Meet the Team

Founder & CEO

Pete Zimek

Pete Zimek is the founder and CEO of Gainesville, Florida based Traffic2Revenue, a company whose Internet Listing Service providers (ILSs) in six Florida cities collectively help over 30,000 people per month in their search to find an apartment that meets their lifestyle and budget.  He is an expert in both the consultative sales process and search engine optimization. In 2011, Pete was named Social Media Person of the Year by the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando for his work in...

Managing Director

Sydney Jamieson

Sydney was barely 18 when she toured at her first potential college apartment (College Manor, a true University of Florida classic!) and said to her roommate, "I should be the lady who gives the tours!" A University of Florida Gator graduate with a BS in Business Administration (Marketing), she took her first apartment industry job doing Street Team marketing for a student housing community in Gainesville, FL with nearly 1200 residents! She worked nearly every leasing job in that community's...

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Olivia Blitchington

Olivia Blitchington is a Florida girl through and through, having grown up in the small town of Middleburg, FL. While working in cosmetics, she quickly realized her passion for client relations and marketing. Fired up by her desire to learn, she set off to pursue her bachelor's degree in advertising at the University of Florida, with a focus in business management. Go Gators! While attending school, Olivia also hit the ground running with an advertising internship for ApartmentsFor. She fell...

Market Director

Sarah Watts

Sarah was only 11 years old when she started a beauty and lifestyle YouTube channel. The channel matured alongside Sarah, as she consistently posted videos throughout middle school, high school, and a little bit of college ranging from makeup tutorials to room tours to advice on applying to college. Sarah's YouTube career led her to discover her passion for content creation and branding, which led Sarah to the University of Florida to pursue a degree in Marketing. When Sarah was living on The...

Digital Brand Manager

Caroline Webb

Say hello to Caroline Webb, the Digital Brand Manager for iLS network. Caroline is a 2022 graduate from University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications. She started her journey with iLS network as a junior on the Spring 2021 internship. She began with a team of four interns from UF and FSU tasked to help improve the various websites with relevant student content. The team completed a FSU Parent Guide for RentTally.com and worked on gathering student survey data. After having...

Social Media Representative

Alyandra Salguedo

Alyandra Salguedo is a junior at the University of Florida, majoring in Marketing. With an innate passion for business, she found a medium to express her creativity through her chosen career path. Alyandra's fascination lies in the study of consumer behaviors and the profound impact of marketing on various processes. During her time at UF, Alyandra has achieved noteworthy milestones, including assuming the role of Public Relations Officer for the synchronized swimming team, attaining a USA...

Social Media Rep

Gracie Kurtz

Gracie Kurtz is a rising junior at the University of Florida, majoring in Public Relations. Born and raised a Gator, she grew up tailgating with her family and attending games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. There's no place she'd rather spend her college career than Gainesville. Her journey in the media world began with a strong foundation in various roles, including digital news reporting, TV broadcast, video production and photojournalism. She has worked for PBS, WUFT and the Independent...

Marketing Coordinator

Georgina Tamburini

Georgina remembers when she committed to the University of Florida and how pumped she was to be a Gator! Her freshmen year, she moved from South Florida to Gainesville and lived in an off-campus apartment she had toured that summer. She knew she wanted to live in an apartment that was close to Butler Plaza and the new and upcoming restaurants and shops, and also wanted to be close enough to campus where she could take the bus! She actually got her first job at one of the University of...

Past Contributors

Digital Content Specialist

Sophia Krinos

Sophie Krinos is a junior at the University of Florida studying Information Systems and Political Science. This double major will combine her two passions for technology and government, and she hopes to have a career in both fields in the future.  When she's not busy studying for her classes, Sophie is very involved on campus and active in her community. She currently serves as the president of Student Animal Alliance where she raises awareness for animal mistreatment. Her passion for animal...

Digital Content Specialist

Madison Suter

Madison Suter is a second-year Marketing student at the University of Florida, minoring in Mass Communications. This combination is reflective of her desire to bring together her analytical business mind with her creative side. Madison has future goals of working in the digital marketing and social media fields, so she is very excited to get real world experience being on the iLS Network team. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Madison always knew she wanted attend college out of...

Digital Marketing Director

Jennifer Norman

Whether it's online or on-air, Jenn has been working to help local, regional and national businesses gain a competitive advantage since graduating from the University of Florida in 2008. Serving as the Director of Digital Marketing, Jenn plans and executes all online strategies including SEO, blogging and social media. Offline she strives to determine and connect Swamp Rentals with strategic partners in the community. Having begun her career in local TV news and broadcasting, Jenn gained...

Digital Marketing Associate

Melisa Figueroa

Melisa is a go-getter who loves creating positive change in peoples' lives through public relations and communications. She loves working with and meeting new people and uses her passions to create lasting relationships. She has worked in retail marketing, non-profit public relations, event planning, radio station promotions, creating social media strategies, and more communications areas, all while still in school at the University of Florida. She made it her goal to gain as much experience...

Market Director

Carina Miles

Carina is a people person who loves all things public relations and marketing! She's done everything from working with PR agencies to entrepreneurial adventures, winning multiple industry awards along the way. Born and raised in Central Florida, she knows all of the ins and outs of the Orlando area. As a market director for iLS network, Carina is ecstatic to use her passion for client relations, while helping residents find their perfect apartment in the city she loves! Carina graduated with...

Digital Content Strategist

Dakota Sproule

Dakota is a creative problem-solver who gets fired up about making a difference in the community through public relations and communications. Fueled by these passions, she has worked in digital marketing, non-profit public relations, fundraising, content creation, social media strategy and market research. She loves using her experience to build meaningful, lasting relationships. As a part of the iLS Network team, she gets to do just that by connecting clients and renters to help them find an...

Local Expert

Carter Rolfe

Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Carter moved to Jacksonville, Florida at the young age of seven. From plains to ocean, Carter quickly fell in love with the big blue and, though home is where the heart is, he quickly adjusted to the new lifestyle. Growing up watching the Florida Gators and attending Billy Donovan's summer basketball camp from middle school to high school, Carter felt orange and blue pumping through his veins early on. So when he came to Gainesville to attend the University...

Local Expert

Julia Barela

Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida since she was seven, her dream was always to attend the University of Florida and be a gator. Now at the age of 21, she is on the verge of graduating on May 2015 with a Bachelor's in Anthropology and minor in Entrepreneurship. Her adventurous spirit has led her to do the craziest of acts from zip lining the canyons to swimming with manta rays in the Bahamas. Julia is no stranger to traveling, especially since she's traveled and lived in four different...

Digital Marketing Strategist

Nicole F.

Nicole is passionate about great products and their impact. Her love of music led her to join Grooveshark in the fall of 2012, where she worked closely with the Product and Data teams to provide the best radio and listening experience to users. During her time with the company, she made it her focus to develop new features and create exciting content for the community to enjoy. As a Digital Marketing Strategist for iLS network, her goal is remarkably similar. Nicole delivers effective copy...

Local Expert

Maria Eisenhart

When she's not at the beach soaking up the sun this Miami girl loves shopping. Whether, she is strolling the mall or surfing the web being up to date on the latest fashion trends is a must for her. Maria, having been a busy city girl her entire life, enjoyed the luxury of always having good restaurants open at all hours to support her nocturnal lifestyle habits. But as she moved to Gainesville in fall 2010 she was ready to embrace the college town life. However, she was nervous about where to...

Local Expert

Katie Duguid

Katherine has always been a Florida girl and grew up on the coast - that is, until she moved to Gainesville. There, she attends the University of Florida and studies both Advertising and English. While there isn't sand or surf, she's grown to love the area. What she particularly likes about the ‘ville is all the different living options that are available. As someone who has lived on and off campus, she knows the importance of finding a place that fits your lifestyle just right. She's a bit...

Local Expert

Nick Sutter

Nick Sutter is a Florida native who grew up in South Florida. He is currently pursuing an Advertising degree at the University of Florida. Born with the heart of a writer and the core of a nerd, he seems to be constantly looking for new experiences to satisfy his own curiosity. Nick's curiosity got its fill when he came to Gainesville. After four years of college he has learned a lot about the local area, including the apartments within it. Nick understands the importance of having a real...

Local Expert

Ivana Sehovic

Ivana is originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia, a beautiful capital city with a rich history and delicious food. Her family moved to Clearwater, Florida when she was 5 years old. She attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, majoring in English Literature and Pre-Medicine with a minor in Classics. One of her favorite places to visit in Gainesville is Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where she loves to hike and photograph the wildlife. She also regularly drives up to attend Gainesville's...

Local Expert

Jake Romoser

Jake is a Florida man through and through. He was born and raised in Orlando - specifically, the suburbia of Ocoee. Jake graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in journalism and a minor in environmental studies. For the past year, he has been working in New York City in the photo department at Bon Appetit magazine. After a year of the big city grind, Jake decided 40-minute commutes on packed subway cars, $8 beers and ludicrous apartment rent just wasn't his cup of tea. He is...

Local Expert

Meghan Bowman

Born in Houston, Texas, where everything is big, Meghan's birth story is no different than the state that is her birth place. Before Meghan's mother could even step a foot inside the hospital, she was born right there in the parking lot. Meghan's eagerness to live and have adventures has carried with her throughout her life. Growing up in a small town outside of Tampa, Florida was less than this spirited young lady aspired for. So, when she graduated she took the first chance she could to...

Local Expert

Teresa Martinez

Aside from doctoring her DVR to make sure that E!News and the Fashion Police have recorded, Teresa enjoys exploring Florida's local outlets and hidden gems. Having an interest in thrifting and vintage décor, Teresa has spent her time discovering various neighborhoods, communities, and absorbing the surrounding culture that makes each city uniquely rich. A native of Louisiana, Teresa grew up in Tampa and attended the University of South Florida.  Moving nearly twice a year throughout her...

Local Expert

Alex Wills

Whether it's running 100 miles a week or driving across the country, Alex is no stranger to being out of his element. A graduate of the University of Florida and self-described gym rat, Alex does anything he can to have the most diverse experiences in life.Alex is passionate about being the best digital marketer he can be and has done marketing consulting for brands such as Linkin Park, Paramore and even the Australian Government. Just this past year, he made the big move to the Land of Milk...

Local Expert

Jenn Coffman

Unexpected to most, Jenn is not Italian or Hispanic; she's a mutt from New Jersey. Growing up mostly in Kentucky and Florida, she's no stranger to southern traditions and values though. Jenn moved to Gainesville, FL to attend the University of Florida (go gators!) and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and a minor in Anthropology. Jenn's been working since she was 12 years old. It all started as a child model and progressed to working at a dry...

Local Expert

Maggie Teach

Originally from Indiana, Maggie grew up just minutes away from the beautiful beaches of Naples, Florida.  A proud member of the Gator Nation, she is currently pursuing a degree in advertising with a concentration in business. Maggie has a great deal of experience in the retail industry, most recently completing a sales internship with Nordstrom last summer. After enjoying a part-time internship with Swamp Rentals in the spring, she decided to become a member of the team and contribute her...

Local Expert

Olivia Gonzalez

Food and books are the key to this Florida native's heart. Born and raised mostly in Orlando, Fl., Olivia has moved around and traveled throughout the state with her chef father and amateur chef mother. Reading just took her everywhere else she wanted to go--including Hogwarts! Although she couldn't attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Olivia is a senior at the University of Florida, majoring in public relations. She's had plenty of experience searching for the perfect apartment...

Local Expert

Francesca Lyn

Born and raised in Florida, Francesca grew up in North Lauderdale and later attended the University of Florida in Gainesville. Earning both an undergraduate and graduate degree at UF has resulted in an obsession with the Gators and a compelling urge to buy anything that is orange and blue. Spending so much time living in a college town has made her an expert on apartment hunting. She looks forward to sharing her experiences to help other make the best choices. In her spare time, Francesca...

Local Expert

Victoria Phillips

Born and raised in Key West, Fla., Victoria's upbringing was a unique one: She learned to swim before she could walk, and whipping up a batch of cupcakes is second nature thanks to her baking-centric family. She's always down for a dance battle, and binge-watching TV is her guilty pleasure. An alumni of the University of Florida's journalism school, Victoria is now an editor in New York City. Finding an affordable apartment in the big apple is no easy task, and Victoria has accomplished this...

Local Expert

Jaclyn Rhoads

Originally from Boston, Jaclyn currently lives in Orlando with her husband Jesse, somewhere between Hogwarts and Cinderella's castle. A graduate of the University of Florida's College of Journalism & Communications (Go Gators!), Jaclyn has a degree in journalism and a masters in advertising. She met her hubby her freshman year of college and spent 10 years in Gainesville before moving to Central Florida. She is a marketing professional and has worked in several industries including...

Local Expert

Alexa Lash

A hardcore karaoker and occasional bowling enthusiast, Alexa considers herself just as random as Florida weather. When she isn't out with her friends, she's at home editing one thing or another---anything from romance novels to resumes. But Alexa didn't get into writing and editing for giggles; she studied Creative Writing at the University of Central Florida (when the knights were still "Golden"), then got her Master's in Publishing & Writing from Emerson College in Boston. At UCF, she was...

Local Expert

Lester Nandati

Lester was born just outside New Haven, Connecticut in the midst of dead-winter. Yet, he has resided in Tallahassee ever since moving down to Florida one and a half years after he was born. Being raised in Tallahassee, he grew accustomed to the heat of Florida summer, and the southern blend of culture. Still quite fond of his cold-climate roots, he never complains about the temperature in winter. Lester currently studies Mechanical Engineering and is pursuing research in mechatronics under...

Local Expert

Leah Loy

Born in California, raised in Texas, yet transported to Florida as a teen, Leah still considers herself a Texas girl.  The statement is true, "once a Texan, always a Texan" and that describes Leah to a tee!  At the age of 14, Leah moved to Central Florida with her family then moved to the Panhandle to attend college at the Baptist College of Florida.  At the age of 19, Leah met and married her college sweetheart.  They have been married for 20 years and have a 10 year old...

Local Expert

Ryann Ivester

A Florida girl at heart, Ryann was born in St. Petersburg and raised in Tallahassee.  Ryann and her husband lived in Brooklyn briefly in a tiny one bedroom studio that she loved.  You would be surprised what you can do when your kitchen consists of a hotplate and a microwave.  Then they went on to Michigan where Ryann earned her degree in Nursing.   After beginning a career in cardiac nursing, Ryann and her husband came back home to Florida.  Whether you are a college student just starting...

Local Expert

Katie Brady

A true Floridian, Katie grew up in Bradenton, a beachy community just south of Tampa, FL. While moving to Gainesville was a bit of a culture-shock ("Where's the ocean?"), she now cannot picture herself anywhere else. Katie is currently studying advertising at the University of Florida and participates in organizations including Ad Society, Journalism and Communications Ambassadors and the Dean's Student Advisory council. She just can't get enough of the j-school! A self-proclaimed...

Local Expert

Marie Freemole

Marie works at a craft store and is always looking for her next craft project. When she's not crafting, you'll find Marie in the kitchen cooking up one of her favorite recipes. Try her peanut chicken, and you'll soon find out cooking and baking are her real passion. A majority of her free time is spent trying new recipes from cuisines all over the world. She's spent a great deal of time exploring Orlando in some surprisingly unique stores searching for specialty ingredients to use in her...

Local Expert

Ashley Shewey

Born and raised in the Sunshine State, Ashley hails from a one-stoplight town outside of Gainesville, FL. She was born in the same hospital as singer/songwriter Tom Petty (although not at the same time or the same decade for that matter.) With a degree in Journalism from UF (Go Gators!), most of her work has been involved in TV and video; including a stint with The Late Show with David Letterman in NYC. Imagine the culture shock when she left the comforts of laid-back Florida living (and...

Local Expert

Sasha Samsudean

When she's not busy whipping up a batch of her indulgent chocolate peanut butter cupcakes or catching up on the latest episode of Real Housewives, Sasha enjoys cruising around town visiting various apartment communities. She grew up in Orlando and attended the University of Florida, where she moved seven times within five years. She's had her fair share of bad roommates, noisy neighbors, and insect infestations, but is grateful for the opportunity to share these stories with other renters to...

Marketing Intern

Taylor Weldon

My name is Taylor Weldon and I am a third year Honors Program student at the University of Florida pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration - Marketing. I currently work as a Research and Editorial Assistant for UF Health. My long term goals involve combining my knowledge of business and marketing, my leadership experience, and my creative mindset to make a positive difference in the world. Outside of the classroom and office, you can find me eating Mexican food, playing...

Digital Marketing Intern

Billie Arnett

Billie is currently a student at the University of Florida majoring in public relations. This South Florida native is passionate about health and helping others. Growing up just 20 minutes north of the Florida Keys, it is only natural that she would enjoy being outdoors and taking time to watch the sun set. She has worked in sales, advertising, and non-profit positions within her undergraduate career. She believes that understanding others' needs is key in fostering meaningful relationships...

Digital Marketing Intern

Skyler Lebron

Skyler Lebron is a digital marketing intern at SwampRentals with a burning passion for uncovering great stories and writing. Through his work in the Florida Alligator as a sports beat writer, his writing and editing at Gainesville Grub and other journalistic ventures, Skyler just loves to write and make a compelling ring. Skyler hopes to use his degree to further pursue a career in sports journalism, but he also knows the importance of digital marketing in a world that is getting further and...

Intern

Dolores Hinckley

Dolores is a problem-solver and likes a challenge—in as many languages as possible. Half Italian and half American, Dolores is no stranger to environments with diverse people and ways of thinking. She moved from Italy to the USA as a tiny tot, grew up in Florida and now attends the University of Florida learning how to produce the news as a telecommunications major. Aside from Italian, Dolores is studying French so she can say "Go Gators!" in three languages. As a member of the noviAMS team,...

Intern

Erica Steinkohl

Erica Steinkohl hails from sunny south Florida. Born in a family of diehard gators and having practically donned orange and blue since infancy, it was no surprise when she traded in the beaches of Fort Lauderdale for the swamplands of the Gator nation. At The University of Florida, Erica majors in Advertising and minors in Business Administration. Innovative marketing that informs and excites is what motivates Erica. After being inspired by the world of musical theater at an early age, she...

Intern

Nicole Franco

Nicole is a Public Relations major at the University of Florida. Before her internship at iLS network, Nicole experienced how helpful Swamp Rentals can be when searching for her first apartment near campus. Nicole shared that Swamp Rentals made it easy for her to find a home that was close to campus, in her budget, and with all the amenities she needed. With Nicole's busy college schedule, she was thankful that Swamp Rentals made her apartment search fast and easy. When Nicole met Swamp...

Intern

Mariana Velázquez Castillo

Born in Mexico, Mariana learned the importance of home at an early age. She moved three times by the time she was four-years-old eventually ending up in South Florida with her family. Each place her family rented left Mariana wonderful memories but none as wonderful as the house her family eventually settled in. When she got accepted to the University of Florida, she packed up her things to move five hours north of home. She was reminded of the importance of home – the power that a place has...

Local Expert

Imani Williams

Imani is a ready for the world twenty-something with a passion for unique people and places, and her career in non-profit public relations has allowed her countless experiences with both. With a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations from Clark Atlanta University and a Masters' Degree in Communication from the University of Louisville, Imani has studied digital marketing and influence, always with the intention of helping others. She enjoys using her personal and social influence to advocate...

Local Expert

Emily Thoures

Emily was born in San Diego, California but spent half of her childhood in Florida, so she knows how to enjoy beaches and sunshine. Having grown up in the town of Spring Hill just north of Tampa, she is very familiar with the surrounding area. After graduating high school, Emily spent time in Gainesville pursuing her Associates Degree from Santa Fe College. When she started missing the water, she moved to Tampa and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from the University...

Local Expert

Megan Stennes

Megan was born and raised in the Sunshine State of Florida, and she's called Palm Beach County home for most of her life. After high school, Megan started pursuing her Associate's Degree at Palm Beach State College before transferring to Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. Megan then went on to the University of Florida, where she pursued her Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations. Megan has traveled all over the state of Florida, but some of her favorite places are Key West, Orlando and...

Local Expert

Melissa Hernandez

Melissa Hernandez was born in Havana, Cuba but relocated to Santiago, Chile at the young age of 2. She resided in Chile for 3 years before undergoing another big international move to West Palm Beach, Florida. Melissa is bilingual and prides herself on representing the Hispanic community no matter where she lives. Melissa comes from a very close-knit Cuban family, so being the first one to move away to college was a struggle for everyone. Melissa and her family toured plenty of apartments in...

Local Expert

Tranelle Maner

A resident pop culture expert, Tranelle Maner is a devoted fan of lifestyle podcasts, social media influencers, and arts and culture. She developed these passions at a young age, which led to her enrollment in the University of Florida's College of Journalism. Before setting out into the world post-graduation, she hopes to leave her mark in Gainesville, connecting the beautiful city she now calls home with the flourishing UF campus. Tranelle currently serves as an arts and culture writer for...

Local Expert

Shannon Claflin

Born and raised in Florida, the Gulf Coast to be specific, Shannon Claflin is all too familiar with the Sunshine State's balmy weather, famous sugar white sands, and beautiful, emerald green waters. She never could have imagined living far from the water, that is until she got accepted to the University of Florida in 2015. From being a member of the Dazzler dance team to volunteering around the community, this public relations and business administration graduate wouldn't trade her college...

Local Expert

Vanessa Ferguson

Vanessa Ferguson was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a beautiful city where the sun is always shining. Since she was a little girl, her dream has always been to pursue a career in Journalism. She's now fulfilling her lifelong passion as a broadcast journalism student at Florida A&M University. Vanessa enjoys studying communication and graphic design as well. She is very passionate about helping others, which is one of the reasons why she is so ecstatic to be working with...

Local Expert

Portia Akins

Although Portia Akins was born in Nashville, Tennessee, she spent the majority of her childhood in Florida. She lived in Tallahassee for several years before relocating to Jacksonville. After graduation, Portia decided to go back to Tallahassee to attend her dream school, Florida A&M University, and pursue a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. She is very excited to be graduating in December 2019. Portia served as a leasing agent for over a year, until she was recently promoted to...

Local Expert

Audrey Waid

Audrey Waid is a wildly optimistic human with a deep love for writing and psychology. To her, nothing says sit and stay awhile like an espresso and good conversation. She's passionate about reading, creating, and flying to new places that land her face to face with different cultures. Her curiosity and love for both creativity and strategy landed her at the University of Florida where she studies advertising, the perfect blend of her interests and talents. She is working toward a career in...

Local Expert

Tamiera Vandegrift

Tamiera Vandegrift was born in Philadelphia but spent most of her life in Florida. She has lived just about everywhere, from the bustling city of Tampa to the remote town of Brooksville to the capital city of Tallahassee. From the moment she stepped foot on the Florida State University campus and caught glimpse of Tallahassee's rustic charm, she knew that she had found her home. She graduated with honors, having earned a double degree in English and digital media production. She is also a...

Local Expert

Jaelynn Hart

Jaelynn is a spunky twenty-something ready to face the world head on. Living her entire life in Florida, she aspires to travel the world once she graduates, exploring new places and cultures and meeting people that give her the inspiration and experience she needs to be a writer. Working towards a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and in Media Communication Studies from Florida State University, Jaelynn is studying communication comprehension and story development with the intention of...

Local Expert

Kelly Kennedy

Kelly is a master of relocation having moved over 35 times, sometimes with little to no notice. While Kelly was born in Florida and resides here now, she moved across the United States from the desert to the bayou and back to the gulf coast. Having this experience has made her an expert packer and organizer and given her a keen eye for spotting ideal living spaces. She knows the importance of finding the perfect space to fit your needs. Short term, long term, or anytime in between, she knows...

Local Expert

Ryan Nelson

Ryan Nelson is a senior at Florida State University in beautiful Tallahassee, Florida. Ryan is a Florida native and has lived in apartments as a child and as an adult, giving him a thorough understanding of turning an apartment into a home. He has grown up around nearly all pets, so he personally connects with the importance of an apartment being pet-friendly. Ryan loves the outdoors as well as the comfort of his own space, which is why a balcony or back porch is number one on his list of...

Local Expert

Clare Chang

Clare was born a Northerner in the heart of the big apple. She called Virginia home for a while and even was a dreamer living in LA LA Land for a bit. Now she's a Southerner living in the sunshine state near the best beaches in Clearwater and fun downtown festivities in Tampa. She's moved every single year since leaving her parents' house, at the young age of sixteen, for the first year of college. Now she knows exactly what to look for and how to find it. She adores architecture and is a...

Local Expert

Christian Ragland

Christian is a graduate of Florida State University who has moved around the country quite a bit. Born in North Carolina, he has lived in Virginia, Boca Raton, and Port St. Lucie before settling into Tallahassee after moving for school. Thanks to his various changes of location, Christian understands the importance of finding the right place to live. From student living to post-graduated residence, Christian knows the best and worst of what amenities and features apartments have to...

Local Expert

Jala Harris

Jala is a true Floridian, she has lived in over ten cities throughout Florida. Her father was employed with the Florida State Park Service during her childhood, so she experienced all the wonders of natural Florida. She considers central Florida her hometown where she attended middle and high school but has now adopted Gainesville as home. Jala originally moved to Gainesville for college, met her husband here, and after they were married, they returned to Gainesville to start a family. Jala...

Local Expert

Christen Hailey

Christen is a rare Florida native, originally from Jacksonville, and has been residing in Tampa for what seems like forever. An alumna of USF (go Bulls!), Christen studied theater production and creative writing for a few more years than was necessary - until her advisor told her to either graduate already as a seventh-year senior, or lose his email & leave him alone for all eternity. She really liked being a college student, and is vaguely considering returning for a Master's degree in...

Local Expert

Emily Schutz

Emily is originally from South Florida, born and raised in West Palm Beach. She loves her hometown and was very involved in the community growing up, partaking in many opportunities to sing and entertain. She performed in many competitions and even sang during the 7th inning stretch at Roger Dean Stadium on the fourth of July. After 18 years of living along the coast, she moved to Tallahassee, FL where she attends Florida State University and is currently pursuing a double major in English and...

Local Expert

Juliana Henchy

Born and raised in the sunshine state, Juliana thinks of Florida as her forever home. She grew up in Central Florida, and graduated from Winter Park High School. Continuing on with her Floridian journey, Juliana moved to Tallahassee, Florida to pursue a bachelor's degree at Florida State University. After earning her degree in English, for editing, writing, and media with a minor in communications, she sought out to expand her talents while putting forth full efforts to accomplish any goal at...

Local Expert

Melissa Kuntzman

Melissa Kuntzman is an undergraduate student at Florida State University double-majoring in English and Political Science. She joined Her Campus at FSU in the fall of her sophomore year, starting as a staff writer then becoming a content editor. For her senior year, she will be serving as the publication outreach coordinator for the chapter. Passionate about writing, Melissa has seized any opportunity to grow in her skills. After she graduates in the spring of 2022, Melissa hopes to attend...

Local Expert

Danielle Barnych

Danielle has always been a girl on the move. She has lived in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Florida twice, and now resides in Tallahassee. Her current place of residence is a convenient off-campus apartment near the beautiful Florida State University where she studies Creative Writing and Psychology. She has been a Staff Writer for Her Campus at FSU for two years now and hopes to one day publish books of her own. During her first year at FSU, she lived in an on-campus dorm before transitioning to...

Digital Content Strategist

Catie Carey

Catie is passionate about community and connection and how those fundamental human needs intersect in a digital landscape. While her path to marketing, web, and digital content wasn't the most traditional, at its core, her passion for storytelling, improving the lives of those around her, and working with creative and energetic teams resulted in the career trajectory of her dreams.  After graduating with a master's degree from the University of Florida in 2008, Catie spent nearly a decade in...

Local Expert

Jessica Fuller

Jessica has been a proud Floridian all her life. She was born and raised in Orlando before making a short move to Winter Garden during her senior year. Now she resides in Tallahassee where she is a sophomore at Florida State University. She's studying for a degree in English for Editing, Writing and Media, after which she aspires to become a professional copy editor for a publishing company. She lives on-campus for now, but she is eagerly making plans to move into an off-campus apartment as...

Blog Writer

Anna Pawlusiak

Anna moved to Florida when she was seven years old. It was a big change moving from Michigan, but she embraced it and grew to love the sunshine state. She was homeschooled through middle school and high school, so when it was time to go to college, it was a large change for her. Yet she embraced that too and was excited to start her journey at the University of South Florida. Anna is currently studying Mass Communications with minors in Professional and Technical Communications and Classics....

Blog Writer

Morgan Wilpert

Morgan is truly a Florida girl, born and raised, living throughout the state. Morgan used to be a Tampa girl, aspiring to attend the local university, and constantly attending Tampa Bay Lightning hockey games with her mother. Once she began attending school at the University of Central Florida, the Orlando area truly became her home away from home. After she completes her BA in Creative Writing, she plans to continue pursuing her writing dreams. She was initially a Theatre major, but the art...