Editorial - Nicky Whelan is on a Mission

Nicky Whelan is a remarkable actress whose unwavering love for animals matches her undeniable talent on the silver screen. With her infectious charisma and genuine devotion to the well-being of our furry friends, she is hard not to fall in love with. Apart from working in sanctuaries and appearing in movies like The Best Man, Nicky has blended her passion for animals and film by hosting a segment of Bondi Vet. Today, we turn our focus to the extraordinary life and work of this compassionate actress, as we uncover the heartfelt efforts she undertakes to rescue and protect those who have no voice. Read on to learn more about Nicky Whelan.

Editorials, zIssue 50, Editor's PickChelsea ChanJuly 17, 2023animal rescue, animalshelter, animal, actress, movies, televisionComment

Sweating Green: Discovering the Eco-Warriors of the Active Wear Industry

The shift towards conscious living and mindful purchasing is not foreign to us consumers anymore. This demand for sustainability and ethicality from brands, and reevaluating their production processes, has expanded into the realm of active wear, where sustainability and functionality are converging to create a new wave of ethical and eco friendly choices. This article aims to highlight the various fitness brands that are combining style, performance, and a deep commitment to environmental and social consciousness, and bring awareness to the key ethical practices undertaken by them. From the studio to the trails, to the gym, to the streets, let Jejune Magazine help you embrace this new era of sustainable fitness!

Cover - Natasha Kalimada - Dancing Into The Stars

A rising star in Hollywood, Natasha Kalimada is an actress, professional dancer, model, and influencer with a bright future ahead of her. Her new film roles in A-list productions such as “Babylon” and “Don’t Worry Darling” will shine a spotlight on Natasha’s talents while also showcasing her commitment to causes beyond her thriving career. Natasha has not only strutted down the catwalk and dazzled in front of studio cameras but she’s also dedicated her time to inspiring and mentoring young girls, as evident in her involvement with the non-profit organization Inspiring Girls USA. Please continue reading to explore how Natasha’s dedication to her craft and philanthropy have led to her success, and how her journey can be an example for other aspiring entertainers and socially conscious citizens today.

Sonica Sarna - Designing the Future of Fashion

Sonica Sarna is making big moves in the fashion industry. Her three dimensional take on sustainability is focused on shedding light on Indian designs and prints. Her experimentation with natural dyeing, indigenous cotton and block printing are just some of the work in her repertoire, with more sustainable practices in the process of conceptualization. #ProjectThrive is an example of how Sonica is focusing her organization’s resources in the intervention of the fast fashion supply chain. Let Jejune Magazine help you learn more about Sonica Sarna and her organization - Sonica Sarna Design.

Mashville - Shatters Walls of Silence, Singing Out 'OK' To Mental Health Conversations

Mashville is a collective of artists from across the globe, coming together with a common goal: destigmatizing conversations about mental health. With the release of their new song "OK", the group is looking to make an impact on music fans who may be struggling. The song and video concept focuses on conversations around suicide and suicidal ideation, featuring an impressive lead vocal performance from member Nova Chez. Through the song, Nova shares her message that it is okay to not be okay and encourages listeners to reach out and talk about the tough things. With their new single, Mashville is continuing to spread its message of support and understanding. With the power of music, they hope to start more dialogue around mental health, as well as open up the conversation for those who may be struggling.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 49Jessica MoraJune 21, 2023mental health awareness, mental health, music collective, SongComment

Vertical.Show Comes To San Francisco This June!

Vertical.Show is a one of a kind show that will tantalize an all ages audience this June 8, 9, 10, and 11th, at the Great Star Theater in San Francisco, CA., with artistic and never seen before pole dancing and aerial arts performances that you won't want to miss! There will be a total of five shows: three being for all ages, one will showcase our youth athletes who will blow your mind (June 11th), and there will be an after dark show (June 10th at 9:30pm) for those feeling a bit more bold.

Art, zIssue 49, Editor's PickKira BuccaJune 2, 2023pole, pole dancers, performance, california, San Francisco, things to do, show, upcomingComment

Cover - Hot Happy Zuri Hall

Let Zuri Hall take you on a ride as she spins you all over the Hollywood scene across the red carpet through Access Hollywood to keynote speeches as if she is one of the athletes in the show American Ninja Warrior she co-hosts. In all reality Zuri is a truly inspiring women who is just bubbling over with charm and beautiful energy. As one of the first Black women in local news she has more than made a name for herself interviewing all the celebrities, but so much more. Zuri is far from a fluffy Hollywood socialite, in fact she is very proud of her midwest up bringing. She likes to use her platforms to talk about the hard issues including cases of missing people of color, mental health, and voting rights, to just name a few. She recently started a new podcast, Hot Happy Mess, that helps make her topics even more limitless. Please read on to learn more about this incredible out spoken women, her work in Hollywood, and her many ways of giving back, including a new partnership with Global Fund for Children as a Global Ambassador.

Jenny Kendler- Giving Rise To Beauty In The Natural World

Jenny Kendler makes the invisible visible through her elaborate initiatives that bring to light the climate crisis we are facing. As a long-time advocate, Jenny Kendler has persisted in standing up for her beliefs and is deeply passionate about using her work to communicate her message to people from all walks of life. Her unique artistic approach explores beyond the established and continues to demonstrate the purest form of beauty. Her optimism and influence extend beyond her work, as she works with organizations to support local artists and advocate for change.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 48Chelsea ChanApril 28, 2023environment, climate change, climate crises, activism, Justice, Art, social activismComment

Diane Burko - Encapsulating Time Through Art

The planet and it’s people are constantly changing, and Diane Burko is helping us bear witness to it through her unique and beautiful way to documenting our world and climate change in her paintings and photographs. As a life long environmentalist and and advocate for indigenous rights, Diane encourages others to take in the world around us and work toward protecting it together. Her inspirational "time-based media" and collaboration with scientists to analyze and disseminate information has helped to educate viewers about the changes we are seeing on this planet. And while it might feel like a tough battle, Diane feels so much hope for the younger generations and their passion for our planet. Please read on to find out more about Diane Burko and how she sees the world.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 48Chelsea ChanApril 21, 2023enviornment, climate change, climate crises, lanscapes, photography, ecosystems, paintings, education, advocacy, ArtComment

Crys Matthews Is The Fire

I have had the pleasure to see a few artists a Joe’s Pub now, but none were so intimate as coming to see Crys Matthews sit down and sing with her audience. The way she spoke and sang to her crowd you felt like you were sitting in a living room with her taking a break from drawing up the latest set of signs for your next protest together.

Natisa Gogol - A Ray of Hope in Times of Grief

Natisa Gogol is a promising ray of hope! Hailing from war-stricken Ukraine, her music is inspired by the grief faced due to the war. She wishes for her audience to cherish their present and bring to light the casualties faced by the people of Ukraine. In support of this, she has lent a helping hand to organizations that aim to make the refugee life simpler, providing aid and assistance, which is the need of the hour. Read on to get up close and personal with Natisa Gogol!

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 48Tejasvi PradeepApril 3, 2023music industry, Musician, war, refugee, ImmigrationComment

Damien D. Smith - The "Directorial" Force to be Reckoned With

Damien D Smith is a multi-talented artist, actor, director, and activist who uses his art form to create awareness and initiate conversations around a range of social issues. He is a passionate advocate for social justice and has dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of those who are historically underserved and undervalued. His work has been widely acclaimed and awarded due to his dedication to sparking awareness on human rights. His award-winning directorial projects, are Target: St. Louis, Detangling The South, and Free To Be Free. These projects have been widely acclaimed and awarded, and have made a huge impact on the world. Jejune is excited to put Damien D. Smith on your radar and explore his inspiring commitment to making the world a better place.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 48Jessica MoraMarch 24, 2023Actor, Director, writer, artist, human rights, advocateComment

Being A Hero Over The Generations

In celebration of Women’s History Month Joe’s Pub has an amazing cast of women coming to their stage! I had the pleasure to watch one of their monthly shows, Generation Women. This heartwarming show of female empowerment will have the audience laughing and crying in their seats in no time!

The Right Wing Long Game - By Andrew Krueger

This is a bad time to be queer. Alaska just gutted their LGBTQ+ Protections, Florida’s Bill SB254 is threatening to kidnap trans kids and tear apart queer families, and states across the country are introducing bills that mitigate gay rights, restrict access to gender affirming care, and expose the queer community as a whole to discrimination and violence. Iowa even attempted a fresh shot at rolling back marriage equality, along with the introduction of multiple anti-queer and anti-trans bills. These are just the tip of the iceberg; the legislation in progress is the opening move of the right wing’s long game to roll back rights, restrict healthcare, and force the queer community back into the closet.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 48Jejune ContributorMarch 17, 2023LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ+ kids, congress, politicsComment

Cover - Gola - The Lioness Of Iran

March is Women’s History Month and despite it being 2023, women are continuing to fight for basic human rights — in this country and around the world. One of the biggest female rights movements right now is taking over Iran. Jejune had the pleasure to photograph and chat with Iranian singer Gola, who is a force to be reckoned with. Born in Iran, she paved her way as a musical artist where there was none. Having been exiled from the place she calls home, Gola turns her pain into music that empowers the women of Iran and her listeners all over the world. Unafraid to show the real beauty and the brutal nature of the current regime, she has been rightfully called the Lioness or Iran. She makes those around her feel inspired, empowered, and wanting to do better. Jejune was excited to speak with Gola further on her personal journeys and the future of Iranian women, please read on to learn more!

Traveling Vegan - What Is A Guadeloupe?

As an American who has traveled a lot, I was surprised to hear of an island in the Caribbean that I had never heard of before – Guadeloupe. Like all of the Americas, Guadeloupe was doing just fine until Christopher Columbus landed on it in November 1493. This beautiful butterflied shaped land actually consists of two main islands that are close enough to connect via a bridge, and a few smaller islands around.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 47Kira BuccaMarch 2, 2023travel, Guadaloupe, slavery, history, traveling vegan, travel tips, vegan, VeganComment

Behind the Lens - Documenting With Raphael Sbarge

You may know Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket from Once Upon a Time, but his role as a conscience has expanded over the years as he has added directing to his skill set. Now it can be said he is “creating content with a conscience.” He has directed several films, short stories, and, most recently, documentaries — with an ever increasing drive to spread awareness of social and environmental issues within several different communities. Jejune got a chance to talk to him about his Emmy nomination, new film Only in Theaters, and his latest mini-series 10 Days In Watts, among other topics. Please read on!

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!

How To Assist Earthquake Victims In Turkey and Syria

Thousands of lives have been lost and many more have been wounded in the destructive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the Turkey-Syria border. This is the most powerful earthquake to hit the area in over a century. As the number of fatalities in Syria and Turkey continues to rise, charitable organizations are coming together to help those affected by the earthquake.

Here are some of the organizations that are providing relief and accepting donations so that you can support their efforts.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 47Jessica MoraFebruary 13, 2023earthquake, Turkey, Syria, donation, DonationsComment

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.