Content creator turned media entrepreneur Xuezhu Jenny Wang is now channeling her passion and resilience into a new cause, championing immigrant rights. As the founder of IMPULSE Magazine, a women-led arts and culture publication, Wang has built a platform that gives voice to marginalized communities while exploring the intersection of immigration, gender, and the arts.
Wang’s career began on the Chinese social media platform Bilibili, where she quickly gained traction as a content creator. While her early work centered around the vibrant Chinese arts scene, she eventually transitioned into an arts journalist, where she became increasingly aware of the administrative and legal hurdles faced by immigrant artists. It was that shift in focus that laid the groundwork for her to launch IMPULSE, where she could address these issues head-on.
“What started as a creative journey soon became a personal mission for me,” says Wang. “Through my journalism, I came across so many talented artists who were stifled by visa issues, discrimination, and a lack of resources. IMPULSE was born out of a desire to help these voices be heard.”
IMPULSE Magazine is a platform with a bold mission to represent marginalized voices in the creative industry through storytelling. “We explore the intersection of immigration and gender rights,” Wang explains.
Wang’s vision for IMPULSE has not only garnered attention for its social impact but also for its growth strategies. Recognizing the importance of audience growth, IMPULSE is building its presence by leveraging social media, using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to engage a global audience. As for the broader entrepreneurial strategy, Wang is focused on creating an agile, digitally-driven business that is scalable and adaptable to the rapidly changing media landscape.
“The key to growing IMPULSE is understanding how our audience consumes content,” Wang explains. “We live in a world where digital platforms are the primary source of information for many, especially younger generations. Our goal is to meet people where they are and build a community around our mission.”
But no matter the approach, it only works with great content, and IMPULSE is committed to providing unique, in-depth stories. One example is its “Migration in Dialogue” series, which features conversations with artists, scholars, and policymakers about immigration, displacement, and border disputes.
Wang’s deep empathy for the immigrant experience is reflected in every aspect of the magazine’s coverage, which ranges from personal interviews with artists struggling to secure O-1 visas to stories of creatives grappling with the emotional toll of displacement.
“Some of the stories I heard were heartbreaking,” Wang recalls. “I spoke with artists who were stuck in unhealthy relationships because their visa depended on it, others who were overworked and underpaid just to meet the requirements of their O-1 visa applications. The challenges these individuals face go far beyond the artistic. They are personal, legal, and deeply human.”
In addition to tackling immigration issues, IMPULSE also celebrates the triumphs of immigrant artists, presenting stories of optimism and resilience.
Wang’s work has also been influenced by the many women entrepreneurs she admires, particularly those in industries that blend creativity with social impact. Figures like Loretta Howard from On This Spot NYC and Anna Mikaela Ekstrand from Cultbytes serve as role models for Wang, reinforcing her belief that business can be a force for good.
“What I admire most about these women is their ability to create successful businesses while staying true to their values. That’s what I aspire to do with IMPULSE, build a media company that is not only profitable but also meaningful,” Wang reflects.
Looking ahead, Wang envisions a future where IMPULSE continues to grow both as a business and as a platform for change. By focusing on digital expansion and building a loyal community, she hopes to influence policy discussions and shift public perceptions around immigration and the arts.
“I believe in the power of storytelling,” Wang says. “When we tell stories that matter, we can inspire change. That’s what IMPULSE is all about, telling the stories that need to be told.”