Introducing Cosmopolitan’s 2025 Z-Stars

For the second year in a row, we are honoring the Gen Z stars who define trends, influence millions, and entertain the masses. While some might still be new names to you, others have been shaping the media landscape for years (even if they can’t legally rent a car yet). Each plays a vital role in molding our culture, which is why we’re celebrating them as our 2025 Z-Stars.

They’re the chart-topping artists who sell out arenas and the actors who inspire those heart-wrenching fan edits. They’re the writers who put your innermost thoughts into words and the activists fighting on the front lines for your freedoms. These people are breaking barriers not only with their talent but also by embodying the creativity and resourcefulness that define their generation. Sure, they draw inspiration from icons of the past, but our honorees transform those lessons into something entirely their own, with sharp editing techniques, inventive promo styles, and wildly fresh ways to connect with their audiences.

Like last year, we’re honoring the winners in collaboration with Next Gen, the youth marketing division at United Talent Agency, and Coach. And our 2025 lineup is nothing short of inspiring. Ahead, led by the girl group BABYMONSTER, you can meet the young people poised to make history—if they haven’t already.

BABYMONSTER

RUKA, PHARITA, ASA, AHYEON, RAMI (not pictured), RORA, and CHIQUITA

Ages: 16 to 23

@babymonster_ygofficial

Which aspects of being in the spotlight do you find most rewarding? How do you manage pre-performance nerves and stay focused on delivering your best?

CHIQUITA: Onstage, I can feel the audience’s eyes and energy, and instead of pressure, it excites me. Before performing, I take a deep breath, say a little prayer, and remind myself that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy every second.

What’s the most exciting thing about your work?

ASA: For me, the excitement comes from the process of growth—pushing myself little by little while seeing how much love fans continue to give us. Their energy inspires me to keep improving, and that cycle of growth and support is what makes this journey so meaningful.

RORA: Every time we take on a new concept, I feel a rush of excitement. Performing in different styles, experimenting with outfits, hair, and makeup, and then finally seeing the results come together—it’s so rewarding. It feels like proof that all the effort was worth it.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

RUKA: One of the most surprising moments was hearing our song play out on the streets. My mom even sent me a video from Japan [where I’m originally from], saying, “BABYMONSTER is playing right now!” Hearing our music in such a familiar place from my childhood felt magical, almost like a dream come true.

AHYEON: At Summer Sonic, I was shocked when the crowd started singing along to “HOT SAUCE.” Since it wasn’t even our own concert, I didn’t expect that kind of response. It was such a powerful reminder of how far our music can reach.

What do you hope to do next?

RUKA: If we tour again next year, I really want to go on a European tour. It would mean so much to meet MONSTIEZ there in person, discover all the different cultures, try delicious local food, and take in the beautiful sights while doing what I love most: performing onstage.

PHARITA: I hope that BABYMONSTER continues to grow and perform on even bigger stages. Sharing our music with more people around the world is a dream, and I want every performance to leave a lasting memory for fans who come to see us.

Photographed by Yoon Song Yi. Styled by Kim Beungkyu. Hair by Kim Ggotbi and Park Eunji. Makeup by Lee Hyjin and Kang Inju. Set design by Han Song Yee. Production by Lee Kyung Kim for BL Creative House. All clothing and accessories by Coach.

Meet the Z-Stars Class of 2025

Aimee France

Anania

Annabelle Chang (Annabelle’s Book Club)

Audrey Nuna

BABYMONSTER

Brandon Edelman

Brooklyn Frost

Chloe Gong

Cortisa Star

David Larbi

Dean Withers

Diamant Blazi

Ella Yurman

Elyanna

Emira D’Spain

Ezra Frech

Golloria

Grace Reiter

Havana Rose Liu

Izzy and Emma (@TurtleWithHat_)

Jay Guapo

Josie Totah

Kat Abughazaleh

Lilas

Malachi Barton

Marissa Bode

Maxwell Alejandro Frost

Micky Gordon

Milo Manheim

Mustafa the Poet

Nadya Okamoto

Noah Lalonde

Nic Vansteenberghe

Olandria Carthen

Ramisha Sattar

Rayne Fisher-Quann

Alyah Chanelle Scott and Thomas Laub (Runyonland Productions)

Toni Breidinger

Dom Roberts and Maya Umemoto Gorman (Upstairs Neighbors)

VanillaMace (Emily)

Chef/content creator

Age: 26

@aimeefrance

What do you wish people knew about you?

I think a lot of people do not know that I gained a following online because I started a business making cakes out of my apartment back in 2021. I’m a cake artist who makes sculptural cakes, and I created a new cake design aesthetic that’s unique to me. I’ve made many cakes for brands, celebrities, and events.

What do you hope to do next?

Although I love baking and making cakes, I don’t see it as a job I can keep doing full-time forever. I would love to continue making food videos online, work with more brands, do some food styling, and perhaps some modeling as well. There’s a huge moment happening with food and fashion right now, and I think I could be a great candidate for a campaign.

Content creator, comedian, and host of the YouTube show Gaydar

Age: 25

@anania00

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

I’ve used my influence and platform to start my producer era here in NYC this year. So far, I’ve produced, directed, and starred in my own show, and I also have two one-woman shows on the books, monthly drag shows, and I’m currently in an Off-Broadway musical that I’ve been documenting the process of.

My platform is also one where people can safely learn something that they might not have known about. Comedy is my medium to talk about the bullshit that the world is throwing at us, and I’m honored to create a safe space for other Black people, transgender people, queer people, and other people of color. I don’t have all the answers at my disposal, but I care. And I will do my best to stay vocal about the best way people can stay informed and safe.

What do you hope to do next?

I want to make a digital late-night show to live on long-form platforms. It’s time to make late-night TV accessible and [geared toward] people just like me.

Founder of Annabelle’s Book Club

Age: 19

@annabellesbookclubla

What makes you most excited to do what you’re doing?

One of my favorite parts of running Annabelle’s Book Club is having the opportunity to meet so many incredible authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers. It has also been wonderful seeing the growing excitement around YA literature firsthand. Historically, this genre hasn’t been taken as seriously as it should be, but I think we are at a moment where readers of all ages are finally recognizing the power of these stories.

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

Because we are a young adult-focused store, I am very conscious of the fact that kids and teenagers, especially girls, are a huge part of the Annabelle’s Book Club community. With that in mind, it has always been important to me to create a welcoming, accessible space that empowers young adults, whether that’s through our curation, events, or social media.

Musician (K-Pop Demon Hunters, “Damn Right” and “Comic Sans”)

Age: 26

@audreynuna

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

The challenge is balancing my obsession with my craft with my other responsibilities. I have a morning routine that grounds me and allows a moment of stillness every day. Also blocking out time in my schedule to create, to explore, find boredom, go to the theater, get ice cream on a sugar cone, learn random facts about platypi, and have a nice conversation with a friend.

What do you hope to do next?

Make the best album I’ve ever made (so far).

Content creator and cohost of the Between Us Girlies podcast

Age: 29

@bran_flakezz

What do you wish people knew about you?

I think something that tends to surprise people about me is that my parents were both small business owners! I grew up watching my mom open her own consignment store and my dad run a deli in Philadelphia. This really inspired me to want to work for myself one day and be my own boss.

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

I started a series on my platform called TikTok Transparency, where I discuss everything that goes into being a digital creator. As social media continues to grow, so does the desire for people to want to become creators themselves. I love using my platform to educate others and make them feel confident in their ability to start creating. I’ve also been using my platform to promote local businesses in the Philadelphia area that need help. This year, I have helped raise over $100,000 for businesses that needed funds to keep their doors open. It has been incredibly rewarding to use my influence for good!

Content creator and Twitch streamer

Age: 21

@brooklynnicole

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?


I like to use my platform to show people what’s possible, whether that’s chasing their dreams, building confidence, or giving back to the community. It’s not just about showing success but also being transparent about the journey, the lessons, and even the mistakes because that’s what makes it real.

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?


The biggest challenge is that people often forget you’re human. There’s constant pressure to be perfect, but I’ve learned to embrace authenticity instead. I remind myself why I started, surround myself with people who ground me, and focus on the bigger picture instead of the noise.

Author (These Violent Delights and Coldwire)

Age: 26

@thechloegong

What are some unique ways you use your influence and platform?

I’m a big believer that being an author doesn’t mean you’re no longer a reader. I got into this career because I loved reading so much during my teenage years, and when I ran out of library books, the next logical step was writing my own. As much as I love writing, reading is my first love! Now that I have a platform, I don’t want to only be talking about my own books. I also want to be encouraging my readers to discover underrated works that I love, whether they’re older hidden gems or newer debuts.

What do you hope to do next?

After launching my career in the science fiction and fantasy space, I’m dipping my toes into the literary and contemporary space, which may be waiting in the wings next. I always joked that if I were asked to write a modern-day romance novel, I would end up throwing in a dead body or something…so with this newest project, I’ve maybe done exactly that.

Model/musician (“Fun”)

Age: 20

@cortisastar

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

Balancing my personal life with my work life and staying sane, honestly. But having people who push me to keep going and remembering to give myself grace, regardless of what anyone says, saves me.

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

I’m always trying to put people onto other Black trans fem artists! My spotlight is our spotlight, and I need the world to see how truly talented and beautiful my sisters are.

Author/host of Mindful Moments with David Larbi podcast

Age: 27

@davidlarbi

What’s the most exciting thing about your work?

Sharing with other people! For me, the creative process is complete when people connect with the things you create. Hearing that something I’ve made has affected someone positively is the most humbling and affirming thing as a creator.

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight?

Being worthy of it. Any kind of spotlight I’m in is a byproduct of doing what I do well rather than a goal, and I’m aware of the responsibility that comes with it. I try to make sure I am constantly aware of that privilege, and as to whether I’m doing a good job of that, only other people can answer.

Political commentator/content creator

Age: 21

@deanwithrs

What’s the most exciting thing about your work?

I am so genuinely excited by the idea that I am not only changing minds but giving hope and happiness to those who already agree with me. Making people live happy, fruitful lives is my goal, and I feel not just fulfilled but genuinely excited knowing that I am working toward said goal, one conversation at a time.

What do you hope to do next?

I hope to build a better engine of change by exploring more ways to advocate for the future that not only I want but what I truly believe the world needs.

Basketball player/content creator

Age: 20

@diamantblazi

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

What surprises me the most is how global everything has become. I started as a kid in France with a basketball and a dream. Now I’ve got millions of people following me from all over the world. It’s crazy to realize that people I’ve never met can feel connected to my journey, and that my story can [influence] them to chase their own dreams.

What do you hope to do next?

The next step for me is clear: the NBA. That’s the dream I left home for; that’s the goal I work for every day. But beyond that, I want to keep using my platform to inspire and create opportunities for others. I want to show kids that you can chase your dream no matter where you start. I also want to build something bigger than myself—projects that combine sports, media, and culture, so I can give back and keep opening doors for the next generation.

Writer/comedian/host of Going Down with Ella Yurman

Age: 26

@ella.yurman

What do you wish people knew about you?

A lot of people encounter Going Down through Instagram or TikTok, which can make the show seem like yet another social-first short-form content mill made by a crazy girl alone in her bedroom. Sometimes I wish people knew just how much effort goes into making monthly no-budget transgender television and how many people are involved at every step in the process.

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

My work sits at a very specific intersection of political journalism, late-night comedy, and being a transgender woman online, an intersection that attracts some of the worst, meanest, most unpleasant kinds of attention you can possibly attract—from all across the internet, from all sides of the political spectrum. Learning to trust that what I’m putting out there is good, that the work is meaningful—to evaluate quality based on my own internal metrics rather than the approval of faceless strangers—has been essential to being able to make queer art in the public eye.

Musician (Woledto)

Age: 23

@elyanna

What do you wish people knew about you?

That I’d rather be barefoot onstage!

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

Since I’ve been on tour with Coldplay, I’ve performed in places like India, across Asia, and other countries where many people had never been exposed to Arabic music or the Arabic language. That in itself was one of the greatest challenges. Standing onstage in front of huge crowds who were unfamiliar with my culture and sound. At first, it was challenging because I felt the pressure to make sure they could still connect with me, even without understanding the words.

To deal with that, I focused on finding creative ways to communicate through emotion, performance, and presence, so the audience could feel the music beyond the language barrier. I believe strongly that music is a universal language, and this experience proved that to me. It was rewarding to see people respond and connect without understanding my language, so I see it as both a challenge and a blessing when introducing something new. It pushes me to grow, and it shows me that people are more open than we sometimes think. They just need to be approached in the right way.

Model, content creator, and reality star (Next Gen NYC)

Age: 28

@xoxoemira

What do you wish people knew about you?

I wish people knew how funny I am! On socials, I sneak it in between beauty tips, but IRL I’m clowning 24/7. Pretty and funny? Lethal combo. Humor is my love language—it keeps me grounded, keeps my content fun, and helps me connect with people beyond beauty. And honestly…I don’t take myself seriously at all.

What are some unique ways you use your influence and platform?

Honestly, my fave thing is putting my friends on. If I get a campaign and can bring my nail tech, my hairstylist, or my photographer bestie with me, we all win. It’s like, why not use your seat at the table to bring more chairs? Plus, the vibes are way better when it’s your people behind the scenes. To me, success feels so much sweeter when I get to share it with the people I love.

Paralympian (Track & Field)

Age: 20

@ezrafrech

What makes you most excited to do what you’re doing?

I always say, “Impact over medals.” I do track in order to create a platform to change how the world sees disability. The disability journey is not easy, whether you are born with it, like me, or acquire it later in life, like most people. Many in our community feel isolated and excluded from much of what the world has to offer. Society assumes we can’t do many things, including sports. I think that if the world understood disability better, we could create a more inclusive society. So in my mind, we have to sort of prove the contrary—that pretty much everything is possible, doable.

I am really passionate about creating social media content and sharing as much of my life—my philosophy, my struggles, and my successes—as possible. My goal is to normalize disability, and I know with every view, Like, and follower, I have slightly changed how they see disability. This gets me excited to keep growing my brand and my followers.

What do you hope to do next?

I have done some acting and modeling and hope to pursue both more when my track schedule slows down. I am very focused on social media and building my audience through my own storytelling. I am looking at streaming and podcasting as options. I am also studying the business of cinematic arts at USC, which is essentially film producing. I feel blessed that I am an EP and star of the documentary series Adaptive, which is out now on Peacock.

We’ve started planning our next season, which will follow athletes to the LA ’28 Paralympic Games. Our goal is to uplift the adaptive and Paralympic sports movement, but also, by developing high-quality content, we can help break down any stigmas folks might have regarding disability. But pretty much my entire life is focused on preparing for the LA ’28 Paralympics. There won’t be another opportunity like this in my lifetime. It’s incredible to think that if we promote the Paralympics, build the audience on NBC, and fill the stands, we can permanently alter how society sees disability.

Content creator and beauty influencer

Age: 23

@golloria

What’s the most exciting thing about your work?

The most exciting part is witnessing real change happen. Seeing [makeup] shades actually become inclusive and even getting to be part of the lab process sometimes. It makes me feel like the work is tangible and impactful.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

That people actually pick up my mannerisms and slogans like “Come to the front.” Every time I hear someone say it in person or in a video, I can’t help but laugh. It’s like, “Yes, sister, exactly!”

Actor/comedian (American High)

Age: 24

@gracereiter1

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

I’m wholeheartedly myself online, and people resonate with that. Weird is the new cool. Back in the day, kids would get bullied for watching anime. Now Megan Thee Stallion, the hottest pop star of our generation, watches it. Am I Megan Thee Stallion for apron stomachs? I can only hope my presence online has inspired people to dance in the body they have now, arm fat and all.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

I’m in an Off-Broadway play called Ginger Twinsies. I never thought I’d do theater. I thought I had stage fright. It turns out everyone does—you just do it anyway!

Actor (Bottoms and Lurker)

Age: 27

@havanaroseliu

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

I miss some of my anonymity. I love strangers, and I’m sad I don’t always get to be a stranger anymore. There’s so much goodness and curiosity and freedom and purity in the mystery of not knowing each other yet….I have a soft spot for meeting older people and babies right now because the interactions are very true. :)

What do you hope to do next?

I want to do or make something really gentle. It feels like our times ache for it.

Content creators

Ages: 23

@turtlewithhat_

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

We’ve built a strong, supportive audience that’s not only receptive to us but also to one another. Lesbian representation is growing in media, and we’re proud to contribute to that visibility. We’ve heard countless stories from our audience about how they see a part of themselves in us that many have been afraid to embrace until now.

What do you hope to do next?

We hope to continue growing our YouTube channel and work toward finding our place in the film and TV industry.

Content creator

Age: 21

@jayguap3

What do you wish people knew about you?

In real life, I’m a shy person. I’m not as outgoing as I may seem on camera.

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

Haters hate like they grew up with you. At the end of the day, I’m a human, and pressure is pressure. I’m just learning.

Actor (The Buccaneers and Saved by the Bell)

Age: 24

@josietotah

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

I think that I have so far been able to keep doing it! Knock on wood, but honestly, like every actor, I’m convinced after every job I’ll be unemployed and have to move to North Carolina and, like, work on a fishing boat.

What do you hope to do next?

I would love to do something a bit more slow-paced, like Before Sunrise. Or there’s this Australian movie called Babyteeth that I loved!! Or, like, a remake of White Chicks. I don’t know how that would work, but maybe [I’d play] one of the Wayans brothers’ kids [who gets] kidnapped and they have to save me again.

Political commentator and candidate for U.S. House of Representatives of the 9th congressional district in Illinois

Age: 26

@kabughazaleh

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

As a researcher and journalist covering the far-right, my spotlight has always come with virulent misogyny, racism, and violent threats. Frankly, it’s pretty good practice for running for Congress. But it still takes a toll, even when I don’t realize it. I worry about the people close to me more than anything: protecting my loved ones from harassment and violence, ensuring our staff and volunteers are safe, and trying to ensure the safety of my partner or parents. Luckily, I have a fantastic support system and have learned to cope well with the stress, but I still receive detailed threats on a daily basis.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

A lot of my initiatives on this campaign are inspired by asking, “Why don’t our leaders do [insert good thing here]?” From using our office as a mutual aid hub to speaking openly and honestly about the stresses of campaigning to taking an actual stand against fascism, there are so many things I try to do that originally seemed impossible for one reason or another. But it turns out there isn’t some secret obstacle that keeps politicians from being frank or using their campaign funds to help their communities. They just choose not to do so. I’m working to change that.

Musician (The album Sketch and member of YOASOBI)

Age: 25

@lilasikuta

What do you wish people knew about you?

I primarily have two main activities: my work as a singer-songwriter named Lilas and as ikura, the vocalist for YOASOBI, a music unit that turns novels into music. Through both of these activities, we express what we consider to be the best J-pop with a playful spirit. I want to share the appeal of music with as many people as possible, and through my music, I hope to show more of my personal personality.

What makes you most excited to do what you’re doing?

When I’m creating a song, I feel it when a great melody or a good lyric comes to me. After finishing a song, listening to the completed track and imagining it being released gets me energized. I also feel thrilled from being onstage—the very first moment of singing a song or when I get a reaction from the audience during a call-and-response. These special moments are what I live for.

I’m definitely someone who thrives on praise, so I get a huge boost of motivation when I get a positive reaction from people around me after taking action. When I’m entrusted with a task, I push myself by thinking, I’m the only one who can see this through!

Actor (Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires and the upcoming Camp Rock 3)

Age: 18

@malachibarton

What’s the most exciting thing about your work?

The most exciting part is being a part of so many people’s childhoods. Childhood is when we begin to discover who we are, and having the opportunity to leave a positive impact during that time is so special. What excites me most, though, is seeing the final product. I love the process so much, but there’s nothing quite like sitting down to watch something you’ve poured your heart into come to life.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

I remember when I booked my first big job, Stuck in the Middle. What really surprised me was how quickly you form such close bonds with people—and then, once the project wraps, everyone moves on to the next thing. That was a big adjustment for me.

Actor (Wicked)

Age: 25

@marissa_edob

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

When I really care about something, I put my all into it. Specifically with my character’s shift in Wicked: For Good, I didn’t realize how much of a method actor I was. Not a method in the way of being cold and awful to everyone around me. But rather, taking much more time to myself in between takes. I wanted to keep my concentration. I also let everyone know ahead of time that I wouldn’t be as bubbly or talkative the week we filmed the more intense scenes. I didn’t want anyone to think I was being suddenly standoffish or that they did something wrong to upset me.

What do you wish people knew about you?

I can do a really, really, really bad Louis Armstrong impersonation.

United States Representative from Florida’s 10th congressional district

Age: 28

@maxwellfrostfl

What do you wish people knew about you?

A fun fact about me is that I used to get in trouble a lot as a kid for talking too much (and for the occasional prank). But now my whole job is to talk, whether it be with my constituents, colleagues, advocates, or talking online, giving speeches, or debating on the House floor. So to all the kids who got in trouble for talking too much, don’t ever let anyone make you doubt yourself. Your voice is your superpower.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

I’m in my second term in Congress now, and I am still surprised every day by how Congress operates. People think Congress is dysfunctional and chaotic—and that’s because it is. It was built to be that way. Folks online see the clips of the screaming matches that take place during committee hearings and probably can’t believe that is our government, but it is. Committee hearings and the House floor act as stages designed to reward whoever yells the loudest, makes the biggest spectacle, or says the craziest thing. And because Republicans have control of Congress, they control what these hearings are about and what is being voted on, so instead of addressing the housing crisis, health care, or the issues that actually impact people’s everyday lives, they want to talk about Hunter Biden’s laptop or culture wars.

With Republicans as the ringleaders for the circus that is Congress, we learn the rules, we fight smart, and we find ways to cut through the noise. And we make sure our work reaches the people we represent. Even in a system built for chaos, government can work for the people.

Content creator

Age: 21

@mickycashflow

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

I think what sets my platform apart is how I treat it like no one is watching. I post the same way I would if it were just my five closest friends. That honesty inspires others to be authentically themselves on their own platforms, which is something I’m really proud of.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

Growing up, I've always been told that my personality is “too much” or “annoying,” so the biggest surprise has been realizing that the same version of me is now loved by such a wide audience. My followers have completely flipped that narrative, and they’ve given me so much confidence. It’s surprising how much having this platform has positively impacted how I see myself.

Actor (Zombies franchise)

Age: 24

@milomanheim

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

The biggest challenge for me right now is learning how to put up boundaries. I am a people person and have a lot of love to give, but sometimes I think people mix up Milo the entity with Milo the person, and sometimes I am guilty of doing it too. I just read this book called The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, and it reminded me to focus on the noise that matters. To sum it up, my challenge right now is deciding whose opinions to give a fuck about when everybody has a very loud opinion.

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

While I tend to keep things lighter on social media, if I can find an exciting way to get people involved, I will. A while back, I posted a contest where if my followers showed me that they registered to vote, they could win free tickets to see me in American Idiot at the Mark Taper Theater. We got thousands of people to register, and I was able to talk to the winners after they saw the show! We had a great conversation about the political themes of the musical and how it reflects our modern-day America.

Singer and songwriter (Dunya)

Age: 29

@mustafathepoet

What do you wish people knew about you?

That I’m not trying to represent them, that I’m only trying to accurately represent the world I grew up in, and if they don’t identify with it, they should keep it pushing and find one that does.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

The debates around my cultural decisions, it’s not that deep, I don’t think, they’re just “music songs,” as my friend Justin Vernon says.

Cofounder of August and the nonprofit organization Period Movement

Age: 27

@nadyaokamoto

What makes you most excited to do what you’re doing?

It’s still so surreal to see August on new shelves. We launched in Target a couple of years ago and just launched in Whole Foods this year, along with some new grocery partners. It’s been really exciting to see the brand resonate with people. I am most excited about changing the culture around periods through August as a brand. I hope that we can continue to break down the stigma around periods and build period-positive communities.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

I’ve been doing period-related advocacy work for over 10 years…and sometimes I’m still surprised that I’m still here and getting more and more passionate about it with each year. You’d think I’d be bored of talking about periods by now!! But no, I think the more I learn and do, the more committed I become.

Actor (My Life With the Walter Boys)

Age: 27

@noahlalalalonde

What’s the most exciting thing about your work?

It’s exciting to think that when I’m doing what I love to do most, getting ready to do a scene on camera, it means that hundreds of other people have already done what they love to do in order for that moment to be able to take place. When the director finally calls, “Action,” it means this scene that started as an idea, at some point was put to paper and sent to all these other people, from set decorators to construction workers to makeup artists to costume designers and so many more—and they take it and bring it to life, all in their own way. And no matter how small or large the contribution, they’re all necessary.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

It just has to be the people. The way in which people get so excited about [My Life With the Walter Boys]. It’s truly an honor to be a part of something that could be felt by so many people, from all different places and ages and backgrounds. It’s just super special to have one sliver of connection.

Reality TV star (Love Island USA)

Age: 24

@nicolasvans

What’s the most exciting thing about your work?

Honestly, just feeling like I can actually do anything I put my mind to. I came off Love Island with this amazing support from people, and it’s given me such a platform to try new things and really explore what I’m passionate about. It’s surreal to think how much my life has changed but in the best way.

What do you hope to do next?

I’m really excited to see what’s next—more modeling, more content creation, and I’ve started playing around with DJing and food reviews, which I’ve wanted to do for a while. The best part is knowing my fans are there supporting me. It makes trying new things more fun.

Reality TV star (Love Island USA)

Age: 27

@x_olandria

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

The biggest challenge is probably the constant scrutiny. People form opinions based on a snapshot of your life, and that can be tough to navigate. I’ve learned to protect my peace by staying grounded, leaning on my support system, and remembering that I don’t owe anyone every part of me. Setting boundaries has been key.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

Honestly, the impact. I didn’t expect to receive so many messages from people saying that something I posted helped them leave a toxic situation or feel better about themselves. That kind of feedback is incredibly humbling. It reminds me that influence is powerful, and it can be used for good.

Artist, animator, and creative director for Chappell Roan

Age: 25

@mishaspice

What makes you most excited to do what you’re doing?

The most exciting thing about my work is that it combines everything I love—crafting, curating, and world-building. I get to play with so many mediums that excite me. If this weren’t my actual day job, I would still be spending my free time doing exactly what I am doing right now. It is such a dream and a privilege to get to make art every day. <3

What do you hope to do next?

I hope to encourage more South Asian girls to pursue creative careers! Our culture is so vibrant that anything we touch can turn to gold <3. I also want to build more spaces—virtually and IRL—to encourage people who don’t get to regularly make art to craft. Making things with our hands is such a special experience that we often forget to take space to do it. <3

Writer, culture critic (internet princess on Substack)

Age: 24

@rayneincorporated

What’s the most exciting thing about your work?

The form of the essay is endlessly exciting to me. I just totally worship at the altar of the essay—I could read essays literally all day for the rest of my life and be so happy. It feels like a complete scam that I’ve basically made it part of my job to read other people’s essays and books all day.

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

There are a lot of classic rules for creating content online—keep it short, keep it consumable, don’t be alienating, produce constantly, shareability is everything, etc.—and I think I have tried pretty consciously to break a lot of them. I don’t have a strict posting schedule, but I usually try to put out at least one 3,000- to 4,700-word essay every five weeks or so, which goes against the advice of pretty much every professional I have encountered on the subject, but I just literally could not post any more than that and still feel good about what I’m producing. Every time I post one, I think, This is going to be the one no one reads because it’s too dense and specific and long. I feel really lucky, like so profoundly lucky, that I’ve found a community of people who value work like that (and who create work like that, too).

Executive producers at Runyonland Productions, a theater and film production company

Ages: 28

@runyonlandprods
@alyahcs
@tjslaub

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

We love any opportunity to welcome younger audiences to the theater. With our show All Nighter, which Alyah also acted in, we were able to reach those audiences through digital BTS content, influencer marketing, and a series of branded partnerships to bridge the gap and bring fans who follow the cast members from the film and TV spaces into the theater! The average audience age at All Nighter was 28, which was the youngest audience in the venue's history.

What has surprised you most about the work you’ve done?

With John Proctor Is the Villain, it’s been truly shocking to watch audiences leave the theater visibly different from how they arrived. While that’s always the goal with any show we’re lucky enough to work on, the way this piece, in particular, has been able to reach people and elicit such a visceral response is unique. We like to stand outside at the end of a show and watch as they exit the building—usually laughing, sometimes crying, and occasionally...literally screaming. We love it.

Racecar driver and model
Age: 26

@tonibreidinger

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

Being in the spotlight means there’s attention on you during both the highs and lows. It’s been especially challenging this year, with it being my rookie season in NASCAR. The learning curve is steep, and going through it under what feels like a microscope at times definitely [adds] pressure. Keeping my circle small and only with people who truly believe in me has helped me quiet the outside noise.

What are some unique ways that you use your influence and platform?

Motorsports is traditionally a male-dominated sport, and there are a lot of stereotypes [associated] with it. I’ve been leveraging my platform to rewrite the narrative and hopefully inspire others to break molds in their own fields. It’s been really cool being able to express myself while I introduce NASCAR to broader audiences.

Hosts of the Upstairs Neighbors podcast

Ages: 26 and 27

@upstairsneighborspod

What do you wish people knew about you?

We are literally just girls who like to talk [on our podcast Upstairs Neighbors]! We’re no different from the people who listen to us. Nothing is manufactured; there are no scripts or preparation. We just say what comes to mind. You could do this, too.

What do you hope to do next?

We would love to be in some movies or TV [shows], and we want to open a coffee shop one day to create a physical space for people to gather and host community events.

Twitch streamer, lifestyle vlogger, and content creator

Age: 28

@vanillamace

What do you wish people knew about you?

I feel like there isn’t much I haven’t shared about my life with the internet. I’m a pretty open book. If I were to pick something, I would just like people to know that I do still struggle with anxiety, and it does get overwhelming sometimes, but I say that in the hopes that whoever reads this understands life isn’t always as perfect as it seems online.

What are the greatest challenges that come with being in the spotlight? How do you deal with that type of pressure?

I’d say there is an immense pressure to be “perfect,” but I have to remind myself that nobody should be held to an unachievable standard, and the best I can be is just being myself unapologetically. So that’s what I do!

Creative director: Samantha Adler. Visual director: Scott Lacey. Senior entertaiment director: Maxwell Losgar. Associate visual editor: Sabrina Toto. Junior designer: Mili Patel.