Jennifer Tripucka
Jen is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Local Girl Media Group. With deep entrepreneurial roots in Hudson County — as her grandparents owned textile businesses on Tonnelle Ave in North Bergen dating back to the 50s — she started the site as a Hoboken resident in 2012 to discover the amazing things happening in the area. She's a former digital editor at Conde Nast, and in a 'prior life' — was school counselor in a North Jersey elementary school. She can usually be found shopping at local boutiques, eating an Insta-worthy meal, walking her two pups, or watching Bravo TV and ordering takeout with her husband.
Joelle Hernandez
Joelle Hernandez is the Director of Marketing at The Local Girl Media and a proud Hoboken resident since January 2017. A 2014 honors graduate of Loyola University Maryland, she holds a B.A. in Journalism and Advertising. Since making Hoboken home, Joelle has immersed herself in the local community—joining various volunteer efforts and even launching a small business with her sister, Jordan, called Double Dough. When she’s not working, you can find her trying out new desserts or testing out the latest fitness classes in town.
Danielle Farina
Danielle is a Hoboken resident and graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied English and philosophy. Originally hailing from Roseland, NJ, spending four years in the midwest confirmed what she already knew to be true: there’s no place like home. Danielle is excited to use her love for writing to explore Jersey’s many local legends, both old and new. When she’s not writing, you can find her listening to Taylor Swift, quoting New Girl, or continuing her hunt for the best iced latte.
Amanda Salcedo
Amanda Salcedo is the Deputy Chief of Staff at The Local Girl Media Group, where she also supports marketing initiatives for The Bergen Girl and its sister brands. A proud Morris County native, Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Montclair State University and stepped away from the classroom in 2020. Since then, she’s found a new home for her love of organizing and creating systems as an integral part of the TLG team. Outside of work, you can find Amanda living her best girl mom life with her daughters Elizabeth and Michaela, spending time with her college sweetheart, Kris, and blasting Y2K + ‘90s boy band music on repeat.
Stephanie Spear
Stephanie Spear is the Deputy Editor for The Local Girl Media Group. She is a born-and-raised Beltway insider, and life brought her to New Jersey. She started working with the team as a freelance copy editor, started writing more, and learned that New Jersey does, in fact, have the best pizza and bagels in all the land. When she and her husband moved back to the DC area, she brought TLG along and is working on The Fairfax Girl, TLG's first licensee. Stephanie has a background in public policy, working for nearly 20 years in and around the federal government and is a licensed attorney. She has an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Richmond and a juris doctorate from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.
Carli Clesmere
Carli is an English major turned storyteller who grew up in North Jersey and has found her latest chapters unfolding along the Hudson. She creates everywhere she goes — in her writing, in her community, and anywhere there’s a perfect latte within reach. When she’s not jogging along the Hudson or lost in a Pilates flow, you’ll find her wandering through charming boutiques in search of unique finds, hunting down her next unforgettable bite, or rewatching New Girl. With a personality as big as her love for New Jersey, Carli has a gift for making people feel at home — sharing the hidden gems, the local magic, and the everyday adventures that make life here so good.
Amber Veltri
Amber has been living in Hoboken for over a decade. She instantly fell in love with the city the first time she visited and knew this was the place she would one day call home. Amber is an Art Director for Broadway Dance Center in NYC, graphic designer, social media guru, photographer, influencer (@Hoboken_Love), and a mom to her favorite muse, Brooks. When she's not working you can find her at concerts, visiting restaurants and galleries, drinking coffee, and supporting local businesses in Hoboken's vibrant community.
Isiah Christie
Isiah is a news writer with a focus in Communications from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). As a North Jersey native, Isiah's goal is to educate others about local happenings in what is one of the northeast United States’ most rapidly developing regions.
Parisa Burton
Parisa is a lifelong Jersey Girl, born in New Jersey and graduating from TCNJ, where she studied journalism + marketing. She has experience working with small businesses in the North Jersey area to amplify their social media presence. She discovered her passion for storytelling during her sophomore year of college when she took her first journalism class and hadn’t stopped writing and contributing to local news since then. Her pastimes include thrifting, traveling, and trying new restaurants or places with friends. Her favorite part about journalism is being able to address real local information needs and expanding access to helpful news + resources.
Madison Peyser
Jessica Norton
From spending a summer on the Vans Warped Tour making digital content to interviewing talent on red carpets, Jessica Norton’s career as a photojournalist, entertainment reporter, and fan engagement specialist has taken her many places. But her favorite place is right at home at the Jersey Shore in Asbury Park, where you can catch her soaking up the sun in her beach chair or taking photos at a concert. Jessica graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and The New School with a masters degree in Media Management.
Jenna Giustino
Jenna relocated to Asbury Park in 2022 and instantly felt at home in this “city by the sea.” When she isn’t teaching language arts to middle schoolers, you can find her reading at a local coffee shop or spending too much money at her favorite Asbury boutiques. Her ideal day starts with yoga and includes searching for new plants to fill her beach home, seeking out live music in the Jersey Shore area, and her favorite activity: sunbathing on the beach during her summers off.
Casey Fullum
A native to Bergen County, Casey is a marketing and content contributor for our brands with a big focus on Bergen. Casey has a Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication degree from James Madison University and works in book publishing for her 9 to 5. After living in NYC and Jersey City, Casey slowly made her way back to the 'burbs and now calls Westwood home. A huge lover of books (ofc), she loves to connect with her community and all things local - especially foodie and shopping spots! On weekends you can find her bouncing around to coffee shops and bakeries with her toddler.
Jordan Hernandez
Jordan Hernandez has been a proud Hoboken resident since January 2017. She dove head first into the local community immediately joining various volunteer efforts, countless workout classes, and contributing to HG all within the first few months. Since the start of her time in town she has launched a small business with her twin sister Joelle called Double Dough and a local book community called Completely Booked. When she’s not working, you can find her reading a good book, trying a new dessert, running along the waterfront, or stopping to say hi to every dog she passes.
Danielle Lynch
A Hoboken girl for 10+ years, Danielle loves the Mile Square and enjoys keeping up with all of the happenings and supporting local businesses. Her favorite past time is spending time with her boys, trying her hand in the kitchen, and traveling the world.
Jenna Stein
Jenna has lived in Hoboken for five years. She loves the mix of the small- town feel and city energy along with the community and local shops. Most mornings you can find her at a local coffee shop with a cold brew and croissant in hand, and as a new mom she's busy exploring Hoboken's kid friendly spots, from parks to gyms. When she's not out and about, she's an event producer by day, bringing new ideas to life.
Elena Gergis
Elena has lived in Hoboken her whole life. She is a news writer and content creator, most well-known for sharing Latin + Caribbean recipes on her website and social media channels (and focusing on news as a Hoboken BNR). She loves music and fashion, playing with her two babies, and dropping them off at grandma’s house so she can have romantic date nights with her husband.
Lily Flood
Lily is a born and raised Jersey Girl. After graduating from the University of Maryland’s journalism school, she spent a few months in Colorado before deciding that all roads do in fact lead to Jersey, and she’s been in Hoboken ever since. When she’s not writing or commuting to downtown Manhattan for her day job, you can find her running along the waterfront, taking a pilates class or trying a new recipe in her tiny apartment kitchen.
Emely Taveras
Emely is a queer Dominican American writer, artist, and Kean University English Writing alum. Born in NYC and raised in South Jersey, she’s called Jersey City home for the past five years, where she’s found her community and creative inspiration. A former wedding photographer turned essayist and painter, she’s passionate about arts, culture, and food. You can often find her checking out local galleries, indulging at her favorite spot Pet Shop, or discovering new hidden gems around town.
Emily Gretta
Emily is a Hoboken resident who works in HR at a financial firm in Jersey City. Although she loves her 9-5, Emily loves spending time writing stories about her favorite square mile city. When she is not working, you can find her spending time with family and friends, in the kitchen baking (typically sourdough), taking different workout classes in Hoboken (Impact + Ken Pilates are her fav), or maybe just at home watching Netflix with her roommate.
Finnola Gray
Born and raised in New Jersey, Finnola is a picky eater, especially when it comes to pizza and bagels. She loves diving into books and history, belting show tunes like she’s on Broadway, and obsessing over viral coffee trends. She is always on the hunt for new restaurants, especially ones where she can bring her dog! Now living in Jersey City with her best friends, she’s just trying to experience all that the city has to offer and pretend her life is a well-edited reality show.
Sarah Griesbach
Sarah lives in a Newport apartment with a Jersey City zip code, just south of the Hoboken's Lackawanna Station. She’s a long-time museum educator and culture writer using her location at a crossroads of ferries, trains, subway, light rail, bike, and walking paths to explore this creative hub. Hoboken Girl gives Griesbach an excellent excuse to ask questions and seek answers from the countless creative movers, shakers, and thinkers who populate our vibrant region. She’s ever on the lookout for stories about nature, city-living, and people pushing up toward a better world.
Marissa Scognamiglio
Marissa is a social media strategist and storyteller who’s spent the last few years bouncing between city life and the Jersey Shore. When she’s not creating content or writing about local spots, you can usually find her trying a new restaurant, walking through beach towns with an iced latte in hand, or planning an overly ambitious weekend itinerary for her friends. As a writer and proud Jersey girl, Marissa loves uncovering the kinds of places, bites, and experiences that make people fall a little more in love with New Jersey.
Alyssa Hirkaler
Alyssa is a born and raised Jersey Girl. She has a B.A. in Communications and received her M.A. in Public Relations from Montclair State. Currently residing in North Jersey, she loves to explore and support local Montclair businesses. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her traveling, reading, or with her dog.
Amy Groome
Amy is a loyal New Jersey native and resident. She has never forgotten her small town roots in Nutley, NJ. She was always fascinated by the closeby vastness and richness of NYC and all there is to offer in the surrounding area, including Montclair and Essex County. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Montclair State University and a Master’s in Health Administration from Rutgers. Amy is motivated and intrigued by research and writing. She feels a connection to the many people she meets and the places she visits. You’ll find Amy visiting museums, giggling at comedy shows, catching a Broadway show, being impressed by the local music scene, hiking, baking, and most importantly Amy loves spending quality time with her family and friends.
Eva Grall
A Montclair girl born and bred, Eva Grall is a writer, blogger, and artist. When she’s not writing romance novels or short stories, Eva is planning creative projects for her blog and photographing flowers around town. She’s more than halfway through a gardening degree from New York Botanical Garden, loves rainy days reading with her cats, and is learning French at FIAF to earn her citizenship.
Katrina Hauser
Katrina is a recent graduate of the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she obtained a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. Naturally curious about the world — and in particular, New Jersey — Katrina has returned to her hometown in North Jersey eager to explore the area and community as an adult. She currently works as a server at a steakhouse in Essex County; when she isn’t working, you can find her thrifting, trying new coffee shops, or reading a book from the library.
Lydia Maguire
Originally from Texas, Lydia realized there was no where in the world she’d rather be than Montclair, New Jersey after living all around the world. Known for her love of Shakespeare, music, and (really) good food, Lydia loves to keep her readers informed about whats new around town, what not to miss, and of course, the local favorites of Montclair. When not writing at a cafe or performing on stage, Lydia can be found buying too many cookies at Jayce Baudry, heading to Juniper Yoga, or walking with friends around any one of Montclair’s beautiful parks.
Olivia Fisher
Olivia grew up just next door in Verona and used to call Montclair “The Big Apple” as a child because she thought it resembled NYC. She has a B.A. and M.A. from The George Washington University in DC. As a history nerd, she is interested in local history, especially in North Jersey. When she's not writing, you can find Olivia exploring all the food, museums, and spots North Jersey and the DMV have to offer.
Brooke Stewart
Brooke Stewart was born and raised in Bergen County, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Spending her summers down the shore and trying new local coffee places is her favorite thing to do. Brooke graduated from Rutgers University in May, with a degree in communications and a minor in Digital media. Brooke enjoys content creation and putting her own little twist into everything that she does. Being able to be creative is something that she loves, and when everything comes together in the end, it is a rewarding experience.
Ava Rakowski
Ava Rakowski is a writer, dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Rakowski graduated from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University with her BFA in Dance and a Second Major in Journalism. In addition to her love of writing, Rakowski is a member of Artichoke Dance Company, a Brooklyn based contemporary dance company that works to promote environmental conservation through movement. She teaches dance across New Jersey, as well as yoga and pilates Hoboken. She is a lover of reading, crochet, puzzles, and spending time down the shore.
Jeanine Pedersen
Jeanine or J9 as everyone calls her, is the evolution of consulting for a modern world. Her experience is in a creative marketing, trends curation, storytelling/writing, concierge, and social media/communications role. Her devotions include fashion, Pilates, street art, travel, animals, and sports. She grew up and resides in Bergen County, NJ. She loves to discover, explore, and share her experiences with others. In her free time, you can find her at sporting events, seeking art, and sipping on matcha lattes. She also assists clients with home organization and clean outs, as a small side business.
Melanie Wexler
Melanie Wexler, LSW, is a licensed social worker and longtime Bergen County resident. With degrees from Monmouth University, she currently works as a psychotherapist, where she is dedicated to empowering women and amplifying young voices. Melanie is passionate about fostering safe, inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting holistic well-being. Beyond mental health, her interests and professional experience extend to self-care and beauty, physical health, sociology, political science, human rights advocacy, and social media creativity.
Dr. Thea Zunick
Dr. Thea Zunick is a Jersey Shore resident who is also a captivating speaker, social impact advocate, wellness guru, rescue dog mom, and “fitness foodies gal” committed to helping people thrive. Her love affair with food began in childhood experimenting in the kitchen, delighting in the joy her creations brought to others. Her adventurous spirit and appreciation for diverse flavors drive her exploration of new restaurants, where she finds inspiration and connection. With an innate curiosity and a discerning palate, Thea is always on the hunt for the next culinary gem or hot new business in the Jersey Shore area.
Laura Delucia
Laura DeLucia is a Jersey Shore native who now resides in Bloomfield, just outside of Montclair. She studied Communication and Public Relations at The College of New Jersey and previously worked at TikTok on the advertising sales side before shifting into content creation. Laura focuses on estate sales, thrifting, sustainability, and highlighting local businesses across North Jersey. She loves uncovering hidden gem spots with character that are just cool enough to make you want to tell your friends about them. When she’s not exploring Essex County and beyond, Laura is usually fostering cats or redesigning her 103-year-old Colonial home.
Ella Barchie
Ella is a writing intern at The Local Girl. Although a native resident of Verona, she is also a student at Syracuse University majoring in Magazine, News, and Digital Journalism. Beyond school, her goal is to work in fashion and culture journalism. Ella has worked in the past writing for Verona and Syracuse news sites and is excited to write more about her home state. When she is not writing, you can find her reading about the latest fashion news, thrifting, or listening to music all while drinking coffee.