July / August 2019 Teen InFluential

Teen WWW.INFLUENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM JULY / AUGUST 2019

Score: How Sports Empower Women’s Success, and You Can Too

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GREAT WAYS TO COMBAT BOREDOM

Time to Break Out Your Bedazzler: Forever 21 is Bringing Baby Phat Back!

A Flamin’

Hot Summer!

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BABY PHAT / FOREVER 21.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Education

08 | How to Choose a Degree?

4 Questions to Ask 10 | Paying for College: 4 Ways to Help Lower Your Education Costs

feature

12 | Make Your Movie Night Pop 36 | Juliette De Blegiers

to Preserve the French Savoir Faire

[ ] FASHION EDITORIAL

24 | FOREVER 21

X CHEETOS LAUNCHES A FLAMIN’ HOT COLLECTION!

44 | TIME TO BREAK OUT YOUR BEDAZZLER: FOREVER 21 IS BRINGING BABY PHAT BACK!

Health & Wellness

54 | 3 Ideas to Freshen Up Your Favorite Summer Treats 56 | Refresh Your Summer with Delicious, Healthy Mocktails 58 | Sun’s Out, Snacks Out: It’s Festival Season

Lifestyle

60 | 8 Great Ways

to Combat Boredom 62 | Top 5 Trend-Setting Vehicles

Sports

Fashion & Style

16 | Show Me Your

Mumu x Cleobella Doesn’t Disappoint!

22 | Luxurious Vegan Bags Marry Fashion with Ethically Responsible Practices

64 | New Technology Strives to Ensure a Properly Fit Football Helmet for Every Player 66 | Score: How Sports Empower Women’s Success, and You Can Too

Technology

68 | Technologies

of the Future, Now

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR shall be signed with a full name; please include a daytime phone number, full mailing address, or e-mail address. Letters shall be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters may not be edited, added to, or changed by the sender once we receive them.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF

BABY PHAT / FOREVER 21.

Contributing Photographer Leblon Delienne, Forever 21 / Cheetos, Baby Phat / Forever 21, Show Me Your Mumu / Cleobella

SALES & MARKETING Business Development William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree James Nelson, Technology Editor Marketing & Public Relations W. Jackson & Associates, LLC

For Letters to the Editor please email Nicole@influential-magazine.com.

For Beauty inquiries please email our Beauty Editor, Kelli Ponce at Kelli@influential-magazine.com.

For Health & Wellness inquiries please email our Health & Wellness Editor, Ingrid Garner at Ingrid@influential-magazine.com.

WRITING TEAM Contributing Writer Priscilla Glenn, 2nd year Horticulture and Agronomy PhD Student ART & PRODUCTION Creative Director William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Beauty Editor Kelli Ponce Creative Services What Taller Gráfico Argenis Gudino Jose Luis Venegas Quintero Web Design The MOD Studio Website Administration W. Jackson & Associates, LLC

EDITORIAL CREDITS

For advertising inquiries please email ads@influential-magazine.com.

CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR / CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Round Rock, Texas EDITORIAL TEAM Editor Nicole Glenn Jr. Editor Hayley Pugh Beauty Editor Kelli Ponce Health & Wellness Editor Ingrid Garner Technology Editor James Nelson

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For Technology inquiries please email our Technology Editor, James Nelson at James@influential-magazine.com.

For public relations inquiries please email pr@influential-magazine.com.

For general information inquiries please email info@influential-magazine.com.

Members of W. Jackson & Associates are BMI affiliates American Graphic Design Award Winning Magazine Recipient of the Lux Life 2018 Entertainment Awards for Best Lifestyle Magazine 2018 – Texas Recipient of the American Graphic Design Award

Our mailing address: Teen InFluential, P.O. Box 1307, Round Rock, Texas 78680 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Chief Business Officer. All the rights of the artwork and photography belong to from the Founder & Chief Business Officer.

Teen InFluential is Round Rock, Texas owned and operated.

Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Capital of Texas Awards Univision Communication Media Award Finalist

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WORDS TO OUR READERS

GREETINGS TEEN INFLUENTIAL FAMILY & FRIENDS: WELCOME TO OUR JULY / AUGUST EDITION!

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e hope your summer is great and you’re taking advantage of many exciting ways to keep cool!

As you enjoy your break from school, we hope you still find unique and exciting ways to continue learning, growing, and getting better. After all, learning is fun! We hope you’re stopping by Teen InFluential regularly to keep up with all things “Dedicated to the Art of Living Well”.

By now, many of you have decided on which college you’ll be attending in the fall or what career path you’ll be pursuing. In this edition, we have a few articles aimed at helping you make meaningful education and long-term career decisions.

Of course, we have some cool articles about fashion & style, food, health & wellness, sports, technology, and philanthropy. Our goal is to keep you well-rounded, stimulated, and energized. You’re the future and we want you to continuing being prepared to give your very best.

Thank you always for hanging with us! Have a great summer and we can’t wait to learn about all the great things you’ll do over the course of the next few months.

With excitement,

William Jackson, MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Founder & Chief Business Officer of InFluential Magazine, Spanish InFluential, and Teen InFluential

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Teen HOW TO CHOOSE A DEGREE?

4QuestionstoAsk

Many co student there’s on comm by fami friend complete W are yo

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EDUCATION

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t’s a great conversation starter and gives students an opportunity to share their educational goals with others, but for some who are trying to select from a long list of degree choices for the first time, this seemingly harmless question can be daunting.

CMT artist and Arizona State University online student Ashley Wineland has some tips to share from her personal experience with selecting a college degree. Whether you’re looking to create a plan of action for picking the perfect major or just need some inspiration, Wineland shares four questions she asked herself along the way that helped her select the perfect degree for her professional goals.

ollege-bound ts find that ne question monly asked mily members, ds and even e strangers: What degree ou pursuing?

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Will you pursue an online degree?

“I knew I was going to be online bound as soon as I hit my senior year of high school,” Wineland said. “Usually, this is a pretty restrictive path for degree options as most colleges only have paths dedicated in things like business or art history. As someone who had already started building a career in entertainment as a singer/ songwriter, I knew that those options weren’t going to make the final cut for me.”

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What is your passion?

Wineland found that her heart and soul was in music entertainment, but a degree path with that primary focus was not available to her. “I had to think outside the box,” she said. “I asked myself important questions like, ‘What can you do that is still creative in nature, but can also aid other parts of your career?’”

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How can your passion lead to a career?

As Wineland considered how to use the skills she learned to expand her career path and combine with her passion for entertainment, she found a creative, yet business and media focused degree called Film and Media Studies.

“I remember being so ecstatic when I found Film and Media Studies in the degree options,” Wineland said. The

degree program has four major areas of emphasis: a screenwriting portion, which allowed Wineland to use her creative writing skills, and the other three areas which focused on the evolution of media, how it is used today and what impact it has on our society.

“I knew I was going to be able to use these skills to improve how I communicated with my fan base, produce visual content — the future of the entertainment industry — and form my business plans.

It was an all-encompassing degree that was going to aid me in different facets of my career that I wasn’t already actively homing in on.”

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Are you open to other possibilities?

With more degree options than ever before, there will likely be a few ‘new to you’ majors to consider. Keeping an open mind will help you open up possibilities and, like Wineland, find a perfect fit.

“Overall, I have found a love for my degree and have been able to begin implementing its lessons into my work life,” Wineland said.

A degree you may never have considered, or even known was available, can provide an exciting educational experience — and ASU Online is a great place to start.

When choosing your degree, be open to possibilities and reflect on how you can creatively use the skill sets a degree path has to offer to pursue your best life. (BPT) l

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Teen PAYING FOR COLLEGE:

4WaystoHelpLowe YOUR EDUCATION COSTS

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etting accepted into college or graduate school is an exciting time for students and parents.

As college continues to get more expensive, determining how you’ll fund your education is a big decision. Review these tips to help keep costs down as you navigate this exciting time in a student’s life.

Stay in State Consider attending school near home.

In-state tuition is much less expensive than attending school out of state. Plus, you’ll save on transportation — and even room and board if you live at home.

Public universities are also generally more affordable than private universities.

Additionally, you might be able to save on tuition and related costs by taking classes at a local community college before school begins or during summer breaks. Be sure to confirm that the credits will transfer to the college or university of your choice prior to enrolling in these community classes.

Take Advantage of Financial Aid Some students and parents are able to finance college or graduate school

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with their savings, while others may qualify for federal student loans, grants, scholarships and work-study programs.

“A student loan is often the first loan product for a young borrower,” said Carrie Foran Sepulveda, manager of education lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “It can have a significant impact on their post-school financial life, so it’s important to do your due diligence and explore all of your financial aid options.”

If your student aid award or the federal student loan amount granted to you doesn’t cover all your college expenses, private student loans can help fill the gap. For example, at Navy Federal Credit Union, members can apply for student loans with variable rates as low as 5.32% APR or fixed rates as low as 5.99% APR with automatic payments — both for 10-year terms, up to the school-certified cost of attendance.

that will help you build your credit history while you’re in school.”

Whether you choose federal or private student loans, make sure you fully grasp the loan’s terms, conditions, and repayment requirements.

Gain College Credits in High School If your high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) programs, you may be able to receive college credits at no cost or test out of some requirements — saving money that would have been spent taking the class during college. Check with the school for their rules on granting AP credits.

Earn Money While in School

Apply for on-campus jobs if you have work study granted to you by the school, or look for part-time jobs off-campus to earn extra cash. During school breaks, consider finding a job with full-time hours, but on a short-term basis, to make “We give a 0.25% interest rate reduction the most of your time off. Whether you’re by signing up for automatic payments,” a student or a parent, paying for your added Foran Sepulveda. “This is a great education can be doable with these tips way to establish good financial habits in mind. (BPT) l

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EDUCATION Total student loan debt has surpassed $1.5 trillion, with 4 in 10 students carrying over $30K in outstanding student loans.

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MAKE YOUR

MovieNightPop Sweet and Salty Popcorn Party Mix

Invite your friends and neighbors over, spread out some comfy seating and dim the lights.

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hether it’s a kids’ birthday party, an adult gathering or nearly anything in-between, hosting a movie night in the comfort of your own home – or on a projector in the yard – can be the perfect escape. Of course, tasty snacks only add to the fun.

Light and airy popcorn is a movie watching staple, and one

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you can feel good about eating. At only 30 calories per cup, whole-grain, freshly popped popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO, gluten-free, contains no artificial additives or preservatives and is sugar-free.

Enjoyed a handful at a time or as part of creative, flavorful snack recipes – like Popcorn Pepperoni Pizza Dippers, Sweet and Salty Popcorn Party Mix, Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix and Truffle Popcorn – popcorn offers plenty of versatility to fit nearly any theme.

Find more recipes perfect for serving at your next movie night at popcorn.org.

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Yield: 14 cups 10 cups popped popcorn 2 cups miniature pretzel twists 1 cup pecans 1 cup peanuts 2 cups rice, wheat or corn cereal squares 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Heat oven to 300 F. In large bowl, combine popcorn, pretzels, pecans, peanuts and cereal squares; set aside.

In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir mixture until it begins to boil. Boil 3 minutes without stirring.

Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Note: Mixture will foam.

Pour syrup over popcorn mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour mixture onto large, rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake 30 minutes, stirring twice during baking. Stir mixture several times as it cools. Store in airtight container.

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Popcorn Pepperoni Pizza Dippers

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Yield: 16 squares

Nonstick cooking spray 2 eggs 1/2 cup tomato and basil reduced-fat cooking cream 1tablespoon grated parmesan cheese 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 10 cups popped popcorn 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup thinly sliced pepperoni, coarsely chopped

marinara sauce, for dipping

In large bowl, whisk eggs, cooking cream, parmesan cheese and black pepper. Stir in popcorn, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.

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Spread mixture in prepared pan, patting down with spatula or spoon.

Bake about 15 minutes until set and lightly browned. Let sit 5 minutes. Cut into 16 bars. Serve warm with marinara sauce.

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Truffle Popcorn Yield: 10 cups 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, white truffle oil, divided 1/2 cup popcorn kernels 1 tablespoon butter 3 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

freshly ground black pepper In large, heavy-bottomed pot with lid, combine olive oil and 1 tablespoon truffle oil. Add about three popcorn kernels. Heat over medium-high heat

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until one kernel pops. Add remaining popcorn kernels; cover.

Once corn begins to pop, shake pot constantly over heat.

When popping slows, remove pot from heat and transfer popcorn to large serving bowl.

Melt butter and mix in remaining truffle oil. Pour mixture over popcorn; toss.

Sprinkle parmesan cheese, salt and pepper over popcorn; toss to distribute evenly. Serve immediately or store in airtight container.

Maple Bacon Popcorn Mix Yield: 2 quarts 6 slices thick-cut bacon 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 8 cups popped popcorn 2/3 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped 2/3 cup dried cranberries 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon maple extract Heat oven to 400 F. Line jellyroll pan with foil. Place wire rack in pan. Arrange bacon in single layer on rack. Bake 15 minutes until

ends of bacon start to curl. Remove and reserve 2 table­ spoons bacon drippings.

Brush bacon with 2 tablespoons maple syrup; bake 15 minutes until browned. Cool then coarsely chop bacon.

In large bowl, combine popcorn, pecans and cranberries. Combine butter, black pepper, maple extract, remain­ ing maple syrup and reserved bacon drippings. Cook over low heat until butter is melted. Drizzle over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly.

Spread popcorn mixture in jellyroll or roasting pan. Bake 5 minutes. Toss in bacon pieces. Serve warm. (Family Features) l

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kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SHOW ME YOUR MUMU / CLEOBELLA.

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FASHION & STYLE

ShowMeYour umuxCleobella DOESN’T DISAPPOINT!

On the heels of a successful Salty Blonde collaboration, Show Me Your Mumu partners with the travel inspired contemporary boutique, Cleobella in mid-July to release handbags that will have you saying, “Add to Cart!”

Featuring gorgeous styles in summer white, these bags come crocheted, beaded and tasseled for elegant additions to your wardrobe.

Whether you’re prepping for a night out with the girls or you’re looking for the perfect bag to show off on the ‘gram, this partnership does not disappoint.

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Featuring gorgeous styles in summer white, these bags come crocheted, beaded and tasseled for elegant additions to your wardrobe.

ShowMeYour MumuxCleobella DOESN’T DISAPPOINT!

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LuxuriousVegan BagsMarryFashi WITH ETHICALLY RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES

Introducing luxurious VEGAN bags from Urban Originals.

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On a mission to combine luxury bags with ethical practices, Urban Originals proves Vegan Leather Bags can be fashion forward to make your feel as good as you look.

Urban Originals has been a pioneer in the Vegan Leather trend, creating stunning bags using cruelty free materials for over 20 years. While the Vegan brand is passionate about fashion and design, they care deeply about the world we live in. Using the finest quality vegan leathers and recycled materials where possible, Urban Originals has taken a stand against animal cruelty and the leather industry’s impact on animals, people and our planet.

Endorsed by PETA, Urban Originals is one of several responsible and ethical companies to prove that luxury can be cruelty free. Designer Stella McCartney joins Urban Originals in only featuring

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vegan leather in her collections and even car makers Tesla, BMW, MercedesBenz, Lexus, and Ferrari offer Vegan Leather seating.

Constantly innovating to create modern looks and styles, Urban Originals offers new collections about five times a year. These new looks can be found around the globe in high end retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales who understand that the modern woman cares about high fashion and ethically responsible practices.

From uber practical backpacks and totes to chic and trendy clutches and wallets, Urban Originals has you covered for all your needs. With pricing starting around $50, responsible fashion can be affordable.

Available at Nordstrom and UOBags. com. l

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kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FOREVER 21 / CHEETOS.

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Forever 21 x Cheetos Launches a Flamin’ HOT

Collection!

Launching in June, Forever 21 teamed up with Cheetos for the most mischievous collection of on-trend fashion and accessories.

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urning up the heat for summer, the Forever 21 x Cheetos capsule collection celebrates the Cheetos fans’ passion for the cult-fave snack with playful statement pieces that bring the “Cheetos Look” to life! The limited-edition collection includes Cheetos Crunchy and Cheetos Flamin’ Hot printed swimsuits, sweatshirts, t-shirts, dresses and much more. The range, comprised of women and men’s styles, will be available online and at Forever 21 stores nationwide and will retail from $5 to $30.

“We are so excited to join forces with an iconic snack like Flaming Hot Cheetos,” announces Linda Chang, Forever 21 Vice President of Merchandising. “Flaming Hot Cheetos fans are so fanatical, and over the past couple of years, we have seen their love for this food illustrated all over pop culture, and in particular, via social media. We are so honored to be releasing this limited-edition capsule!”

“Cheetos is more than a snack brand; we’ve become a lifestyle brand among our fans,” says Brandi Ray, Senior Director of Marketing, Frito-Lay North America.

“So, what better way to embody that lifestyle than with a clothing line in partnership with Forever 21 – another brand with an incredibly passionate fan base similar to Cheetos.” l

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Forever 21 x Cheetos Launches a Flamin’ HOT

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JulietteDeBleg

TO PRESERVE THE FRENCH SAVOIR FAIRE The aim of president and CEO of Leblon Delienne, Juliette De Blegiers alongside her two associates, is to preserve the exceptional French savoir faire recognized by the French Living Heritage Label that Leblon Delienne is renowned for, and to protect the jobs at the workshop located in Neufchâtel-en-Bray in Normandy.

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orking to preserve the historic brand, Juliette is innovatively bringing Leblon Delienne to the forefront of the market for highend figurine sculptures, through popular culture and international collaborations, such as Kelly Hoppen MBE, Arik Levy, Marcel Wanders, Disney, and more.

Coming from a background in the luxury industry, Juliette has acquired several years of experience in major French houses, including Dior and Baccarat.

Passionate about pop culture, Leblon Delienne creates figurines, statues, furniture, and art objects of the world’s favorite superheroes and characters.

Available to purchase on-line alongside limited editions, Leblon Delienne creations benefit from exceptional care and quality finishing.

For more details visit www.leblondelienne.com l

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giers

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JulietteDeBlegiers

TO PRESERVE THE FRENCH SAVOIR FAIRE

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Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner Announces the Return of Baby Phat with the Debut of a Special Summer Capsule Collection with Forever 21 kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY

OF BABY PHAT / FOREVER 21.

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TIME TO BREAK OUT YOUR BEDAZZLER: FOREVER 21 IS BRINGING

Baby Phat

BACK!

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ashion designer / entrepreneur / philanthropist, Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner, announced in March the reacquisition of her iconic streetwear brand, Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons. The announcement was met with explosive excitement from the fashion industry and a vested interest in what a 2019 interpretation of the lauded urban lifestyle brand might look like. Today the brand is thrilled to announce that Baby Phat has returned with a surprise capsule collaboration with retail giant, Forever 21.

New York Fashion Week. They now join the family business with a multi-generational contribution to Baby Phat’s refreshed creative vision.

Kimora Lee Simmons Leissner has worn many hats in her career - as a designer, model, Creative Director, advocate, philanthropist, entrepreneur, TV personality, author, Tony award winner and investor. She served as the President and Creative Director of Baby Phat from 1999-onward.

A limited-edition collection of knitwear separates bearing the brand’s iconic cat logo will debut, designed to both thrill Gen Xers who grew up with Baby Phat, and young xennials and centennials who weren’t even born the first time the brand skyrocketed into the public eye.

The campaign will feature Kimora and her daughters, Ming Lee (19) and Aoki Lee (16).

When Kimora came up with the idea for Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons 20 years ago in 1999, it was because urban street wear was a clothing category totally dominated by men. She saw the opportunity to innovate – to give women a way to express themselves and to be a part of the birth of lifestyle apparel that didn’t yet exist – women had no voice in the category, especially not women of color.

Baby Phat will be woman-owned, woman-led, and as always, designed by and for women – now including Kimora’s daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee. As little girls, Kimora’s daughters held hands with their mom for the finale bow of every Baby Phat runway show during

“Baby Phat, from its birth to what we’re doing right now, has really been a celebration of innovative women who pushed the world forward to embrace the urban lifestyle when many in the business and in society at large, did not have that vision or foresight,” comments

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Simmons-Leissner. “This was a movement. People forget that. It’s incredibly rewarding work with Forever 21 to bring forward these new collections and this message now more than ever.”

“Baby Phat is always front and center when you think of iconic streetwear brands,” says Linda Chang, VP of Merchandising for Forever 21. “We are so thrilled to be a part of a relaunch for a brand that carved the way for women in streetwear and fashion. It has been an honor to work with Kimora Lee Simmons and her daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, on this project, and we can’t wait to help customers rediscover a legendary brand.”

The Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons collection for Forever 21 will consist of crop tops and tanks, tube tops, bodysuits, mini skirts, sweatshirts and shorts, all emblazoned with the iconic Baby Phat cat logo, inspired by SimmonsLeissner’s longtime pet cat, Max. All styles are priced beneath a $25 price point and will be offered in Women’s Sizes (S, M, and L) and Plus Sizes. The Baby Phat x Kimora Lee Simmons capsule collection will be shoppable at more than 230 Forever 21 doors nationwide, and at www.forever21.com. l

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Baby Phat

TIME TO BREAK OUT YOUR BEDAZZLER: FOREVER 21 IS BRINGING

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BACK!

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Teen 3 IDEAS TO FRESHEN UP YOUR

FavoriteSummerT

Summertime brings lots of picnics, barbecues and pool parties, along with tasty treats everyone loves to share. Want to make yummy desserts your friends will rave about, but with your own unique twist?

Add exotic new fruit.

Whether you’re making a fruit salad, a pie or another tasty fruit-forward delight, consider making a colorful statement with exotic fruits. Why settle for the usual grapes, oranges or bananas? There’s a world of amazing fruit out there!

Adventurous fruits to try: the bright pink dragon fruit, juicy passion fruit, orange and spiky horned melon, yellow Buddha’s hand or large green jackfruit.

You can find these types of fruits more easily than you might think, but if they’re not at your usual grocery store, check your local specialty grocery stores and farmers markets or order them online.

Simple ingredient swaps can be your best-kept secret.

Consider creating a better-for-you version of your summer favorites with a few ingredient swaps. These triedand-true simple substitutions will boost nutrition and even enhance the flavors of

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your favorite recipes. For sugar (or artificial sweetener) use natural options like honey, agave, maple syrup or applesauce instead.

You can substitute unsweetened (about 100 calories) applesauce for sugar (about 770 calories) in a 1:1 ratio, but for every cup of applesauce you use, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup.

Boost nutrition and texture of homebaked bread or muffins by swapping out some flour with oat bran. Rich in fiber and protein, oat bran will help keep you full, and the fiber can also help lower cholesterol; your guests will have no idea, because oat bran holds moisture well so your baked goods won’t be dry.

Top it to the next level.

Elevate your dessert with a dollop of deliciousness. To make your creation even better, use a topping that’s so good, everyone will think it’s homemade. To upgrade a classic dessert, try a whipped topping like truwhip original, truwhip

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skinny or truwhip vegan. Use it to top your fresh fruit salad, dip your favorite cookies or swap it for old-fashioned whipped cream.

For a fresh summer recipe using truwhip, try this Blueberry Ginger Vegan Cheesecake.

Blueberry Ginger Vegan Cheesecake (Serves 6-8) Ingredients: Crust: 1/2 cup coconut butter (NOT coconut oil) 3 ounces (approximately 1 cup) fresh blueberries Filling: 2 cups cashews, soaked in water for a few hours Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk 3 ounces (approximately 1 cup) blueberries 1 tablespoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt Topping: 1 container truwhip vegan Blueberries for garnish Directions: 1. Spray cake pan with cooking spray. Completely line the bottom and

Treats

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HEALTH & WELLNESS sides with plastic wrap, letting excess plastic wrap hang over the sides of the pan. Spray a little more cooking spray on bottom and sides and line with parchment paper.

2. Make crust. In a food processor, process coconut butter and blueberries until they form a paste. The mixture doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth; a little texture is good.

3. Press crust into bottom of cake pan and up sides. Make sure to create a smooth and even bottom. Set in freezer while you make the filling.

4. Using a blender, add filling ingredients. Puree mixture for a few minutes to be as smooth as possible.

5. Pour filling into the cake pan on top of crust. Set cheesecake in freezer for three hours, or until completely hard.

6. Once the cheesecake is frozen, pull it out using the plastic wrap overhang. The cheesecake should come out easily.

7. Place on cake plate or stand. Top with vegan truwhip and blueberries. Enjoy!

To find truwhip products in a store near you, use the store locator at truwhip. com. (BPT) l

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Teen REFRESH YOUR SUMMER WITH DELICIOUS, There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than kicking back and relaxing with a cold, tasty and refreshing beverage — and there are so many great options to choose from. But why not add a little excitement to your summer by choosing something to drink that’s fun and colorful, super healthy and delicious, too?

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ou can skip the dehydrating alcohol, artificial flavorings or unhealthy refined sugar and opt to serve up a natural, fruit-based drink — a “mocktail” — when you’re planning your next summer soiree, or to enjoy with friends and family of all ages anytime the weather heats up.

A mocktail not only replenishes your vital fluids, hydrating you and providing important nutritional content your body needs, but it’s yummy, fun and festive to drink.

When you add a super food like a Chiquita banana to your mocktail, you’re adding vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, which helps muscles function, boosts your immune system and helps with formation of red blood cells. Chiquita bananas are also a great source of potassium, which can help level out your blood pressure, among other positive benefits. They provide fiber, pro-

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tein, antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium and other nutrients to your diet. Another plus? Bananas come in their own handy, naturally biodegradable, portable and easyto-peel package!

No matter what kind of delectable mocktails or fruit smoothies you want to create this summer, adding bananas to the mix will provide a bonus of sweet flavor and a creamy texture to your beverage. Bananas will balance out the flavors of the more tart or acidic fruits you’re using in your recipe, while they also boost the overall nutritional content of your drink.

Another great thing about mocktails?

They are super easy to prepare, taking only about 10 minutes of prep time. All you need is a blender and the ingredients of your choice! Serve each mocktail over

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

HealthyMocktails

crushed ice or ice cubes in a fun decorative glass and add a tiny umbrella or a small fruit skewer with berries and banana slices for a festive and delicious party presentation. Try one of these vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free recipes for delightfully refreshing, yummy mocktails:

Tropical Chiquita Banana Colada Shake with Coconut Water (serves 2) Ingredients 2 Chiquita bananas 2 cups coconut water 2 cups mango juice 3 sprigs fresh mint 2 limes Directions Chop the Chiquita bananas in pieces and blend them together with the coconut

water, mango juice and the juice of one lime. Pour the juice into the glasses and garnish with the other lime (sliced or quartered) and the sprigs of mint. Enjoy and share your Banana Colada shake recipe using #Chiquita Banana.

Pink Sunrise Mocktail with Chiquita Bananas and Watermelon (serves 2) Ingredients 2 Chiquita bananas 1 grapefruit 3 slices watermelon 2.5 cups sparkling water 1 lemon Fresh mint to garnish Directions Mix the two Chiquita bananas with half of the grapefruit, ž cup sparkling

water and one squeezed lemon. Set this mixture aside.

Using another bowl, blend 1½ cup sparkling water with the 3 slices of watermelon and the other half of the grapefruit. Fill half of the glass with the red juice (with the watermelon in it) and pour the other juice (containing the blended bananas) on top.

Garnish with a piece of watermelon and mint. Enjoy and share your Pink Sunrise Mocktail recipe using #ChiquitaBanana.

For other fun and delicious drink recipes to add a festive touch to your summer get-togethers, such as Frozen Smoothie with Chiquita Bananas and Peaches, check out www.chiquita. com/recipes. (BPT) l

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Teen SUN’S OUT, SNACKS OUT:

It’sFestivalSeason

I

t is the height of festival season, themed around everything from music, food and drinks to culture and more. Preparation is key to having a healthy and happy summer. Keeping up your energy levels throughout the day with cleverly planned snacks can help control hunger levels.

isn’t going to cut it during a full day or afternoon of festival fun!”

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Bring a reusable water bottle or thermos that you can fill up at water fountains or water stations to stay hydrated all day long, especially if

Check out these tips and tricks, recommended by registered dietitian Toby Smithson, to ensure you’re concentrating on the fun stuff and not depleting energy levels during your favorite festival outings:

Long Wait, Smart Snack Always carry smart, portable snacks to have on hand for long breaks between festival sets or to tide the group over before the main food event. Sometimes the food selection is slim, or you don’t feel like standing in a seemingly neverending line for overpriced food. That’s why it’s also key to have more filling snack foods on hand in case nothing appealing is available and you need them to supplement a meal.

Smithson encourages snacks with protein, fiber and good fats to help you stay energized and full longer. “Almonds are normally included in my go-to snack,” Smithson said. “A carb-only snack just

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FLUENTIAL JULY / AUGUST 2019

alcohol is involved in your fun! Add orange slices or mint leaves to give your water a refreshing twist.

Balance it Out Snacks like chips and sweet treats can mean unbalanced eating with too many empty calories that cause your energy to

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Secrets to snacking for good health this festival season

nose-dive. Nutrient-packed snacks like whole fruit and nuts can balance out the spread — helping you to stay strong no matter how long the wait.

It’s all About Options On your journey to the festival, why not create an on-the-go trail mix by keeping a selection of popcorn, dried fruit and almonds in the car? It can be easily transferred to your backpack for a quick energy boost.

You can also keep this trail mix handy while you enjoy your day and mix up the selection with sweet and savory ingredients.

Here are a few great trail mix recipes to try!

BBQ Almond Trail Mix Serving Size 1/2 cup Ingredients • 2 cups smoked almonds • 1 cup wasabi peas • 1 cup golden raisins (can substitute with dark raisins or dried cherries) • 1 cup dark chocolate pistoles • 3 tablespoons chopped rosemary • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and salt

Preparation Gently heat rosemary and extra virgin olive oil together in a small sauté pan for about 5 minutes to infuse flavor very slowly on a low heat. Let it cool.

Mix the rest of the ingredients together.

Once the rosemary oil is cool, mix with the rest of the trail mix. Season with salt to taste. Keeps well in an airtight container.

Nutritional Info Calories 268; Fat 4.3 g; Sat Fat 4.3 g; Mono Fat 1.1 g; Poly Fat .2 g; Protein 6.7 g; Carb 19.9 g; Fiber 4.8 g; Cholesterol 19.7; Sodium 31.3 mg; Calcium 74.9 mg; Potassium 63.3 mg; Vitamin E 6.39 mg

Savory Curry Snack Mix Serving Size 1/3 cup Ingredients • 1 cup whole roasted almonds • 1/2 cup puffed brown rice cereal, unsweetened • 1/2 cup golden raisins • 1 teaspoon curry powder • 1 teaspoon avocado oil Preparation Put the ingredients into a mediumsized plastic freezer bag and shake until mixed. Portion each serving in an airtight container or bag for an easy snack throughout the week.

Nutritional Info Calories 211; Fat 15 g; Sat Fat 1 g; Protein 6 g; Carb 16 g; Fiber 3 g; Sugars 9 g; Added Sugars 0 g; Cholesterol 0; Sodium 110 mg; Calcium 83 mg; Potassium 276 mg; Iron 2 mg (BPT) l

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Teen

8 GREAT WAYS TO

CombatBoredom

kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF C) MONKEY BUSINESS / STOCK.ADOBE.COM.

J

uly is Anti-Boredom Month, and the perfect opportunity to explore new hobbies and interests, while giving yourself the tools to combat boredom now and in the future. Check out these eight ideas to try this month, and beyond.

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• Test a new recipe: Think outside • the culinary box. Look for a recipe from a style of cuisine you haven’t tried before. Or, attempt a cooking feat for the first time, such as making pasta from scratch.

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Learn to play a song: With

today’s digital instruments, such as Casio Keyboards CT-X700, you can learn to play your favorite song in an afternoon, no matter what your experience level is. Its lesson system displays proper fingering

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LIFESTYLE While we all get bored from time to time, it’s important to know that chronic boredom may be bad for health, as experts have found it can be associated with depression, anxiety and even bad habits like smoking and overeating.

m

and notation, and a six-track recorder makes it easy to capture your creation.

•

Host a book club: Pick a book you’ve been meaning to read and invite friends to join you in reading and discussing it. This can turn into a monthly tradition, with a different host each selecting the book each meeting.

•

Host a gaming tournament:

Invite friends over for a gaming tournament -- just be sure you have the best possible visuals with your home theater. With projector options that sense ambient brightness in the room and

adjust accordingly – like the LampFree XJF210WN from Casio’s Advanced Series line -- you can make a day of it, with stunning visuals in any lighting conditions.

• Express yourself: Pick up a pen, set a timer and just start writing. Don’t overthink it. When the timer buzzes, you may find you have the opening of a novel, a poem or song lyrics. Writing prompts, available online, can help you get started.

•

Make math fun: Learning math shouldn’t be a bore. Use a scientific calculator to play online math games or invent your own. For example, the fx-991EX scientific calculator’s highresolution LCD screen allows for more information for applications like spreadsheets and 4X4 matrix calculations.

•

Explore nature: Make more of your next nature walk, using new tools, such as the PRG600YB-2, a timepiece that includes a direction sensor for compass readings, pressure sensor for altimeter and barometer readings and a thermo sensor for temperature. Its solar power technology means fewer battery changes and its water resistance up to 100 meters means you can safely venture into unchartered waters.

When boredom sets in, remember, there are abundant ways to combat it at home, in your backyard and beyond.

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•

Jump-start a pick-up game: You don’t need to join a

formal team or have lots of equipment to enjoy athletic competition.

Call a few buddies and head to a local field for a pick-up game of soccer or twohand touch football for some on the fly sportsmanship.

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Teen

TOP 5

Trend-SettingVehicl

E

very year the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) recognizes the most accessory-friendly vehicles during the annual trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. SEMA Show exhibitors, who make the products and accessories for today’s popular models, vote to honor the vehicle platforms they believe are best for accessorizing.

SEMA Vehicles of the Year awards are presented in five categories, including car, truck, 4x4/SUV, sport compact and powersports vehicle. These vehicles are embraced by the industry due to their ability to help showcase and launch new aftermarket parts.

SEMA Truck of the Year: Ford F-Series The Ford F-Series is one of the most popular lines of trucks on the market, and it’s one that offers unlimited versatility. Ford F-Series trucks can be easily upgraded and transformed into a bold, new ride by adding products like protective bed covers, running boards for easy access or a new air intake system for instant power gains.

SEMA 4X4/SUV of the Year: Jeep Wrangler Due to the many different ways you can turn it into the ultimate off-road ride or

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personalize it as your everyday vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler was named the most accessory-friendly vehicle in its category for the ninth consecutive year.

A favorite of the off-road community,

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the Wrangler is known for its unique styling and accessibility to aftermarket lift kits, off-road or all-terrain tires, hood mounts and fender flares, among many other products.

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LIFESTYLE

cles

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, to be reliable, customizable and in high consider purchasing one you can make demand among consumers today. your own. While just about any vehicle SEMA Sport Compact can be transformed with a few simple of the Year: Ford Focus products, certain makes and models are SEMA Show exhibitors, who are at the forefront of the automotive aftermarket more accessory-friendly than others. industry and have the unique ability to identify the hottest vehicles emerging for future trends, honored the Ford Focus for the fourth straight year. Whether it’s a body kit, wheel/tire package or suspension and steering systems, a Focus can be easily transformed into the ultimate tuner ride.

SEMA Powersports Vehicle of the Year: Polaris RZR Turbo S The Polaris RZR Turbo S won the firstever award presented to a vehicle in the powersports segment. The RZR is a great new vehicle for enthusiasts to discover the thrill and excitement of off-roading, and it lends itself to customization, enabling owners to easily personalize it to their desired preference.

SEMA Car of the Year: Ford Mustang The iconic Mustang added to its legacy as one of most popular cars of all time for vehicle enhancement by winning the

award again. Whether you’re adding LED headlights or a new exhaust system, both the appearance and performance can be easily upgraded on the modern muscle car.

On and off the track, this vehicle continues

SEMA Vehicles of the Year Awards heighten awareness for aftermarket products, and they are an example of the industry’s partnership between automakers and aftermarket manufacturers. SEMA Show exhibitors who select the award winners are manufacturers of products designed to improve performance, safety and convenience, as well as those that enhance appearance and comfort.

To learn more about these vehicles and past award winners, visit www. semashow.com/semaaward. (BPT) l

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Teen NEW TECHNOLOGY STRIVES TO ENSURE A

The NFL receives the highest television ratings of all pro sports, and football continues to have the highest rates of participation for high school boys in the country (compared to other sports), yet the dangers of playing the game have never been more visible.

A

s a result, parents are hesitant to give their kids permission to play.

The irony of this safety ‘enlightenment’ for the game of football is that coaches, community leaders and companies are stepping up to plate to deliver solutions that make the game safer than ever before.

One solution that is possibly the most wellknown yet most difficult to implement is a properly fitted football helmet.

No one knows this better than Mike Weatherby, who suffered a serious concussion while playing college football. “My concussion was pretty bad,” says Weatherby. “After the injury while inspecting my equipment with the equipment manager, we determined I was playing with a poorly fitted helmet. I became very interested in football safety and have wanted to make a difference ever since.”

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A Proper Fit is Essential A proper-fitting helmet is essential to the safety of football players of all ages. However, this is easier said than done. Filling helmet liners to the right levels can be cumbersome and time-consuming, not to mention it’s difficult to know deflation rates or when an air liner is faulty.

That’s why Weatherby developed HelmetFit, an app-based technology compatible with all Schutt and Riddell helmets. You can use the hardware and app to automatically capture and save a player’s custom fit at the start of the season. Then you can use the system to refit a helmet without the player actually being there in about

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SPORTS

ProperlyFitFootball HelmetforEveryPlayer

20 seconds, streamlining the process. This makes a proper fit easier than ever to maintain, ensuring more consistent and proactive helmet fitting checks. Further, the accompanying app provides records of fit history, including the date and time of each helmet inflation.

This makes for easy reference and supports ongoing safety of programs.

Having a baseline setting not only saves time, but helps ensure a proper fitting helmet every time a player steps foot on the field. A collection of programs from across the country like Princeton University, The United States Naval Academy, University of Pennsylvania, Ohio State, the Miami Dolphins and high school programs from New Jersey to California are using HelmetFit with great results.

“We owe it to football players of all ages to make the game as safe as possible,” says former executive of the top two helmet manufacturers, Riddell Sports and Schutt Sports, JC Wingo. “The technology has finally caught up with the sport, and it’s critical for every youth league, high school, and college team to equip their players with the solutions available to improve their safety overall.”

Naval Academy Associate Athletic Director & Director of Equipment Greg Morgenthaler states, “HelmetFit was a game changer for us. The product gives our guys the flexibility to air up our guys for a safe and effective fit throughout the season.”

Next Steps Even the highest-end football helmet won’t do its intended job if it’s not fit properly to a player. While no helmet is concussion-proof, a properly fitted helmet can help make a difference in the safety of a player. Learn more at helmetfit.com. (BPT) l

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Teen

Score:

HOW SPORTS EMPOWER WOMEN’S SUCCESS, AND YOU CAN TOO

4 simple ways to show your support

D

eveloping the women entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow is all about showing the way — and increasingly, the sweat of sports competition is a key training ground for women’s career and business success.

Research conducted by Ernst and Young and ESPNW shows the important role sports play at every stage of professional women’s lives: 74% of executive women say that experience in sports can help accelerate a woman’s career. Involvement in team sports can help women gain a sense of personal accomplishment and self-confidence. They can also learn key skills that make for strong leaders in the workplace or as entrepreneurs, including the ability to think quickly, thrive under pressure, learn and grow from defeat and collaborate with teammates to reach a common goal.

The huge opportunity for sports to empower women and girls is the driving force behind Visa’s major investment in women’s soccer and its signature role at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, with a five-year sponsorship of the U.S. Soccer

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SPORTS Federation in support of the U.S. Women’s National Team, partnership with UEFA Women’s Football and ongoing support of FIFA Women’s competitions.

“Visa has long been committed to fostering an environment that enables women to thrive and challenge the status quo. That commitment comes to life in many ways, both on and off the field,” said Mary Ann Reilly, senior vice president, North America Marketing, Visa. “There is no better way to show that commitment than to make a substantial investment in the future of women’s soc-

cer and move the needle on gender equality.”When the best women’s soccer players in the world compete in France, they will dominate the world stage amid a global cultural movement centered on gender equality and women’s empowerment. It’s a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the many ways to support the success of women on and off the field.

Here are four simple ways you can, too:

1) Support participation in athletics. Encourage sisters, nieces, daughters and granddaughters to

participate in team sports, and be sure to go to games or matches and cheer them on when they do.

2) Show them their teams matter! Be a sponsor, mentor, coach or an unofficial cheerleader for girls’ teams — even if you don’t have a family member participating. Go to games and support the players even if you don’t know anyone on the team.

3) Show your team spirit. Be a season ticket holder, or go to as many games as you can, when your local women’s teams — high school, college and professional — are playing, in whatever sports most interest you. Wear their jerseys and show them you’re a fan!

4) Encourage women entrepreneurs. Shop at or invest in women-owned businesses and show them you applaud their efforts.

Companies like Visa are helping women overcome barriers to success through their global initiative She’s Next, Empowered

by Visa, which helps to support women small-business owners as they build, sustain and advance their businesses. Visa is also listening to and learning from women, with a multi-million-dollar campaign in the U.S. called Money is Changing, which builds on the experience of millennial women to highlight practical steps women business owners have taken to change the game and challenge existing money taboos. Inspiring girls and young women means equipping them with the tools, resources and experiences they’ll need to succeed. Supporting and encouraging women’s athletics provides a positive way to make that happen. (BPT) l

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Teen

TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE, E

“To boldly go where no one has gone before.”

As stated by Captain James T. Kirk, humanity is a race of exploration. We strive for knowledge, to improve our species, and to make a difference.

And as generations before us had the opportunity to explore new realms of space, our generation can explore new realms of science and technology.

One such technology is gene editing and its ability to dive deeper into genetics and the code of life. kWRITTEN BY PRISCILLA GLENN,

2ND YEAR HORTICULTURE AND AGRONOMY PHD STUDENT

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very aspect of life is made up of the four-letter code of life called DNA. Vegetables, mice, humans, oysters. We are all made up the same code, it’s just rearranged in a million different ways to make each species its very own unique existence.

The golden fields of wheat, the chickens roaming cage-free and laying eggs: both are well known images in the US culture, but both face unique challenges. Drought, disease, pests. These threaten the wellbeing of these economies. Imagine never being able to have bread or eggs on the table again because a new disease wiped it out. It’s hard to imagine, but that’s what is happening to the Florida oranges with citrus greening and bananas in Southeast Asia and Africa. One day, they might be gone… Think about that. Your kids might never know just how delicious orange juice really was or the wonders known as a banana smoothie.

But guess what, our generation can change this. With gene editing, we can look at the DNA code and determine which letter allows the diseases to attack. And with detailed precision, we can replace the one defective letter with

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a different letter, one that allows animals and plants to be resistant to these diseases that would harm them.

Gene editing is the newest tool in the toolbox of science. Gene editing allows scientists like me to help farmers grow more with less, to decrease the amount of pesticides entering the environment, to increase the nutrition of our food, and to even, save lives from otherwise deadly diseases. That is what gene editing offers us.

For you see, we have the ability now, to explore the next evolution of science and technology. To improve our own lives and the lives of our future children. Don’t we owe it to ourselves to give this technology, to give gene editing, a chance to show us just how much good it can do for our world?

“The only thing to fear, is fear itself.” If humanity gave into the fear of the unknown, then we never would’ve have made it to the Americas, we never would

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TECHNOLOGY

Now About Priscilla Glenn Priscilla Glenn is a Texas gal who enjoys reading, water skiing, and eating BBQ. She loves her family most in the world with friends and anything plant related close behind. A second year PhD student at the University of California at Davis, she is studying wheat spikelets with the long-term goal of increasing yield through selective breeding.

Afterwards, she aspires to work within the agriculture industry improving food quality and increasing yield.

have made it into space. Our ancestors have shown us repeatedly how to be brave and to explore the unknown and mitigate risk, because the possible benefits to humanity were worth the exploration. So, let us not be afraid of the future. Instead, let us embrace these advancements of technology, of gene editing, and work as one human race, to explore its possibilities, to regulate as needed, and to take pride in that our generation is making differences that won’t just improve our own lives, but the world’s. l

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