featured leader – EllaThought

Politician – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | @Ocasio2018

New York’s Representative Elect, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is something to be proud of. The Bronx native is an example of how far hard work can get you and how important it is to be smart. Her resume is incredibly admirable. The young scholar had an asteroid named after her, after winning second prize in her High School Science fair. Around the same time, she became involved in politics through high school extracurriculars. Through and after college (as detailed by Wiki, at least), this young woman is an inspiration to all young girls that your mind is your best asset, and you must continually put it to use.

Jewelry Designer @JLANIJEWELS

Written by President ELLA

You ever meet someone so spiritually lit everything else they do shines, too? That’s Lani, founder of JLANI JEWELS, and every single piece of jewelry she creates. I met her in a perfectly lit room at Calvin Klein, when I worked in the Advertising department and her mom worked in Finance. Her mom had organized a pop up and she was selling the cutest gold rings that said things on them like “love” “prosperity” and “bestie”. I really just liked the girls’ jewelry *shrugs* then I ended up really just wanting to have lunch with her — and that’s how I anticipate tons of people will feel soon enough. Today, those little rings have turned into a collection of masterpieces; gold and silver melded together by beauty, passion and lots of black girl magic. I want y’all to meet Ms. Nesbit today, because you’re sure to love her tomorrow.

Alternative Pop Singer/Songwriter – @MadyxMusic

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Alternative pop singer/songwriter Madyx! Born Michelle Blanchard, has wanted to be in the music industry since she was a kid. “When I was 8 years old, my parents bought me a guitar for my birthday and my life was forever changed,” she said. Growing up, Madyx’s parents also always played a variety of music from classic rock to country, and that helped shape her diverse writing style. After playing in a bunch of bands during high school, Madyx moved out to LA to really build her music career and even started a band called Life Down Here. “We made a pretty good name for ourselves: getting to open for Paramore, played a bunch of high schools across SoCal and several LGBT pride festivals in addition to the Warped Tour,” she said of her band experience. However, as she grew older, her musical style changed and she parted ways with the band, and branched out her own as Madyx! “It’s been a wild ride ever since,” the singer excitedly admitted.