Blog — Spotlight Closet

October 2024 Spotlight Closet: Writer & Educator Reagan E.J. Jackson Reagan Jackson (she/her) is a multi-genre writer, artist, podcast host and producer, facilitator, and international educator. Most days you can find her at Young Women Empowered where she serves as the Co-Executive Director. Her most recent book "Still True: The Evolution of an Unexpected Journalist" was published in March 2024. Through this collection of essays, author and activist Reagan Jackson chronicles her journey into the world of journalism. Art, cinema, social justice, feminism, Black reparations, health & reproductive rights, dance, education-while Jackson's subjects range far and wide, her writing brings...

September 2024 Spotlight Closet: Performer & Producer Mx. Pucks A'Plenty Known as the Director of Junk in da Trunk, the Michelle Obama of Burlesque, Seattle's Own Mxtress of Thiccness and '"The They Them Yas Queen of Burlesque", Mx. Pucks A'Plenty is a roguish radical always ready to ride the stage. Spreading their black queer magic wherever they go, Pucks is always in control. As a plus size queer femme of color and a vocal member of the kink scene, Pucks knows their politics, body, and sex are always potent and radical. Pucks doesn't shy away from their thick thighs or...

July 2024 Spotlight Closet: Model & Content Creator Vanessa Ronquillo Vanessa Camille Ronquillo is a Filipino American signed plus size model and content creator who is passionate about empowering and inspiring everyone to feel confident in their own skin. Vanessa has always had a love for inclusive fashion and beauty. She uses her platform to showcase a diverse range of plus size fashion, advocating for diversity and inclusivity, and promote body positivity. When she's not modeling or creating content, Vanessa can be found doing hair and makeup for Contour and Blush, traveling the world, shopping, watching kdramas, cooking with her...

August 2024 Spotlight Closet: Artist Mary Lambert Mary Lambert is not your typical multi-platinum artist. While studying Music Composition at Cornish College of the Arts, she found a home in the spoken word community of Seattle and began experimenting with infusing poetry into her music, performing frequently as a cellist, singer-songwriter and poet. Writing and singing the hook to "Same Love" with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis led to an MTV VMA win and two Grammy nominations: Song of The Year and Album of The Year, and culminated in the iconic 2014 Grammys performance, which featured a mass wedding officiated by...

May Spotlight Closet: Dewa Dorje Dewa Dorje is a Tibetan American stand up comedian and single mom of two; born and raised in the 206 (Seattle for the nerds). She jokes about life's hardships with explicit honesty and a smile. She is hilarious and easy to love. Dewa says her jokes are "rooted in feminism and anti-white supremacy", AND she loves to talk about yak dung. Dewa is passionate about healing intergenerational trauma and comedy. She has performed all over including Bumbershoot and the All Jane Comedy festival. She has a comedy podcast, Dank Moms and hosts her own comedy...