interview twenty-five: Chantal kapani

In one of our recent interviews, written by the lovely tara, we had the pleasure of speaking to published writer, journalist, and blogger, Chantal! She discussed her upcoming interview series 'Women You Should Know About', how she contacted the change-maker who'll be featured, and more!

Question one: It’s an honour to be speaking with you, Chantal! For anyone who isn’t yet aware, could you please give a brief summary of your work? 
I am a writer, poet, and the founder of the blog, So Yesterday. While being an aspiring novelist, I am is a news journalist for my university's award-winning newspaper The Linc, an interviewer for The Peahce project, a digital space that celebrates Asian-American identity, and a staff writer for The Detester Magazine, a magazine and space that encourages and celebrates the BIPOC youth in social and political activism. Working with Detester magazine. My work has appeared in The Force To Be Reckoned With, The Ruin Magazine, The Recollective Magazine, Candid Orange, and more. 

Question two: Your upcoming interview series, ‘Women You Should Know About’, will “...empower womxn of all kinds, and portray to society how women are capable of positively impacting the world by using their voice, in whatever form they wish.” How did you come up with this mission? Who are the women that will feature in this project? 
The women who have/will be featured are Jennay Ross, Lauren Ritchie also known as Eco Gal, Gabby Austin the creator of ‘Off she goes’ podcast, Thea Rodrick the creator of the podcast ‘The Last Night’, and Glowe also known as Georgia Lowe who is a singer and actress in the Netflix services, The Alienist'. I would like to say it was planned but the truth is it wasn't. I had been following the women that are featured/going to be featured in my interview series for a while. I reached out to them and asked if they would let me interview them, and explained why I loved their work and their mission. I was really lucky as all of them said yes! While putting my questions together for the interviewees I realised that I had a list of strong women with platforms that uplift creative individuals. So the idea of creating a series came to me, and it seemed to make sense as all the interviewees are strong, passionate and remarkable women. I thought to myself, “It would be great to create a series that uplifts women who are using their digital platforms to make a change in the world”.

Question three: As a fellow interviewer (The Peahce Project) what compels you to uplift the stories and talent within BIPOC communities? 
I think it is really important to uplift voices within the BIPOC communities, and all voices, even those outside of this community. Everyone should be heard, regardless of race and gender. My interview series has no limits when it comes to ages, gender or race, Anyone and everyone is welcome. Anyone and everyone should be heard. The magazine I work for has been a great place to learn more about the BIPOC community and learn about other people's culture. 

Question four: Aside from this interview, how will you spread your interview series, after it launches, to ensure that it leaves insightful, lasting impact? 
I share my work on my social media, Instagram, twitter etc. With my experience of interviewees, they also broadcast the interview through their social media challenges, and it works as a domino effect from there. Their family and friends will share it, and so on. 

Question five: What drives you to engage with the numerous nonprofits that you mentioned to us? If applicable, how do you balance that and schoolwork? 
I would say the drive has always been there. Being a mixed-race girl, I have come from two worlds and growing up I have learnt to balance that. I embrace my culture and respect it. I understand and acknowledge my privilege but I don't shy away from one or the other. I have always been passionate about uplifting voices, and discussing topics that I feel are important e.g Animal labour, BIPOC communities, feminist topics etc. It has always been important to me and when growing up I have always been surrounded by family that encourage each other to speak out their minds. I think that comes through a lot in my writing, I discuss and engage in topics that I am passionate about and hope one day to see a change.


Question six: Who are your personal icons that inspire the initiatives you join and start? 
I would say my family and friends - I have always been around people that are passionate and go after their own goals. I stumbled across The Peahce Project Instagram page first and then Detester Magazine. I liked their mission and I felt that those communities would be the right place for me, and turns out they are! 

Question seven: What are your hopes for the future of your interview series? 
I hope that the interviewees had a great time and I hope people enjoy the interviews! 

Question eight: Is there anything else you’d like to share or promote? If not, I’d love to thank you for reaching out and engaging with our organization! 
I do have a few projects in the works but at the moment I can't give any details away. All I can say is that I am very excited to be a part of them!

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