LoganSquarist wouldn’t be possible without the hard-working efforts of our dedicated staff. Hailing from all across the country, with a number of interests and professional aspirations, our team has one thing in common: a passion for Logan Square. Discover the people behind the scenes that bring you articles, events and more in our LoganSquarist Staff Highlight column.
What’s your role with LoganSquarist?
I’m the Editor-in-Chief and manage all editorial content, pitch story ideas to writers and oversee our social media to boost story engagement.
Where are you from originally?
Santa Fe, New Mexico—the Land of Enchantment.
When did you join?
August 2017.
Do you write professionally?
Yes; I am a freelance journalist and writer trying to dig into the industry.
What made you interested in volunteering for LoganSquarist?
The intersection of hyperlocal journalism and community storytelling is incredibly vital in our modern democracy. Having an outlet such as LoganSquarist that can do this makes me so proud to be its editor (and happy to be using my college degree skills daily!). Biking around Logan Square and knowing the latest neighborhood or business news, meeting friends on the street or catching a new story idea connects the dots for a strong, thriving and personal community that would not be possible without LoganSquarist.
What is your favorite LoganSquarist story you worked on?
I have many but a few stand out as clips I’m proud of. The story I wrote about the community response to the Puerto Rico hurricane got great feedback and made me feel like I made an influence on the issue in our neighborhood. The piece I wrote about the personal effects of housing and gentrification also was one of my favorite because I got a firsthand experience at what it was like for a family being evicted from their house and experiencing these pushes from developers—a big issue right now in Logan Square. I also liked my more recent political ones about the No Cop Academy vote in City Hall (that passed) and covering events about the #MeToo movement. I also have loved covering local artists and musicians. You can check more of my stories!
What is your favorite restaurant or hang out in Logan Square?
I often hang out at Longman & Eagle because my friends work there, but I also like going to New Wave, La Boulangerie, Caribella and 90 Miles. I could keep going with a nice, long list of places! Oh and Chiya Chai because I work there.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the neighborhood?
Biking everywhere, going to Cole’s for free music or games and enjoying Palmer Park (yoga in the park, anyone?). Meeting new people, eating at new restaurants and meeting all the dogs also top the list.
What has been the best part about joining the team?
So many things … getting strong clips, having the editorial freedom to cover what I want about Logan Square and represent the neighborhood in the best way we can, making great friends and connections and being politically and civically involved to make progress and connect the community have been highlights about joining the team.
What have you learned from working with LoganSquarist?
LoganSquarist has given me the opportunity to perfect the editor in me, learn to balance multiple writing projects and work with a diverse group of writers and photographers all along for the same ride! It’s tested my patience, helped me learn from new perspectives and work with equally dedicated creative people. I hope to be part of the team for a long time and give back to the community through its changes and growth.
Interested in joining the team? Meet the rest of our the staff and check out our opportunities.
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