Meet Aiza, the singer whose music will have you dancing on your feet. With her debut album 'Sovereignty' out now, Aiza delivers songs with addictive upbeat rhythms. Beyond the spotlight, she has participated with the Inkeraguhiga Collective working to ensure menstrual products are accessible to women in Ruyigi. Her dedication to both her musical career and humanitarian efforts serves as an inspiration, proving that artistry and activism can harmoniously coexist to create positive change in the world. Read on to learn more about Aiza.

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 52Chelsea ChanDecember 1, 2023music artist, music industry, music video, Song, Afro-bop, women, womens rightsComment

Julie Tolivar - Women Supporting Women

Acting has always been a passion for Julie Tolivar, from gracing the stage from a young age to being in front of the camera. But while she is excited about every role she takes on, she is especially passionate about being a mom and working with organizations like Women to the Front, which helps support and fundraise for many nonprofits that are helping to support women and voting rights. Read on as we get real about Hollywood and its treatment of women and mothers and the issues of type casting actors, in our exclusive interview with Julie Tolivar.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 48Jejeune MagazineMay 12, 2023Acting, actress, women, Women's rights, voting rights, vote, MotherhoodComment

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!

Samantha Blaire Cutler - A Woman On The Rise!

Samantha Blaire Cutler is an up and coming star! Samantha has been performing for years — beginning at the age of seven! Since then, she’s starred in theater and television productions such as “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Power.” Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Samantha has been extremely vocal about abortion rights and women’s rights. Samantha is also involved with The Kentucky Health Justice Network — an organization that provides support and financial assistance to those seeking abortions. To learn more about Samantha, her roles, and her involvement with the KHJN, continue reading our exclusive interview below!

Tackling Prostitution In India's Uttar Pradesh - By Katarzyna Rybarczyk

In India’s Uttar Pradesh NGO workers put their safety on the line to fight child prostitution, end sex trafficking, and restore victims’ dignity.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 45Jejune ContributorNovember 8, 2022prostitution, India, NGO, Guria, human trafficking, sex work, womenComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Kristen Gonzalez, New York State Senate District 59

This week we are profiling Kristen Gonzalez (she/her/hers). Kristen is a tech worker, community organizer, and democratic socialist representing parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens next year in the New York State Senate. On August 23, she won the Democratic primary for one of two new state Senate districts, capturing 58% of the vote against a well-funded opponent. Prior to running for office, she was involved as a leader in the Democratic Socialists of America and as a local community organizer, working on campaigns for community land trusts, climate action, and public internet. She was raised by a single mother from Puerto Rico in Elmhurst, Queens, where she first got involved in activism, eventually working her way to the Obama White House before returning to community organizing in Queens.

Zibby Allen - Hollywood's Dragon

We would like to introduce you to Zibby Allen! Allen is an actress, writer, producer, and singer/songwriter who has appeared in a number of films and television shows and is a member of the band Sock and Chimes. Despite the fact that she has already provided us with a plethora of options to watch or listen to, she is not done yet and has some exciting new projects in the works, including the fifth season of Virgin River and the lead role in the Lifetime thriller Lies Between Friends. She and her family also established The Baby Dragon Fund in memory of her brother. Although this fund is no longer active, she continues to do philanthropic work and has contributed a great deal to the Human Rights Campaign. Please continue reading to learn more about Zibby Allen's acting projects and characters, as well as The Baby Dragon Fund and other philanthropic work.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 44Maddy MaierSeptember 20, 2022writers, producing, producer, entertainment, actres, actress, film industry, film, filmmaking, women, female, female artists, TV, TV Series, movie, star, lead, #tvseriesComment

Gabriella Uhl Is Performing Her Way Through Life

“A young acting sensation” are words too few that can truly describe Gabriella Uhl. A star in the making, Gabriella has been performing her whole life. One could even say it is in her blood, as she tells us that everyone in her family loves to perform. From her first appearance in The School of Rock to her latest appearance in Netflix’s 13: The Musical singing, acting, and dancing are a way of life. However, she also dabbles in philanthropic work in the form of women’s empowerment through the Maestro organization. Please read on as we delve deeper into the life of Gabrielle Uhl in this exclusive interview with Jejune Magazine.

The Impacts of Social Media Activism

Social media has its pros as well as its cons… but in order to make a real impact on social justice in America, individuals and communities need to step outside and speak up for what they believe in.

Articles, zIssue 44Goldie AharonJuly 21, 2022social media, activism, women, BLM, Technology, online, balance, awareness, Volunteer, donation, protestComment

How Protests Differ in the Past to the Present

Protesting has been an incredibly effective way of expression in the United States since the first amendment. Although, over the past couple of decades, this method of proclamation has decreased in efficiency and value, why is this?

Advocating for Equality with European Actor Yohann Chopin

Yohann Chopin is a multi-lingual European actor and producer that should be on your radar. Impressively, he speaks four languages French, his mother tongue, along with Italian, Spanish, and Swedish! He has experience acting in both the French and Italian film industry. He began his career as a producer and later transitioned to acting. Yohann has taken on various roles including Simon Bastelica in the Italian series Rosy Abate: La Serie and Jaubert in French series Versailles. Additionally, he starred in the films Mare di grano in 2018 and Creators: The Past in 2019. Currently, he is working on the French feature film Dissonance where he will play Jérôme Castaing. Beyond his many achievements as an actor and producer, Yohann is passionate about women’s rights and giving back. Since 2013, he has worked as a volunteer for the UN Women French committee and continues to advocate for the rights and equality of women. To learn more about the multi-talented Yohann Chopin, continue reading below!

HAQ-NI- Paving the Way for Reinvention

On this Juneteenth long weekend we celebrate, Haqikah and Naima Abdullah — trendsetters, sisters, and entrepreneurs. These sisters are paving the way for reinvention. HAQ-NI, based in New York City, is transforming the traditional and simpler options for hijabs into something luxurious, high-quality, and fashionable. These hijabs are reimagining traditional scarves and empowering Muslim women by providing them with unique and stylish hijabs that allows them to feel both beautiful and confident. Their impact does not end there, as sustainability is an important aspect of their business, and making long-lasting scarves is a top priority. They are changing the game in fashion, and we can't wait to see what they do next. Please read our exclusive interview below with co-founders Haqikah and Naima Abdullah to learn more about HAQ-NI.

Ali Fumiko Whitney- Learning To Love Her Heritage

Ali Fumiko Whitney is an inspirational American actress of Japanese, English, and Scottish ancestry who has appeared in films such as "The Road Dance," "Snow Valley," and, most recently, "The Islander." Ali currently resides in New York City but previously lived in Los Angeles, where she attended UCLA and studied theater. Ali may be busy working on projects, but that doesn't stop her from volunteering for Harlem Village Academies and supporting environmentally friendly brands. She also works with non-profit organizations such as CAPE to give Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders a voice and empower them in entertainment and media. Her dedication to embracing her culture does not end there; she also enjoys Asian cuisine and, despite being gluten free, is able to find a variety of delicious meals and healthier alternatives. Read on to learn more about Ali Fumiko Whitney, her roles in "The Road Dance," "Snow Valley," and "The Islander," as well as to learn more about the nonprofit and volunteer organizations she has worked with.

Livia De Paolis - So Much More Than a Triple Threat

Livia De Paolis is a rockstar in production. Despite the fact that her family owned De Paolis I.N.C.I.R, a Rome studio, she has built a name for herself taking on many aspects of the entertainment industry. She oversees all elements of production — including screenwriting, directing, producing, and acting. Livia has established herself in a number of locations, including Italy, New York, and, most recently, London. In New York City, she focused her work on contemporary theater and produced the feature film Emoticon and the short film Awestruck. Livia has recently returned to London, where she is promoting her new feature film, "The Lost Girls," which will be released on June 17h. If her journey couldn't get any more impressive, she has also worked with non-profit organizations such as the 52nd Street Project and hopes to work with more in the future. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Livia’s upbringing, short films, humanitarian work, and love for theater.

Let's Embrace Our Flaws with vanillacooldance

Amsterdam-based American cartoonist Jessica Stahl, vanillacooldance, is empowering women to to live a shame-free, unapologetic, and confident life, embrace your vanillacooldance! In a world where dating is hard and women are underappreciated vanillacooldance has our backs with humor and truth. Stahl is helping to change the way women see themselves in relationships, breaking taboos about sexuality, body appearance, romantic and even awkward situations on dates, and much more. When Stahl isn’t giving women a voice through vanillacooldance, she is the Creative Director at Dopper and is responsible for making ocean-saving campaigns. Keep reading to learn more about this incredible artist!

A Little Of Everything With Revell Carpenter

LA and NYC-based actress Revell Carpenter is more than a familiar face. Without a doubt, Revell’s training in LA, NYC, and London prove her to be an asset for all her industry endeavors which include directing and writing. Amazingly she has been at work since seven years old, and now you can see Revell starring in her short film “Goodnight”, an emotional and gritty film about ending a relationship. Other than “Goodnight”, you can see Revell in “All American: Homecoming” and “The Deadly Debutante”. With so much under Revell’s belt, you are sure to love her. We urge you to get to know Revell through our interview! If you would like to learn more about Revell’s short film, her work at the New York Public Library, and the overall fabulous human being she is, please continue reading!

Doing It All With Amanda Jaros

Los Angeles based actress and writer Amanda Jaros knows how to stay busy. Whether she’s showcasing her talents while starring in ABC’s “Women of the Movement '' or putting pen to paper and crafting screenplays, Amanda has much to offer to the entertainment industry. Amazingly, Amanda was introduced to acting and writing as a mere child, and proves to be a natural at honing in on her creativity. Currently, Amanda is developing three indie features written and starring herself! When not putting her all into the industry, she is nurturing another passion: humanitarian and advocacy work. Amanda serves as a team leader for “After Hours Ministry”, a non profit organization which supports outreach for sex trafficking and exploitation victims on the streets of L.A. If you are interested in Amanda’s story or future endearers, please continue reading below.

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!

Cover - Jenn Lyon & The Scarlet Letter

To meet Jenn Lyon for the first time is like connecting with a friend you have known for years. Not only is she completely hilarious, but she is a real person with a huge heart. You can currently see her on the the fabulous TNT show Claws, where she plays a bad ass manicurist, who is loyal to a fault. You really have to watch the show to understand how that all makes sense together. While Jenn is excited for everyone to love the last season of Claws as much as she does, she is even more passionate about making the world a better place, especially from the eyes of a woman.

Jenn is connected to a ton of activism, and when she takes on a cause, she goes elbows deep! This might mean she is manning an eating disorder hotline, rummaging through funny looking veggies at the local food pantry, or on the ground humbly drawing signs for strangers at the Women’s March. There is no denying it, Jenn Lyon is the real deal, and it is an honor for Jejune to have her as our next cover!

Truth Be Told with Tash Leath-Hamilton

More often than not, people don’t believe in intuitive life coaches. But what if I told you that “everyday people” like Joan from Fresh Market or Bob from Pep Boys to Hollywood’s most notable celebrities believe and consult with Natasha Leath-Hamilton? Since discovering her gift at the age of seven, after making her therapist cry by asking intimate details that no one else knew about her life, she now is attracting the attention of OWN Network for a series! The intuitive life coach has used her God-given gift to help people win and live their best lives. Her readings are so special and accurate that she is usually booked out on average for four months straight. Aside from her natural-born gift, Tash has honed in on her learned gift, the skill of entrepreneurship – building her intuitive life coaching business single-handedly, from the ground up. She is truly a positive light. Come check out our interview with Tash as Jejune goes in-depth into her empowering journey to becoming an intuitive life coach, her entrepreneurship, and much more!