Illustrations by John Daly
Evens Angulo-Duvil
Filmmaker | @the_aura_of_upstate | Albany
What do you consider your hometown?
I’ve lived all around the Capital Region, so I’d consider the whole area my hometown.
What’s your claim to fame?
The Aura of Upstate. It’s a project where I interviewed people within the Capital Region and took snippets of our conversations to create an animated film.
If you could change one thing about this area, what would it be?
Transportation. Unless you have a car, it’s hard to get around from city to city.
How has the Capital Region influenced you?
I’ve lived here for so long that it’s hard to answer that question. We’re all products of our environments, so all the experiences I’ve had here and all the people I’ve met have played a role in me becoming who I am today.
Where are you a regular?
The Whiskey Pickle. The owner, Jamel Mosley, has done a great job with the place.
What’s your 518 hot take?
We have the most underrated music scene on the East Coast. I use music from upstate New York artists in The Aura of Upstate, and, I’ve been incredibly impressed not only by the talent, but by the diversity of music we have out here.
What’s the No. 1 question you get asked—and the answer?
Q: “What’s next?”
A: While I’ve been on tour with this project for the past year, I’ve been shooting Season 2 of The Aura of Upstate.
Jené Luciani Sena
Lifestyle correspondent and brand ambassador | @jeneontv | Schenectady
What do you consider your hometown?
Hudson
What’s your claim to fame?
Bras! I wrote a bestselling book about how to find the right bra, and I’ve given bra and style advice on the Today show, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, and many others.
If you could change one thing about this area, what would it be?
I was born in the 518 but lived Downstate for 10 years, so I know what life is like elsewhere. I chose to move back here and raise a family here. I wouldn’t change a thing.
How has the Capital Region influenced you?
We’re a small community of people who truly care about others and our community. That’s how I was raised, and I’ve noticed it isn’t like that everywhere. I love the Capital Region so much that I returned to the TV station where I got my start 26 years ago to co-host a daily show called Capital Region Lifestyle.
Where are you a regular?
Tops Diner in Rotterdam, Shaker & Vine in Schenectady, Venetian Nail Spa in Latham, Spa Mirbeau in Albany, Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid, and a variety of lacrosse fields, football fields, and ski mountains.
What’s your 518 hot take?
Saratoga Race Course is overrated. I’d much rather find that hidden gem or dive joint.
What’s the No. 1 question you get asked—and the answer?
Q: “Are you that bra lady?”
A: Yes
Jesse S. Sommer
Distillery owner and public defender | @sheriffoflarkstreet | Albany
What do you consider your hometown?
The Town of New Scotland. I’m a graduate of the Voorheesville Central School District.
What’s your claim to fame?
I’m the owner and founder of New Scotland Spirits, and the Sheriff of Lark Street, an online persona that documents the dilapidation of Lark Street and Albany on a larger scale and demands the reprioritization of municipal resourcing to revitalize this historically indispensable American city.
If you could change one thing about this area, what would it be?
I’d liberate Albany—both city and county—from the ideological sclerosis that stymies its politics and culture. Abandoning mono-party dominance would facilitate progress in combatting homelessness, mental illness, drug addiction, teen violence, racial segregation, and crime that’s collapsing our formerly vibrant economic environment.
How has the Capital Region influenced you?
The Capital District has emboldened me to take limitless risk, because everything is achievable in the 11 counties that compose it. The region is small, so its entrepreneurs/pioneers/creatives can be big.
Where are you a regular?
The New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room at the corner of State and Lark streets. There’s no social distinction more estimable than owning your own bar. It’s a privilege to be a steward of that venerable corner.
What’s your 518 hot take?
There exists no promotional strategy more powerful than rage bait. My detractors on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok relentlessly offer me free exposure, publicity, and attention, and I’ve leveraged that hate to further my social message, expand my company’s footprint, and build a powerful audience.
What’s the No. 1 question you get asked—and the answer?
Q: “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?”
A: No
Vic Christopher & Caroline Conboy
Hospitality group owner & analyst | @vicchristopher & @carolinegrouch | Troy
What do you consider your hometown?
VC: Brooklyn CC: Latham
What’s your claim to fame?
VC: Owning Clark House Hospitality, which operates Little Pecks, Donna’s, and Lucas Confectionery in Troy
Both: Starring in Age Inappropriate, We TV’s new reality series about relationships with large age gaps
If you could change one thing about this area, what would it be?
VC: I’d make winter shorter by about six weeks.
CC: I’d love to see continuous investment in the beautification of our cities.
How has the Capital Region influenced you?
VC: I influence the Capital Region.
CC: I grew up in suburban Latham and moved to downtown Troy after college. Experiencing both has shown me that you don’t have to travel far to experience different communities and perspectives.
Where are you a regular?
VC: Red Front Restaurant
CC: Donna’s in Troy
What’s your 518 hot take?
VC: Troy has $250 million-plus in projects underway that will reshape Downtown and our future.
CC: Stewart’s ice cream is better than any national brand.
What’s the No. 1 question you get asked—and the answer?
Q: “Is Caroline your daughter?” and, “Is Vic your dad?”
A: No.
Sawyer Pollard
Food stand owner and brewery manager | @themeatstickchick | Ballston Lake
What do you consider your hometown?
Ballston Lake
What’s your claim to fame?
Owning a DJing hot dog stand called the Meat Stick Chick
If you could change one thing about this area, what would it be?
I’d make everyone go to Frog Alley Brewing every night.
How has the Capital Region influenced you?
The Capital Region has shaped me through its strong entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up here has shown me the value of hard work, supporting local businesses, and building meaningful connections.
Where are you a regular?
Grano and Johnny’s in Schenectady and El Patron in Burnt Hills
What’s your 518 hot take?
Schenectady is the most underrated city. I don’t think it gets nearly as much credit as it deserves.
What’s the No. 1 question you get asked—and the answer?
Q: “What made you want to start a hot dog trailer?”
A: It was a random idea that I got excited about, and now I love it.
Orlondo Otis Hundley
Candidate for Mayor | @orlondohundley | Schenectady
What do you consider your hometown?
Schenectady. I was born here, raised here, and graduated from Schenectady High School. It’s the community I’ve dedicated my life and work to serving.
What’s your claim to fame?
I’m probably best known as an independent artist and community organizer. Whether it’s through music, public speaking, local business, or advocacy, I’ve spent years building one of the largest independent platforms in the Capital Region to highlight issues that matter to local residents.
If you could change one thing about this area, what would it be?
I’d make sure residents have a much larger voice in shaping the future of our communities before major decisions are made. Too often, people are asked to react to plans instead of helping create them.
How has the Capital Region influenced you?
The Capital Region taught me that history and innovation can exist in the same place. Growing up here exposed me to incredible artists, organizers, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who care deeply about their communities. That shaped how I approach both my creative work and public service.
Where are you a regular?
I’m a regular at places like Marino’s, Wolff’s Biergarten, The Schenectady Green Market, local coffee shops, libraries, small businesses, neighborhood events, and community meetings. I believe the best way to understand a community is to be present where people actually gather.
What’s your 518 Hot Take?
The Capital Region has everything it needs to become one of the most exciting places in New York. We don’t need to imitate other cities. We need to invest in the people, businesses, and neighborhoods that already make this region unique.
What’s the No. 1 question you get asked—and the answer?
Q: “Why are you doing all of this?”
A: Because I love Schenectady. Every project I’ve taken on, whether through art, business, or community organizing, has been about helping build a city where more people can afford to stay, succeed, and believe in its future
