As we mark our Lucky 13th birthday, meet the incomparable writers and editors (aka Rebelles) who bring you Rebellious Magazine for Women — and hear why they’re here to stay.
“I love Rebellious Magazine so much. Not only because I get to work with a team of brilliant, insightful, compassionate, supportive, and creative women, but, more importantly, because I love the writing. From movie reviews with a feminist perspective to social commentary with Black women at the heart of the story, Rebellious Magazine is a breath of fresh air in modern media.” — Laurie Fanelli, Entertainment Editor
“Rebellious Magazine is an important Black women-owned publication that allows writers who have to temper our voices in other spaces to be open and direct about how policies, social constructs and various works impact us personally and as a group. I love having the opportunity to be honest about what’s happening today and connect it to the past, knowing that I am saying out loud what many others think.” — Michelle Duster, Cultural Education Editor
“Rebellious Magazine was how I discovered all the funny and amazing women in Chicago. I’m thankful to Karen and Laurie for showcasing these women. I feel seen and empowered when I read their stories.” — Onicia Muller, Senior Contributor and Hype Woman, photo by Laurie Fanelli
“I stay with Rebellious because it’s the only media company I’ve seen that seeks to truly reflect the women- and queer-led community in Chicago. Rebellious aspires to be a media space where the community can come to collaborate and serve, whether that be shining a light on issues or what deserves to be celebrated. Rebellious is a space that can be anything we make it as long as we are brave enough to do so.” — Princess McDowell, Special Projects Editor
“The only thing more rewarding than being part of an editorial staff filled with intelligent, insightful and witty women is generating articles and reviews for intelligent, insightful and receptive women. Rebellious is a magazine where readers and writers come together to empathize, explore and experience everything from local events and national trends to international films and universal truths.” — Janet Arvia, Arts & Culture Editor
“I still work for Rebellious Magazine for Women because I believe that Rebellious has the power to improve our world. What does it mean to give main character energy to women-owned businesses, women-led organizations, women-focused advocacy groups, women politicians, women’s professional sports league athletes and games, women’s health, women artists and performances, and women activists with such issues as period poverty and reproductive justice, through an inclusive Black and LGBTQIA lens. With the social media piece, I’ve tried to inform on all of these things, in Chicago and beyond, starting with the stories in our pages and then expanding outward, as well as provide resources to current and aspiring journalists and writers. Rebellious helps solidify an infrastructure where all women can thrive.” — Valerie Hawkins, Social Media Director
