Women in cosplay have found and reclaimed their voice Story by Nina Todea Photos by India Garrish There must be something about Ariel. Maybe it’s the way the spirited redhead is unapologetically rebellious, a go-getter by nature. Or maybe it’s the way her curiosity leads her to new discoveries about...
Story by Nina Todea The few days before the annual Cosplacon convention are like the calm before the storm. Organizers have one last chance to take a deep breath. Then, all universes break loose. “By the end of the weekend, we’re all hot and tired and exhausted, but we’re also on cloud nine,”...
Mid-Missouri women are crafting out a space for themselves through cosplay Story by Nina Todea Photos by Liv Paggiarino When 15-year-old London Ortega walked into her welding class that first day in January, she was met with full beards and eyes that seemed to question if she had accidentally stepped...
Role-playing games see growing female participation Story and photos by India Garrish The sounds of dice rolling and conversations echo over the room. One person sits at each table with a laptop or books, directing a campaign of elves, bird people and centaurs. Each table is filled with men and women,...
Young women gain traction in technology, esports fields Story by Madeleine Leroux Photos by Claire Hassler and Liv Paggiarino When Sarah Long first joined the robotics club at Helias Catholic High School, she knew there would not be anyone else like her there. “It was kind of nerve-wracking when I first...
Central Missouri Renaissance Festival provides creative outlet in family-focused atmosphere Story by Emily Cole Three weekends a year, Johanna Green becomes someone else. Clad in a black top with a red and black lace skirt and jacket, black boots and a golden-blonde wig, with a broom and mug of mead...
Z-Club to hold first Girl Empowerment Day Story by Madeleine Leroux Photos by Liv Paggiarino Looking to have a positive impact on young girls before they hit the often turbulent high school years, the Z-Club of Jefferson City is hosting its first ever Girl Empowerment Day. The event, set for 10 a.m.-2...
By Kerri Morris April is Autism Awareness month, a chance to share information on a topic that many have heard of, but may not fully understand. Autism or ASD, autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental disorder generally characterized by difficulties in communication and social interactions. Autism...
Photos by Liv Paggiarino The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce roared into the ’20s with its 127th annual gala at the Capitol Plaza on Jan. 24. The event allows the chamber the chance to honor members and residents who have made an impact on the community through their work or service.
Planning, research key to big savings on nutritious food Story by Madeleine Leroux When it comes to trying to get healthier, eating right is one of the most important steps. But, for so many of us, that can seem just out of reach for a number of reasons. The most common reason? It’s too expensive....
