After witnessing a devastating oil spill, environmentalist John Francis made an extraordinary decision: he stopped using motorized vehicles for 22 years and remained silent for 17. His remarkable journey reveals the power of listening, personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and how one person’s commitment can inspire meaningful change in the world.

Award-winning astrophotographer Chris Bakley has spent years capturing the breathtaking beauty of South Jersey’s night sky. In this inspiring Q&A, he shares how a childhood fascination with space grew into a passion for astronomy, community stargazing, and photographing celestial events that encourage others to look up in wonder.

Food and travel journalist Kae Lani Palmisano has turned her passion for storytelling into an Emmy-nominated career, exploring culture through cuisine. From South Jersey to destinations around the world, she shares the people, traditions, and histories behind every meal, proving food is about connection, identity, and community.

Body image challenges often begin long before adulthood, especially for young girls navigating social pressures and unrealistic expectations. Rutgers University–Camden psychology professor Charlotte Markey shares practical advice for building confidence, encouraging healthy self-esteem, and helping tweens and teens develop a positive relationship with their bodies and overall well-being.

From reality TV champion to rising Hollywood actress, South Jersey native Gigi Gustin has built her career through grit, determination, and unwavering passion. This inspiring profile explores her journey from overcoming setbacks to landing film and television roles, proving resilience, hard work, and perseverance can turn ambitious dreams into reality.

South Jersey is home to social media influencers making a global impact on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and beyond. Meet the local creators using their platforms to inspire, entertain, advocate for important causes, and build successful personal brands while proving hometown talent can reach audiences around the world.

Inspired by personal loss, Haddon Heights native Tom Turcich set out to walk around the world with his rescue dog, Savannah. Five years and thousands of miles later, his extraordinary journey of adventure, resilience, and human connection faced an unexpected challenge as the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill.

When a dream vacation turned into a coronavirus quarantine, one South Jersey couple found themselves isolated aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship with thousands of other passengers. Their firsthand account reveals the uncertainty, resilience, and human side of one of the earliest COVID-19 cruise ship outbreaks that captured the world's attention.

South Jersey is home to remarkable young people making a difference through leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship, academics, and community service. SJ Magazine’s 2020 Kids 2 Watch celebrates inspiring students who are pursuing their passions, helping others, and proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact on the world.

South Jersey’s former Kids to Watch are proving their early promise was just the beginning. This inspiring follow-up feature reconnects with young achievers who have transformed childhood passions into meaningful careers, creative pursuits, and community impact, highlighting stories of resilience, ambition, and success as they continue to shape their futures.