New York-based model Sydney Brett is preventing bullying one workshop at a time. Through Sydney’s non-profit organization “Stronger Than You Think,” she implements anti-bullying and mental health education for youth. Sydney's mission is to stop hate at its core, especially as a victim of childhood bullying due to her struggle with dyslexia. Sydney’s curriculum is crucially needed in a world where social media can be the root of insecurities for many impressionable children coming to terms with their identities. If you are interested in Sydney’s work in the modeling industry, her amazing non-profit, or her hope for this generation, please continue reading the interview below!

Take A Step Forward With Mike Gauyo

Los Angeles-based Haitian writer Mike Gauyo is making it his mission to build creative opportunities for POC youth. You can thank Mike for hit series like "Insecure" and "Ginny & Georgia. Mike not only sees the importance of sharing his perspective as a Black gay Haitian immigrant, but also explores outside of his comfort zone to bring new narratives to life. To align with his values of making the writing industry more accessible to people of color, Mike founded Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes to connect young Black writers with industry professionals. Through Mike’s amazing program, students can receive mentorship from established writers like Amy Aniobi, Morgan Cooper, and Kemp Powers. If you are interested in Mike Gauyo’s efforts to create a more inclusive Hollywood, his newest show “Send Help”, or his experience with writing some of America’s favorite series please continue reading the interview below!

KG Crown Sings For Righteousness

Every day is a change for the better. KG Crown is the living proof to always embrace your own individuality and never stop fighting regardless of the challenges. Why do we say that? Because she fights against all odds to pursue her dream as a Pop singer even though she (including her family) was bullied by her peers, grown-ups, and even worse, mothers and teachers from her town. Her dedication to performing resulted in her quickly garnering over 155K+ followers and 500K+ views across her platforms. She recently released an anti-bullying anthem, Bad, standing up for herself and her loves one. KG Crown is truly admirable as she further uses her platform to bring awareness to bullying and inspires her followers to stand up for themselves. Read our interview below as KG Crown gets candid about her take on bullying and her sensational journey in pursuing her dreams.

Alexa Nisenson Inspires Through Actions

While many teens dream of making a presence in Hollywood, Alexa Nisenson is living it! Aside from voicing a character for Cartoon Network and landed a starring role in AMC’s hit series - Fear The Walking Dead - she is also challenging herself with writing books and music at the age of 15. The rising star is also a passionate humanitarian. She is a mental health activist and cancer research advocate. Alexa is truly an inspiring role model for young teens everywhere. Jejune is excited to share our interview with Alexa to learn more about her remarkable journey as a teen actress.

Connor Dean’s Perfect Ace

Connor Dean is a triple A - an actor, and athlete, and an advocate. From Butch the Bully, to the Young Entertainer Awards, to the USTA (United States Tennis Association), Connor Dean remains humble and relatable. And like many of us, he is having a blast on TikTok - despite his accomplishments. Dean is also passionate about humanitarianism, his collaborations with organizations like the Leukemia Foundation and Starlight Children’s Foundation will not go unnoticed. Jejune, curious as always, sat down with Connor Dean to learn more about his work as an actor and ambassador, as well as his tennis chops. For more on Connor Dean, read below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 30Jejune ContributorMarch 26, 2021Actor, athlete, Humanitarian, charitywork, cancer, nonprofit, tiktok, leukemia, kids, teens, teen star, tennisComment

Fall in Love with Teen Singer-Songwriter Lana Chalfoun

Young love can be a dream or a nightmare and Lana Chalfoun offers both perspectives in her music. Her new single “Cut Off” (coming out Feb. 12th) is a break-up song just in time for Valentine’s Day, which to be honest, is the perfect day to let yourself mourn lost love and move on by February 15th. A fount of youthful sound and energy, Lana’s been dropping music through the pandemic (check out her other singles “Be OK” and “Get Mad”), all of which share the twists and turns of love, anxiety, and coming of age. In our interview with Lana we talk about her music and her chosen charity of choice The Red Glasses Movement. Keep reading to fall more in love with Lana in our exclusive interview below.

Actor Jacob Hopkins on His Career and Involvement with the Jonathan Foundation

Jejune recently spoke with actor and ambassador Jacob Hopkins about his role as Chad Kremp on the hilariously funny ABC sitcom, The Goldbergs. Jacob has been acting his entire life, appearing in shows like How I Met Your Mother and True Blood. In addition to traditional acting, Jacob has been the voice actor in many fun animated shows. The Dragons: Rescue Riders and The Amazing World of Gumball star talked about his new feature film, Carolina’s Calling, his ongoing involvement in the Jonathan Foundation, and his passion to help kids, with learning disabilities and special needs. Please continue reading to learn more about this extremely talented young actor!

Ella Greenwood Writing The Script On Mental Health

Ella Greenwood is a UK based actress, writer, producer, and mental health advocate all at the age of 18! She does all the things in her new short film “Faulty Roots,” which discusses teenage mental health and depression. It isn’t uncommon for people to be insensitive to the struggles of mental illness. If you can’t see it, you can’t understand it. Ella beautifully uses “Faulty Roots” to show how mental illness isn’t very different from any other health issue. In addition to creating a impactful film, Ella also has teamed up with stem4, which is a teenage mental health charity. To learn more about Ella, please read our exclusive interview here.

Art, zIssue 26, zIssue 26.2Jejune ContributorOctober 2, 2020teens, mental health, film, actress, Actor, kids, depression, writerComment

Siaki Sii And Fancy Nancy Fifita: A lineage Of Entertainment And Magnanimity

With an extended family history in entertainment, cousins Siaki Sii and Nancy Fifita, aka Fancy Nancy Fifita, are the newest emerging talent on a path to stardom. The Tonga born teens are accomplished actors, musicians, and dancers, Siaki best known for his role as Owens on ABC's “Blackish” and Nancy as Lacy in the film GILLYMUCK.

Beyond acting, Siaki and Nancy are performers at heart. Nancy co-wrote and recorded her first single "You So Fancy" at age nine, while Siaki gained his highest recognition as a Tahitian dancer, at the age of nine where he won Best Lead-Role Dancer at Tahiti Fete 2012.

In addition to entertainment, volunteering and hospitality is a long running familial value. The teen duo hosted the East Coast Prom and were celebrity guests at the West Coast Prom through Virtual Prom Live. They have assisted with over 300 events to raise money by using her talents to sing, perform or give service hours to scout service projects. Nancy was selected as the United States Ambassador for the Tongan Red Cross. Siaki performs annually for local senior centers since he was five, between Los Angeles and Utah. He also joins his Boys Scouts of America troop annually to place flags at the cemetery for all the fallen heroes. In addition to this, they joined forces to start their own organization, S & N (Siaki and Nancy Serving Those in Need), to give back! To learn more about this incredible family, please read our exclusive interview here.

Jax Malcolm: The Actor, Designer, & Athlete Takes on Hollywood

Jax Riley Malcom seemingly inherited his acting drive out of the void. At just five years old, Jax pondered as to why he wasn’t on television. Soon after, he learned that he would need an agent and would later land his first role for a Smart Power commercial. He went on to work with Comedy Central and IFC with credits including the Kroll Show, Comedy Bang Bang!, and The Birthday Boys.

The Californian born artist has made surmountable progression within the fields of athletics, fashion, and music. He was on the varsity swim team at his high school, competitive USA Swimming club swimmer, and a Junior Olympian / Championship team member. He also has a strong foundation in fashion design and styling. As a fashion designer, he recently came out with his collection Trident. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Jax Malcom.

Montana L. Jacobowitz Proves You Can Do It All

At 18 years old, Montana is an accomplished actress, musician, and writer. As a musician, she is a multi-instrumentalist, skilled in the electric and acoustic guitar, ukulele, piano, alto saxophone, etc. At the mere age of seven years old, Montana created her first play, in honor of her brother, Arizona, who is autistic. Her call to advocacy runs deeper than familial ties. She can be seen working hard to assist children and adults with special needs via the Special Olympics, 401 A League Of Our Own, and Power Of You Teens, an organization that helps young women in New York City plan their future through mentorship. Montana and her brothers even created an organization, Children’s Voice, which gives kids a platform to speak out about issues that affect them. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Montana Jascobowitz.

Emma Neagu Inspires Hope - Photography and Words by Li Chen

Emma was told by the doctors that they can attempt to salvage her leg, but even if successful, it would result in limited mobility. This would mean she will never be able to dance or do gymnastics again.