As one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, Raleigh is transforming into a thriving metropolis—and someone needs to keep up with what’s going on! That’s why Raleigh Magazine is an integral part of the Triangle community, providing an informative and entertaining resource that covers everything from dining and drinks to arts and entertainment—with a healthy dose of news and features to boot.

We take the pulse of what’s going on and comb the streets every day for compelling content that translates into newsworthy stories that capture the every-changing landscape of Raleigh so you can stay informed in each issue and newsletter.

Raleigh Magazine is the brainchild of publisher Gina Stephens, who has a deep background in both journalism and sales, as well as an eye for design. The first issue of Raleigh Magazine launched in September 2015, and the brand has since grown into a thriving publication representing the diversity and energy of the city.

Editor-in-Chief Melissa Howsam is basically a Raleigh-lifer—sans early years in ATL/SC and a three-year post-grad stint in Chicago and DC to spread her editorial wings. An NC State alum (and huge Pack fan), she has double BAs in English and communications and a master’s degree in English. She has taught writing courses at NC State, Peace and Chicago’s DePaul; amassed bylines near and far; and joined Raleigh Mag in January 2021 after climbing the editorial ranks of city mags and national mags across the country (including at mammoth city magazine publisher Modern Luxury Media, home to 85+ local titles in 22 markets, as senior national editor and EIC of one of its city publications). She’s fueled by coffee, sarcasm, travel, cocktails, workouts, tailgates, the sun—and time with her pup and her people. @mahowsam

Associate Editor Lauren Kruchten is an NC State alumna (go Pack!) who interned at Raleigh Mag during her senior year—and made herself so indispensable that we never let her leave, officially joining the team in 2018. Prior, besides being a crackerjack student in design and journalism studies, she gained experience writing and designing for NC State’s official school yearbook, Agromeck, and student newspaper, Technician. Now, in addition to her invaluable work at RM, she also freelances (writing and marketing) for Raleighwood Media Group, Tabletop Media Group and the North Carolina Food & Beverage Podcast, among other regional publications. When she’s not sitting in front of her laptop, you can find her running, grabbing drinks and food at her fave Raleigh bars and restos (Wilco!), and bingeing Netflix shows like fave New Girl. @laurenn_nicol

Editorial Assistant Anna Beth Adcock is a proud Wolfpack alumna. After graduating in May 2021 with a BS in Marketing and a minor in Journalism, she joined the Raleigh Mag team as an intern before moving overseas to Bangkok (!) for a year while continuing to write for Raleigh Mag. Developing a passion for writing as an undergrad, she sharpened her skills in the classroom while penning articles for NC State’s Public Science Cluster and crafting content during her internship with Raleigh-based PR firm Clairemont Communications. When she isn’t perfecting her prose and writing all about Raleigh, she works part-time with a nonprofit ministry and gets her sweat on teaching fitness classes at the local YMCA. In her free time, you can find her out for a run, on her paddleboard at Lake Johnson, sipping a dirty chai latte from Cup A Joe or seeking out her next adventure (skydiving, anyone?) @_annabethadcock

Creative Director Liz Reed is an East Carolina University alumna (Go Pirates!) with a love of all things art and design. Post-grad from the School of Art and Design with concentrations in graphic design and ceramics, she cut her teeth in news media with a four-year stint in Little Washington, NC, where she learned the ropes of managing magazines, newspaper and other print publications. Ready to return to a big city, she traded her Charlotte roots for Raleigh and joined the team at Raleigh Magazine. When she’s not busy making a killer magazine, you can find her creating pottery, designing books or sketching in some quiet place. @liz.reed.design

Account Executive Debby Serena brings two decades of sales savvy to the table, with experience running the gamut from sales to business development to client services to fundraising—and even wildly successful entrepreneurial endeavors. Early in her career, Debby cut her teeth in the private sector and public sector as a sales manager and account exec with a Fortune 500 company. Most recently, she co-founded and sold Donor Haven, a digital platform designed to train functional areas of nonprofits for fundraising alignment. Beyond her brains for biz, her heart for community has led her to civic contributions including various leadership roles in nonprofit organizations—think children’s causes, health care, homeless initiatives, and both the visual and performing arts. Particularly passionate about youth empowerment, most recently, Debby’s focus has been on promoting STEM programs that are currently playing a vital role in girls’ education. It is through this dedication to giving children and youth the very best educational opportunities, and championing those causes, that she hopes to inspire, transform, and impact future generations. When she’s not burning up the streets with genius sales techniques or changing the world, Debby digs outdoor pursuits, chillin’ on the beach, reading, interior design and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Account Executive (and Raleigh native!) Tina Dahir boasts a BA in journalism and mass communication from UNC-Chapel Hill (Go Heels!). After starting her career in the nonprofit world at Duke Children’s Miracle Network, she later moved to Moscow, Russia, to work with the American Chamber of Commerce, before eventually moving back to the Triangle. Upon returning home, Tina tried her hand at entrepreneurship and opened a specialty boutique, then consulted with small businesses in digital transformation. Fast-forward to now, and, when she’s not working with clients at Raleigh Magazine, Tina is an active real estate agent. In her free time she likes to travel, read, play tennis and explore local restaurants with her husband, as well as cheer on her son at his soccer games and watch her daughter perform on stage. @tinalovesraleigh

Contact

Publisher Gina Stephens gina@raleighmag.com
Editor-in-Chief Melissa Howsam melissa@raleighmag.com
Associate Editor Lauren Kruchten lauren@raleighmag.com
Editorial Assistant Anna Beth Adcock annabeth@raleighmag.com
Account Executive Debby Serena debby@raleighmag.com
Account Executive Tina Dahir tina@raleighmag.com
Creative Director Liz Reed liz@raleighmag.com