Djali-Brown Cepeda is a New York City native, in her second year as a screen studies major with a minor in ethnicity and race at Eugene Lang College making waves both in and outside of the classroom.

Not only is Cepeda’s 19 credit work-load and interest in adding politics as another minor an indication of her ambitious nature academically, but a representation of her desire to exceed the norm.

One of her accomplishments to date includes a monthly column that Cepeda created for Mass Appeal Magazine called  “Family Swank” where she interviews young up and coming artists. “I think the way an artist’s mind works is something that’s beautiful, yet complicated… Since I grew up in an extremely artistic household, and have been surrounded by artists since I could walk, I know how eccentric they are and rather than holding people up on pedestals, I’m more interested in seeing what their thought processes were/are when creating” she explained.

Back in 2012, Cepeda recalls approaching her step-father, Sacha Jenkins, about writing for Mass Appeal Magazine, a publication where he is the creative director. Instead of just handing her the job, Jenkins made her pitch ideas like any other writer would have to do.

When asked if she was nervous to pitch to Jenkins she replied,  “I wasn’t nervous at all. We have a very good relationship and he supports my artistic endeavors”.

In Djali’s column “Family Swank” she interviews different artist from the ages 16 to 25 years old. They vary from singers, DJs, painters, photographers, models, to yoga instructors.

Each interview encompasses the name, age, zodiac sign, swank (talent), and where you can find their respective art form.

The interview styled pieces go in depth about the artist’s work and background. In her most recent interview with Cakes da Killa (24), a rapper from Teaneck, NJ she asked him about the vulgarity in his lyrics including his decision to speak about gay sex and if it was for shock value. Cakes da Killa was in the middle of his European tour so Cepeda had to conduct her interview via Skype. This article received more than 100 Facebook shares.

Cepeda said she feels no extra pressure working for her step-father. “I’ve never acted like, I’m the owner’s daughter, so I’ll do what I want! It would’ve been easy to play the nepotism card, but I wanted to earn my stripes the right way.”

I’ve never acted like, I’m the owner’s daughter, so I’ll do what I want! It would’ve been easy to play the nepotism card, but I wanted to earn my stripes the right way.

Mass Appeal magazine is a NYC hip-hop-inspired lifestyle magazine that was created in 1996 by Patrick Elasik and Adrian Moeller.

After 12 years of publications the company decided to call it quits in 2008. In 2013, the magazine was revived by hip-hop artist Nas. According to Forbes.com he invested a “six-figure” sum into the magazine. He told Forbes.com “I always liked what they represented.. They invested into the culture … I saw their vision for what they planned and I thought I could add value across the board.”

Cepeda’s family’s careers influenced her own career. “Both of my parents started out as music journalists, so I think subconsciously I gravitated toward that field,” she said. Her mother, Raquel Cepeda is a filmmaker, activist, award winning journalist and author of Bird of Paradise: How I Became Latina.

Her step-father Sacha Jenkins is a film maker, journalist, musician and television producer. Other than being the creative director for Mass Appeal Magazine, Jenkins currently debuted his documentary on hip-hop fashion entitled “Fresh Dressed,” which features hip-hop artist Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, Swizz Beats, Pharrell Williams and many more.

And her father Djinji Brown is also a musician who debuted his album Surround Sound in 2002. He also has worked with artist such as A Tribe Called Quest and Supernatural.

She blushed while she spoke about her family’s accomplishments in between spoonfuls of her chocolate yogurt parfait.

Mass Appeal gets an average of 150,000 views monthly. Sacha Jenkins is still the creative director and Djali still posts on the site.

“Family Swank” isn’t the only thing she’s working on and that’s not where she wants her career to end. She’s still making music, helping her mother with her new film and teaching yoga at Sacred Sounds Yoga in Greenwich Village every Wednesday.

Her parents said they will support her no matter which direction she wants to take her career except for one thing. “They’ve always been very supportive of any creative outlet I want to explore.. except for rapping.. My mom said “Djali, I will support you in anything you want to do but rapping because you’re terrible.”

Despite her many talents and her successful family, Djali is more interested in interviewing other artists instead of just blogging about her own artistic endeavors and being in the spotlight. And that’s what separates her from the rest.