Influencers With A Voice
While there are tons of amazing female artists in the music world, women are still in a minority of the leadership roles in the industry. There are many reasons for this, but some of it boils down to life just has more expectations for women — with the responsibilities of family often weighing much heavier on women. But this is where community come in. Women in Music (WIM) has 40 years of women supporting women, offering an inspiring environment for development, support, and growth! You don’t want to miss their next summit — Jan 15th-17th. Read on to learn more!
What if a single film could change the course of your life? For Sav Rodgers, Chasing Amy was not just a movie, it was a lifeline. Now, years later, that same kid has turned filmmaker, sharing their story through the lens of a deeply personal documentary, CHASING CHASING AMY. In the documentary, Rodgers unpacks the film’s complicated legacy within LGBTQ+ communities, exploring why it resonates so deeply for some while sparking criticism from others. The documentary goes beyond revisiting an old favorite. To learn more about Sav Rodgers and the film, read on.
With a natural flair for storytelling and a passion for entertaining, Caleb Dolden has been captivating audiences both on and off-screen from an early age. But his talents extend far beyond the spotlight. Whether it’s creating vibrant characters for hit shows like Teacup or volunteering at local shelters, Caleb Dolden brings the same energy, compassion, and commitment to everything he does. Read on to learn more about Caleb Dolden.
Meet Andrea Laing, an actress whose talent extends far beyond the screen. With an impressive range that spans critically acclaimed shows like Atlanta, True Lies, and NCIS: New Orleans, Andrea has proven herself a versatile actress capable of capturing the depths of human emotion. Yet before entering the film industry, her childhood was marked by a powerful blend of community strength, resilience, and a deep empathy for human struggles — qualities that shine through in her current work and advocacy. Andrea’s commitment to making a positive impact is evident in her dedication to causes like animal welfare, youth mentorship, and disaster relief. Her work with organizations such as the Atlanta Humane Society, the Boys & Girls Club, and the American Red Cross is a testament to her belief that true success is measured by the change one creates. Read on to learn more about Andrea Laing and her work.
A rising star and former contestant on The Voice, Presley Tennant’s journey into music began unexpectedly at just 10 years old. What started as a childhood dream of a soccer career took a surprising turn when she discovered the thrill of songwriting, recording, and performing—igniting a passion that set her on the path to stardom. Her latest single, Love You With The Lights On, explores the beauty of vulnerability in relationships, blending her various influences in country and pop music. In addition to her music, she is passionate about giving back, championing causes like animal rescue through her Riffs & Rescues tour, and helping underprivileged children through holiday toy drives. Read on to learn more about Presley Tennant.
KiKi’s career has been a thrilling journey, from performing in Japan to co-writing and leading the cast of Forever Dusty: The Dusty Springfield Musical. Now focused on her music career, she continues to blend her rich theatrical roots with indie-pop. Her latest single, "WIN U OVER," displays this evolution. Beyond the music, KiKi’s commitment to philanthropy and advocacy is a cornerstone of her identity. Her support for LGBTQ+ initiatives through The Village and food security efforts with Project Angel Food reflects her belief that art and empathy are deeply interconnected, using her platform to uplift and inspire marginalized communities. To learn more about KiKi Holli and her upcoming projects, please read on.
After 25 years of crafting high-energy, electric performances with Bond, Eos Counsell, and Gay-Yee Westerhoff have taken a new musical path as FIRL. For FIRL’s upcoming album, Wildwood, which is set to be released in April 2025, Eos and Gay-Yee draw deeply from their travels and love of nature. Inspired by places like Hokkaido's hot springs and Costa Rican forests, the album uses elements such as birdsong to create an immersive, calming soundscape. In addition to music, Eos and Gay-Yee use their platform to support humanitarian causes. Recent contributions include donating prize money from their appearance on Celebrity Eggheads to CARE International and performing at events like Vietnam’s Typhoon Yagi benefit. Their dedication extends beyond fundraising, as they continue to use their music to connect listeners to the beauty of nature and the importance of supporting global humanitarian efforts. Read on to learn more about FIRL.
For Sophia Warren, music has always been more than just a melody — it’s been a lifeline. Today Sophia Warren is bringing raw vulnerability to audiences through her latest release, Bloodstone, the first in an ambitious three-part EP series. Beyond the music, this artist is just as dedicated to her role as an LGBTQ+ advocate and an animal rescuer. Growing up surrounded by pets, she developed a passion for animal welfare early on, eventually founding the Animal Defenders Alliance with her mother. With plans to release the second EP in the Bloodstone trilogy and dreams of taking her music around the world, Sophia is driven by the power of connection. Read on to learn more about Sophia Warren.
Julie Edelman is no stranger to turning life’s unexpected moments into inspiration and in her release, The Accidental Sisterhood, she delves into the strength of female bonds, weaving resilience into every page. Drawing from her personal battle with breast cancer, she spreads a message of humor, self-discovery, and positivity. Now as an advocate for the Moffitt Cancer Center, she regularly shares her story, encouraging women to perform self-exams and embrace the emotional and physical journey of recovery. Read on to learn more about Julie Edelman.
This is the final week we are highlighting progressive candidates running in the 2024 elections! Erica Mosca (she/her/hers) has the distinction of being the first Filipina to serve in the Nevada State Legislature. This millennial teacher and military spouse grew up in a low-income household and became the first in her family to go to college, graduating with highest honors from Boston University, and then pursuing postgraduate studies in education at UNLV and Harvard. To inspire others to follow in her footsteps, Erica founded a non-profit foundation to enable former students of hers to likewise become first-generation college graduates. Today, Mosca chairs the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Caucus in the Nevada Assembly. She is passionate about empowering students to grow into leaders in their communities and upending structural inequity and systemic racism.
This election season we have had the great opportunity to highlight so many candidates who are running at the local level! Today we are profiling one such candidate, Jessica Jackson (she/her/hers), a queer mental health therapist and mother of two who also raises chickens and ducks on her property. She has worked hard to prioritize education, going from a GED to a master’s degree in social work. Jessica writes all of her own stump speeches, and she is passionate about reproductive rights, gender affirming care for trans individuals, the environment, and rural communities.
Meet IMA Yoga, a yoga studio that once started as a small studio under the Modo Yoga brand from Montreal but has since flourished into a vibrant community, offering a welcoming space that feels like home to everyone. As the founder of IMA Yoga, Cleo Vo-Dai’s journey from a career in PR and marketing to becoming a leader in the yoga world is a testament to her passion for creating spaces that nurture both body and soul. Under Vo-Dai’s leadership, IMA Yoga embraces core values like kindness, presence, sustainability, and inclusivity. These principles guide everything from the studio’s design, using non-toxic materials, to its community outreach efforts. To learn more about Cleo Vo-Dai and IMA Yoga, read on.
This week we are profiling our youngest candidate of the season, Nate Douglas (he/him). At 23 years of age, Nate is no stranger to politics, having won his first elected office at age 19 to be the supervisor of the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District. This gay Gen-Z coder decided to enter politics to protect working-class families like his own from corporate greed, advocating for homeowners and renters against exploitative practices, championing bodily autonomy under a regressive state government, and fighting to protect the environment from the influence of big developers and fossil fuel industries. The top three issues he is most passionate about are climate change, economic justice, and healthcare.
Chibuihe Asonye (she/her/hers) is a Gen Z Chicago native and University of Ilinois graduate (2018) who currently works as a resident advisor at the university. Chibu is running as a Green Party candidate in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. Because she fell short of the required 12,000 signatures to appear on the ballot in the November election, Chibu is now running as a write-in candidate. A Nigerian-American and youngest of four, Chibu is passionate about election reform and the wellbeing of her community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marcia Kimpton does everything! She is a director, producer, writer, actress, late night host, podcaster, mental health advocate, and champion of women filmmakers. with over 40+ awards for her films she is taking her skills on the road to create works that will hopefully teach the world about the unique places she travels to and give back to these communities through the profits. She has even started her own APP, Kimpton Travels and Films, to help people keep up with her adventures! Please read on to learn more!