen as 'Beatriz Diaz' on "With Love" — the new Latinx romantic comedy series for Amazon Prime Video, created and written by Gloria Calderon Kellett. Constance will be playing a character that many women in America will be able to relate to, answering questions like: "What happens after the happily ever after?" Constance Marie is more than a powerful actress. She is a mother, a humanitarian, and a fighter for a better world and planet for future generations. Please continue reading below to learn more!

Why We’re Crushing on #WomxnCrushMusic

Call it infatuation, charming captivation, or perhaps even a crush. Can you blame our obsession with WomxnCrushMusic? Started by Ashley Kervabon-Stoyanov, this non-profit is making bold moves in the music industry. Ashely started her music career as a singer & songwriter (previously going by Ashley Xtina) in NYC where she was born and raised, but it wasn't until moving to Portland in 2015 that she realized what her real mission was: helping artists advance their careers through education and collaboration. She turned her dream into reality by starting #WomxnCrushMusic, a non-profit aimed at closing the gender gap in music. By providing educational workshops, scholarships, and collaborative opportunities, #WCM is sending womxn and non-binary artists to the top of the charts. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with Ashely Kervabon-Stoyanov with our readers and show just how much amazing work WomxnCrushMusic is doing in the music industry. Continue reading below!

No Days Off with Akeem Mair

Akeem Mair, actor and activist from Pasadena, California, has big dreams and a big personality to match. In his interview with Jejune Magazine, Akeem explains the chance instance that inspired him to become an actor, the dedication he has to his profession, and his own ten year plan. Never one to take an off day, Akeem keeps a list of goals and action points to work on throughout the day. His new film, It’s On You, will also be finished later this year. Being a black man in the film industry has never been easy, but Akeem looks to the greats like Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier to provide representation and inspiration. Additionally, Akeem gets into his charity work as a community leader with the Mysankofi Live experience and his lifelong volunteer work with the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. Read on to learn more about the man himself and his developed sense of community created through his work.

Following Your Calling With Henri Esteve

Say hello to Henri Esteve! Based in Los Angeles, this Cuban-American talent is making big waves in the acting industry. You can spot him in Revenge playing the black sheep bad-boy hacker “Javier”. He can also be seen playing “Abel” in the Amazon award-winning series Homecoming, and the questionable but lovable “Javi” in Grown-ish, streamable on Freeform. This actor is always at work, whether he's pushing his limits on a motorcycle or using his platform to advocate against Cuba's brutality against its citizens. Henri is a brilliant actor, as well as being an avid supporter of mental health in teens and young adults. He implements this passion through the JED Foundation: a non-profit organization that prioritizes mental health for all! Learning from his past experiences, Henri is a true believer in community and support. Jejune is excited to talk to this compassionate human being about his experiences with acting, his thoughts on the crisis in Cuba, and how he deals with stress and anxiety in such a demanding industry. Please continue reading below for the full interview with Henri Esteve!

COVER - Rising From The Ashes

Walking on a runway is glamorous but walking for injustice is empowering. Meet Kaprice Imperial! The Filipina-American model is admirable in challenging the world to do better and to dream of a future that is more inclusive and united. In our interview, Kaprice gets candid with Jejune on what happens before hitting the runway, the effects of her Asian background, and protesting hate crimes. Check out our interview below!

The Emoji Story: Emojis As The Voice Of The People

Have you ever spent hours thinking about an emoji that was sent to you? Trying to make sense of it and/or attaching new meaning to it? Trying to see symbols within symbols or personal meaning of you who are in character form. Maybe it is about who you are and sometimes who you aren't. In the current digital age, emojis are the voices of people. These little visual symbols have a big world which consists of infinite meanings. They aren't just for communicating, they’ve become an accessible symbol of activism, sexual identity, and politics.

Art, zIssue 33Başak YirmibeşogluJune 4, 2021#theemojistory, #documentaries, #film, #jennifer8lee, #emojis, representation, Art, generation, gen-z, emojis, emojiComment

Beverley Huynh - Telling Diverse Stories As A Costume Designer

What does it take to create the right aesthetic for super heroes, post-apocalyptical villains, and pop culture icons? As a costume designer for shows like Flash, Arrow, and The 100, Beverley Huynh knows how to make costumes stand out in binge-worthy media. We were excited to speak with Beverley and get her perspective of costume design in relation to representation. Beverly’s main focus is using her her platform to tell her story about needing to have more women of color in entertainment in front of and behind the camera. In all of her career as a costume designer she has always been one of very few minorities in "the room" making decisions, which is where the real power of Hollywood is. Until there are more people of different cultural backgrounds holding power there will always be an uneven balance in the industry, and that is what Beverley is fighting to change. For more on Beverley, please read our exclusive interview below.

Kazy Tauginas - Raising Awareness for Lupus in Film

Kazy Tauginas is an actor and an athlete. You may recognize him from his work in John Wick, Dolomite is My Name, The Broken Tower, and most recently, as Ari in the box office smash The Equalizer 2, starring Denzel Washington. Kazy has a passion for bringing awareness to Lupus in film, a cause close to his heart. After writing several short films (and starring in over 20 of them), Tauginas drew inspiration from his mother who’d been diagnosed with Lupus and his own boxing experience, and decided to write “Standing Eight,” a short about a boxer who is forced to retire and contend with life outside of the ring after being diagnosed with systemic lupus. During the spring of 2015 he oversaw two successful Kickstarter campaigns to fully fund the film. Since its completion, “Standing Eight” has won ten festival awards including Trinity International Film Festival’s Best Short Film, and is currently nominated for another four. Tauginas advocacy for the disease is driven by passion and rooted in art and we are excited to share his interview with you. for more on Kazy Tauginas, please read out exclusive interview below.

Art, zIssue 31, Most PopularForrest JohnsonApril 2, 2021advocacy, lupus, awareness, representation, film, short film, actor, director, disease, athlete, boxing, actionComment

Amisha Ghadiali Brings a Fresh Perspective with Intuitive Therapy

With 2020 behind us, we’re all looking for ways to envision a beautiful future — and that must start with seeking out the best version of ourselves. Enter Amisha Ghadiali, who is bringing a fresh perspective to how we interact with the world around us and ourselves through intuitive therapy. Amisha is an award-winning social entrepreneur, intuitive therapist, and the founder of the Presence Collective — an online community for creative, connected, and courageous living. Her work is centered around sacred activism, as she inspires international audiences to become effective agents of change and contribute to the collective wellbeing of the world. Her anticipated book, Intuition: Access your inner wisdom. Trust your instincts. Find your path is all about starting positive change within yourself and spreading it to the world around you. Looking for change? Amisha’s got the tools for you. Continue reading for our exclusive interview with Amisha Ghadiali.

Get Colorful With Creative Curls

Creative Curls (Erina Nyonyintono) is known for her colorful and creative acrylic paintings that celebrate and bring awareness to the traditions and cultures of predominantly black and ethnic minority groups. Through her art, she hopes to teach others about how representation matters, giving a population the ability to see themselves in her paintings. She "just wants to share colour, light and positivity to all those that follow.” To learn more about Creative Curls, please read our exclusive interview here.