Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/235251
Sherry Lucille Author, life coach, school counselor, teacher, motivational speaker, owner of Inspiring Destiny, a founder of A Place at the Table Her trilogy of period novels, "Love Changes," "Love Dreams" and soon "Love Promises," explores interracial relationships in the 1950s and '60s. The books, romantic and entertaining, also invite a profound cultural question: What do people give up when they date someone of a different race? And what do they gain? In her books—and all of her life's busy roles—Lucille sees opportunity to spark conversation and inspire others. "In everything I do, that's the prevailing theme," she says. And what a novel thing it is. –C.M. Type s ive write miths & s word ellers t story Emily Mills Editor of Our Lives Magazine, opinion columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, drummer, photographer, events organizer and more After hours Emily Mills is queen of the Madison scene: She's social media coordinator for the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors' Bureau; plays in two bands, organizes performing arts events and competes in roller derby. But by day, this 32-year-old renaissance gal is known for her words—and is a popular opinion writer who's followed for her role speaking for Madison's LGBT community and its allies, and for her progressive viewpoint. It's a position she relishes. "I love how engaged the people [in Madison] are: Politically, socially, artistically. They care about their neighborhoods, about their city, about their state," she says. "Even when I disagree with folks on specific issues, I appreciate the heck out of the fact that they're paying attention in the first place and passionate enough to say something about it." Fact is, Mills is one of those people with something to say, and Madison is listening. –A.M. Melissa Seymour Author, comic writer for Female Force publishing, interviewer/author of FEMPOWER: Women Taking the World by storm Though just a college senior, Melissa Seymour has done more for feminism than most people twice her age. The Verona native recently earned the attention of the Huffington Post for her biographical comic book on Gloria Steinem, part of the Female Force series that champions strong, influential women and challenges the notion that the comic book genre is just a "guy thing." Seymour has also contributed a comic on Melinda Gates for the series; her comics about Barbara Streisand, author Helen Gurley Brown and comedian Chelsea Handler will soon be published, and she's writing another on Tina Turner. Now working on a novel, Seymour aims to empower young girls through her FEMPOWER blog's interviews with influential women. "Here's my advice to girls: Your voice is not only important but necessary…You can change the world, despite what society is telling you." There are plenty more inspiring words to come from her. –A.M. 42 brava magazine | JANUARY 2014 Photographed by Bobbi Petersen (top), Shanna Wolf (middle), kaia clahoun (Bottom) and Shanna Wolf (opposite) Creat out life: ab