Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Kerene Moore, Michigan 15th District Court

Kerene Moore (she/her) is a queer social justice attorney with over 15 years of legal and public service experience. She is currently the Director of Conviction Integrity at the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. She previously served as a juvenile referee and judicial attorney in the Washtenaw County Circuit Court, and as an administrative law examiner with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. She started her career at Legal Services of South Central Michigan where she provided free representation to over 1,000 under resourced clients. In 2014, she also founded Outreach, a pro bono LGBTQ+ advocacy project with University of Michigan law students. Throughout her career, she has served on the committees and boards of several organizations including the Jim Toy Community Center, Equality Michigan, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and the Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission. She has also served as co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Law Section of the Washtenaw County Bar Association and is the incoming chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Law Section. Kerene is passionate about increasing access to justice to people from all walks of life, supporting treatment courts, ensuring that crime victims are receiving support, and actively reducing systemic bias in our courts.

Charlotte Morris - Heroes or Villains

For Charlotte Morris music has always been more than just a passion but a way to connect with others. The emotional connection to songwriting is what drives her as an artist, and it's something she continues to bring to her music, especially in her latest single, "Villain." Through her music, which blends Americana, folk, and jazz, Morris aims to create an authentic expression that resonates with listeners. Beyond the music studio, Morris passionately dedicates her time to volunteering in various communities. Whether she’s caring for animals in need or engaging in political activism through phone banking, Morris believes in using her voice and actions to create a positive impact. Read on to learn more about Charlotte Morris.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanOctober 18, 2024singer song writer, Song, songwriting, music artist, activism, vote, VolunteerComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Ailina Carona, Tennessee House of Representatives District 57

Ailina Carona (she/her) is a queer Latina millennial who is a makeup artist in the greater Nashville area. As the mother of a special needs daughter, she has been an advocate for more inclusive education policies and has raised money for school lunches. Ailina has also raised money for women’s shelters and advocates for reproductive freedom for women and stricter gun laws. Ailina lives with her husband and three daughters outside of Nashville.

Paul "Barbs" Barbato - Traversing All the Countries on Earth

What inspires someone to launch a YouTube channel that explores every country on the planet? For Paul Barbato, aka Barbs, the creator of Geography Now, it all started with a love for learning and a bit of frustration. Through Geography Now, he seeks to create a bridge between cultures, inviting viewers to see the world through a new lens — one that is shaped by the people and places. From balancing personal loss with creating content to managing the technical demands of video production, every step has been a learning experience for Barbs. Read on to learn more about Barbs as he prepares to wrap up his decade-long mission of uncovering every country.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanOctober 11, 2024YouTube, Learning, world, Country, travel, videoComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Sade Elhawary, California State Assembly District 57

Sade Elhawary (she/her) is a millennial activist and high school history teacher. A graduate of UCLA and Harvard, Sade served as a prominent member of Karen Bass’s successful election campaign to be mayor of Los Angeles. At age 28, she traveled the world, visiting 28 countries - one for each year of her age. As a Black and Latina community activist, Sade is most passionate about unifying Black and Brown people to combat white supremacy, and fight for racial equity and economic justice. As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, she promotes the queer community's resilience and political struggle for liberation. Sade is promoting healthcare for all (including reproductive and mental health), providing educational and employment opportunities for young people, and criminal justice reform in her campaign.

eaJ - Music, Rhythm, and Health

What was initially meant to be a brief visit to a Korean TV show unexpectedly transformed into a deep dive into the music world for artist eaJ. His latest track, “Right Where You Left Me,” is a reflection of his artistic evolution, striking a delicate balance between hope and melancholy. This song encapsulates eaJ's unique ability to create music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level, and as he transitions from his days with Day6 to a flourishing solo career, eaJ is delving deeper into his sound, exploring new musical paths with his upcoming EP "1/9." However, he is not only writing music but also gearing up for an exciting tour that includes the opening for Imagine Dragons at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. To learn more about his journey and what inspires his music, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Priya Sundareshan, Arizona State Senate District 18

This week we are profiling Priya Sundareshan (she/her), a woman of many talents. With a BS in chemical engineering from MIT and a JD from University of Arizona law school, and a MS in natural resource economics from University of Arizona, this millennial attorney and mother-of-two teaches natural resource law at the University of Arizona, was a lawyer for the Environmental Defense Fund, and is a voting rights advocate, focusing on voter protection efforts and engagement on redistricting within the Arizona Democratic Party. Priya is currently the only South Asian member of the Arizona Legislature, and the first South Asian elected to the Arizona Senate. She is passionate about protecting Arizona water for long-term use, addressing climate change through state policies, and making voting as easy as possible.

Emma Driver - Finding Herself Through Music

Emma Driver is the embodiment of hope and resilience. Music has been the creative outlet in her life to express her emotions and process the obstacles that life throws at her. Her return to the music scene is something you don’t want to miss. Her latest single “Try Hard” discusses her journey as a cancer survivor and what that journey taught her about herself and life. She’s a force to be reckoned with.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Valerie SotoSeptember 30, 2024music artist, cancer, cancer survivor, artist, singer song writer, fitnessComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Dominique Johnson, Connecticut House of Representatives District 143

One thing that we at Jejune are pleased to see is the number of LGBTQ+ candidates who are running this year, and we have profiled quite a few of them! This week we are highlighting Dominique Johnson (she/they), who is the incumbent representative in District 143 in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Dominique is a genderqueer millennial who has gone from humble political beginnings as a community organizer to Assistant Majority Leader. A former professor and punk rock bassist, they are a published author with work appearing in works ranging from Teen Vogue to The Nation. Dominique is passionate advocate for educational equity, the health and well-being of youth, women and LGBTQ+ people, and sustainability.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Katie Causey, Palo Alto, CA City Council

Katie Causey (she/her/hers) is a bisexual millennial community and tenant organizer and political activist who is a lifelong resident of Palo Alto, California currently running for city council. Among other issues in her platform, Katie believes in expanding housing access and protecting tenant rights, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Palo Alto. As someone who is passionate about expanding and promoting public transportation, and reducing car traffic, Katie herself does not own a car, and walks, bikes, and takes public transport to get where she needs to be. Katie also owns over 35 houseplants!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Andrew FSeptember 20, 2024lgbt+, LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ youth, california, bisexual, election 2024Comment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Farrah Chaichi, Oregon House of Representatives District 35

As we count down the final weeks of this election season, we are ramping up our profiles of progressive candidates. This week we are profiling Farrah Chaichi (she/her/hers), a democratic socialist representative in Oregon running for reelection. This queer millennial of color and Iron Maiden superfan has a history of activism, fighting for causes such as labor rights, Black Lives Matter, and human rights. Farrah is passionate about delivering access to health care, addiction services, education, and clean water to her constituents in her hometown of Beaverton, which is a mix of working class and middle class neighborhoods.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Luz Escamilla, Utah State Senate District 10

This week we are profiling our second party leader this season, Luz Escamilla (she/her), the current minority leader of the Democratic Party in the Utah State Senate. Luz was born in Mexico to two college professors, and immigrated when she was 18 years old. Only one of six Democrats in the Utah State Senate, Luz leads her small caucus in promoting issues such as healthcare access and cost, food security, air quality, transportation access, high quality childcare, and home visiting services.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Andrew FSeptember 11, 2024latina, latinx, Latin American, politician, politics, Politics, political, #politicsComment

The Crane Wives - Crafting Myths Through Melody

Dive into the captivating journey of The Crane Wives, a band that began in a small Michigan college town and has since become a force to be reckoned with in the music world. What started as a chance meeting between waitressing shifts at a Chinese buffet has evolved into a dynamic collaboration that blends raw emotion with musical experimentation. From exploring the complexities of adoption trauma in their single "Scars" to addressing imposter syndrome in "Bitter Medicine," The Crane Wives are unafraid to tackle deep, personal themes in their music. Discover the powerful melodies behind their latest work and learn how they are using their platform to inspire change. Read on to learn more about The Crane Wives.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanSeptember 9, 2024women's health, Music Group, band, album, election, tourComment

Charlotte Tucker - Dazzling the Screen and Dance Floor

Charlotte Tucker’s rise to fame began with an unexpected twist of fate. What was meant to be a simple outing to support her sister’s acting ambitions soon became a game-changer for Charlotte herself, landing her the role of Lily Loud in A Loud House Christmas. Now, as a standout child star who has dazzled audiences in everything from Netflix’s Cobra Kai to the eagerly anticipated The Air He Breathes, Charlotte has firmly established her place in the entertainment world. Beyond her impressive on-screen presence, she is deeply committed to giving back, particularly through her work with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. With a genuine passion for spreading joy and positivity, Charlotte shines both in front of the camera and in her community. To learn more about Charlotte Tucker, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Chelsea ChanSeptember 6, 2024children in need, child actor, actress, Gymnast, gymnastics, homelessness, homeless kids, hospitalComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate, Maryland

Angela Alsobrooks (she/her/hers) is the Democratic candidate in the U.S. Senate race for Maryland. Currently the Executive of Prince George’s County, the second largest county in Maryland, Angela was featured as the keynote speaker of this year’s Democratic National Convention! A prosecutor by practice, Angela has a long history of political action. She is most passionate about protecting citizens’ freedom to have autonomy over our own bodies, to live without the threat of gun violence, and for all American families to have economic opportunity to build generational wealth.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Andrew FSeptember 4, 2024blackgirlmagic, Maryland, U.S. Senate, election 2024Comment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Aime Wichtendahl, Iowa House of Representatives District 80

Well, primary season is officially over, and the candidates are in! This week’s candidate advanced from the Iowa primary on June 4. Aime Wichtendahl (she/her) is the first transgender elected official in the state of Iowa. She is the chair of the city council in Hiawatha, Iowa and has been on the council since 2015. Aime is also a novelist and journalist, and is a dues paying member of American Federation of Musicians local 137. She is passionate about transgender and LGBTQIA+ rights, green energy, and small businesses.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Andrew FAugust 28, 2024Government, Transgender, Women's rights, vote, democracy, electionComment

Hot Girl Walk - Bringing the Heat with Every Step

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, one woman's innovative approach to coping with isolation sparked a movement that has since resonated with thousands nationwide. Hot Girl Walk, created by Mia Lind during lockdown, began as a personal strategy to combat loneliness and build confidence. Emphasizing the mental and physical benefits of walking, she redefines what it means to be "hot," placing the focus on inner strength and empowerment. By sharing her journey on social media, she quickly garnered a community of individuals, proving that the act of walking can be transformative. Today, Hot Girl Walk is more than just a fitness trend; it's a global movement promoting inclusivity and mental well-being. Read on to learn more about Mia Lind’s Hot Girl Walk.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Barbara Hernandez, Illinois House of Representatives District 50

At the beginning of this election cycle we featured an Illinois State Senator running for reelection. Today we are featuring an Illinois State Representative, Barbara Hernandez (she/her), a millennial who has spent most of her adult life in politics. As the daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrants, Barbara was the first in her family to go to college, and was inspired to go into politics to reform our country’s broken immigration system. At age 24 she was elected to serve on the Kane County Board, and in 2019 she was appointed to finish the term of her former boss in the Illinois State House (she has been reelected twice since then). Barbara is passionate about period poverty, higher education accessibility, immigration, and fighting for restorative justice.

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.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Dani Isaacsohn, Ohio House of Representatives, District 24

Today we are profiling Dani Isaacsohn (he/him), a state representative in Ohio running for re-election. A proponent of what he calls “supply-side progressivism”, he advocates investing in the “supply” that brings America prosperity: education, childcare, and affordable housing. Dani, a millennial small business owner, is passionate about restructuring the American economy away from corporate power and more towards workers and consumers; he cites Federal Trade Commission chair Lina M. Khan and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) as role models.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.2Andrew FAugust 7, 2024election 2024, election, #election, education, housing, economy, childcareComment