Influencers With A Voice
Ianthe Metzger (she/her) knows how to communicate. She has spent most of her career as the official mouthpiece of three of the largest progressive advocacy organizations in the United States: Human Rights Campaign, Emily’s List, and Planned Parenthood. Originally from the country of Trinidad and Tobago, Ianthe did not originally envision this career trajectory - the daughter of two dentists, she thought she would follow in her parents’ footsteps. Read on to learn about the rapid ascent in progressive activism for Ianthe Metzger!
Always a lover of acting, Laura Vale has transitioned from being a therapist to being an actress over the years. Her understanding of mental health has given her insight into her characters own struggles to better help represent them on the screen. Her new film CULPRIT is a perfect example of that as it tackles what happens to those who are potentially wrongfully accused of committing a crime, pulling from stories from The Innocence Project. Please read on to learn more about Laura Vale.
Today we are profiling Amy Mathieu (she/her), a gender-nonconforming queer attorney who is running to be a judge on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After the election of Donald Trump in November, Amy was motivated to run for this elected judgeship. As the country slides into a fascist corporatocracy, Amy wants to to join the court to become an activist judge who will help lead the anti-fascist resistance and to uniformly and consistently protect citizens from patriarchal, white supremacist and capitalist interests. She hopes to protect the civil rights of marginalized communities from discriminatory executive orders. Using this position of power, Amy will promote DEI and trans rights while our current regime seeks to erase diversity, equity, and inclusion, and trans people from American society.
For The Altons, music is not just about the sound—it’s about the journey. With the recent release of their album Heartache in Room 14 and their Club Heartache tour, The Altons are ready to bring their signature blend of soul, blues, and Latin-infused rhythms to audiences nationwide. Beyond music, they are deeply committed to giving back. From their annual Christmas Benefit Show to wildfire relief efforts, their activism is rooted in the communities that shaped them. Read on to learn more about The Altons!
Gina Ortiz Jones (she/her) is a lesbian Filipina-American with a long career of public service. An Air Force officer during the early days of the Iraq War, Gina would later rise through the ranks of government to become the Under Secretary of the Air Force (the USAF’s #2 civilian position) in 2021. Along the way, Gina ran for Texas’ 23rd district in the US House of Representatives in 2018, winning the Democratic Primary but losing in the general election by less than a thousand votes. In her race to be San Antonio’s next mayor, Gina is running on a platform of universal Pre-K, housing affordability, and increasing high-speed Internet access to people of all incomes. The San Antonio mayoral election is on May 3, 2025.
Meet Bea Labikova, the co-founder and current artistic director behind Women From Space — a brand holding a festival built on the spirit of innovation and fearless creativity. The 2025 Women From Space Festival dares to embrace the unpredictable, offering a lineup that celebrates the extraordinary voices of several female musicians. From avant-garde jazz to dance-infused electronic performances, the Women From Space Festival is more than just a lineup; this festival is about community where artists meet, collaborate, and spark new creative revolutions. Read on to learn more about the festival!
Amanda Golka isn’t your normal creator. From her social commentaries to her reviews, she is honest and wont sugar coat the facts. This refreshing take has garnered her half a million+ fans and we are excited to see what is next for her. With more videos to come, she is also excited about writing her first book and helping communities in need. Please read on to learn more about Amanda Golka.
Aaron Regunberg (he/him), while only in his mid-30s, has a long list of accomplishments to his name. A former two-term Rhode Island state representative, this kakapo fan is taking on the might of fossil fuel companies as legal counsel at Public Citizen, and is fighting the Trump administration in Rhode Island as co-founder of Resist Hate RI. Read on to learn more about Aaron and his legacy of activism!
THEKOIWAY does not just make music — the band tells stories that need to be heard. From collaborating with global artists to tackling themes of identity, social justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, this band’s work is as bold as it is deeply personal. Their latest single, El Juego de la Vida, is more than just a track; it marks another chapter in THEKOIWAY's journey as a band that uses music to not only entertain but empower. From collaborating with artists across the globe to working with organizations like Mothers On The Move and Rebel Diaz Art Collective, they prove that music is not just entertainment — it’s a tool for change. Read on to learn more about THEKOIWAY.
When most people think of Nashville, they think of country music, the Grand Ole Opry, and hot chicken. But hopefully in the near future, they will also think of Odessa Kelly. Odessa (she/her) is a working-class, openly gay Black woman and mom of 2 who devotes her time, energy, and resources to the social justice non-profit she founded and now leads, Stand Up Nashville! This former Division I women’s basketball player went into public service after graduation but soon discovered that even a full-time government job is no longer enough to make ends meet. This experience of living hand-to-mouth motivated Odessa to start her social justice work advocating for the working class, housing justice, and racial equity in her home city. Read on to learn more about the force of nature that is Odessa Kelly!
Inspired by icons like Sleeping With Sirens, Saosin, and My Chemical Romance, Madison Violett is creating music that blends the nostalgia of late-2000s rock with a modern twist, channeling the energy of the Warped Tour era into her own music. Evolving from frontwoman to solo artist, she’s embraced her identity and songwriting style, eager to express herself fully. Beyond music, she’s dedicated to environmental activism, volunteering for beach cleanups, and supporting fire victims. To learn more about Madison Violett read on!
Have you ever found yourself staring at a broken cabinet hinge or a flickering light, completely unsure of where to even start? Meet The Trans Handy Ma’am Mercury Stardust, a DIY expert and advocate who is changing the way we think about home maintenance. With a unique blend of humor, compassion, and hands-on knowledge, Mercury Stardust is proving that fixing things is not just for professionals or homeowners, it’s for everyone. Yet fixing handy projects is not only what Mercury does, but she also has a #1 New York Times bestselling book, Safe and Sound, a hotline offering real-time DIY advice, and a record-breaking fundraiser supporting gender-affirming care. Read on to learn more about Mercury Stardust.
Marie Newman (she/her), a lifelong progressive activist, is a former US Representative whose office in the Longworth House Office Building was located right across from right-wing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. After Greene insulted Newman’s transgender daughter, Newman flew the transgender pride flag outside of her own office. But advocating for transgender people is just one of many progressive positions Newman has agitated for over the course of her life. She has been a woman’s rights, gun reform, healthcare and income equity champion her entire life. Her prescriptive memoir, A Life Made From Scratch, is due to be released on March 18. Read on to learn more about the tremendous work of Marie Newman!
Kara Eastman (she/her) is a woman of many passions, but aside from punk rock nearly all of them involve making lives better for people who unduly suffer under the effects of untamed late-stage capitalism, the for-profit health industry, the lack or disregard of environmental regulations, or media centralized in the hands of the ultra-wealthy. After a career of activism, she shows no signs of slowing down! Read on to learn more about the work of the indefatigable Kara Eastman!
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!
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.
With a sound that is equally fierce and fearless, MEGG has built a career on raw emotion and an edge. From growing up in a home filled with music to jumping onstage with live bands as a kid, her passion for performing was undeniable. After dropping an impressive seven singles last year, MEGG is proving that overthinking is overrated. Alongside her singles, her latest track, The End, is also an anthem for anyone battling self-doubt when life seems too good to be true. Read on to learn more about MEGG and her unique music.