I met Machu many years ago through Zuda yoga. She's got that laid back, cool girl vibe going on without even trying. You can find her here on Instagram and see for yourself.

What is a recent book or article that you’ve read that has challenged your thinking, inspired you, or changed you?

I recently read Sister Outsider, by Audre Lorde. Audre Lorde is a queer, black, feminist from the 60’s era who talks about inclusion in the feminist movement, and why being a woman and being a black woman is such a powerful dynamic. Because not only do you experience sexism, but you experience racism. That challenged me because I never really understood that particular struggle. Although I’ve been discriminated, I’ve never experienced it as it relates to racism. So it really made me think outside of myself.

I recently reread We Should All Be Feminists, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. That was another book that challenged my idea of feminism and where men fit in. I’ve always had a distain for masculinity and men in general. Just as being a woman and being queer, I’ve always seen men as the enemy. My father wasn’t there; both my mother’s and father’s fathers weren’t there for them. But it challenged me to see that not only do we need to raise our girls to be different, but also our boys to be different. Creating an image of masculinity that acts as a cage around boys to build a big ego that everyone should cater to…We need to change the way we socialize boys and encourage them to also be soft and emotional, not just hard and tough.

Who is an influencer in your life?

Right now my girlfriend is influencing me. Miranda is half black and half white. She’s from Philadelphia but now lives in San Francisco. I feel like she is constantly challenging me and opening my eyes to things I’ve never seen before. She’ll share with me a podcast or a book that she’s been reading. She’s definitely a powerful influence in my life, not just because she’s my girlfriend, but because I really value her thoughts and opinions on an individual level.

What does feminism mean to you?

Feminism is the equality of both genders. And for me it has to be inclusive of everyone. I often see the movement of “pussy power,” and that’s great. But I know a lot of women that have vaginas and don’t want to be identified as women, and I know a lot of women that don’t have vaginas or haven’t fully transitioned, but identify as women. I think it’s the equality of the sexes and the genders.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that you try to live your life by?

Just be a nice person.

What are you most passionate about?

I really like helping people. It’s in my nature to want to sacrifice myself to be there for someone. And sometimes it’s exhausting. I’m still learning to take care of myself and not wear myself to the bone helping others. But I love when I’m walking down the street and see someone drop something-I’m right there to pick it up. Or I’ll see a frail older person at the grocery store and help them with their bags.

Most people that are close to me and know me would say that I’m selfless because I’m always asking, “What can I do to help?”

How are you an agent for feminism and change and service to others?

I feel like I’ll be an agent of change by constantly being the voice for those marginalized groups that are often times misunderstood or aren’t as visible. I will be there for my nieces and nephews and future generations as someone who is different than what the media tells them they should conform to be. I want to be there for my family to say, “You can be different. And that’s ok.”