Meet the Staff

Miles Gibson

Editor in Chief

Jaden Edwards

News Editor

Cieara Briones

Sports Editor

Brandon Molina

Community Engagement Director

Mia Burns

Arts Editor

Mason Edwards

Arts Editor

Laurel Keisler

Multimedia Editor

Sophia Alterio

Sports Reporter

Daryious Anderson

Arts Reporter

Raphael Hachamovitch

Multimedia Reporter

Odessa Hairapetian

Editor in Chief

Lisa Jacobs

News Editor

Sebastian Rosales Valdez

Sports Editor

Natalie Ramsaran

Engagement Editor

Samantha Edelman

Photo Editor

Allegra Coleman

Sports Editor

Anastasia Van Batenburg

Arts Editor

Jemma Fox

Managing Editor

Cieara Briones

Sports Writer

Lorenzo Biscardi

Sports Writer

Jacob Navarro

Sports Reporter

Jack Eckhart

Reporter

Jaden Edwards

Reporter

Miles Gibson

Reporter

Laurel Keisler

Staff Photographer

Marisa London

Reporter

Gabi Vivolo

Arts Writer

Morgan Thomason

Social Media Producer

Gabi Badalamenti

Social Media Producer

Bio Goes Here
Odessa Hairapetian

Editor in Chief

Ali Gagliardi

Editor in Chief

Tova Golland

Opinion Editor

Camille Mesquit

Arts & Culture Editor

Jack Alberta

Music & Sports Editor

Allegra Coleman

Engagement Editor

Logan Venhoff

Managing Editor

Kisha Anderson

City Reporter

Peyton Bodga

Entertainment Reporter

Ava Brunson

Arts & Culture Reporter

Isabella Chacon

Sports Reporter

Samantha Edelman

Multimedia Creator

Lisa Jacobs

City Reporter

Mary Lauer

Music Reporter

Elizabeth Leka

Opinion Writer

Tatum Roistacher

Content Creator

Sebastian Rosales Valdez

Sports Reporter

Anastasia Van Batenburg

Arts Reporter

Editor in Chief

Allegra Coleman is a third-year Journalism Major and Public Relations Minor from Chicago, Illinois. Allegra covers all forms of journalism but has recently found a passion for sports journalism. She has worked as a student writer for the Chicago Bears.

 

Managing Editor


Odessa Hairapetian
is a third-year Journalism Major and Sociology Minor from Los Angeles, California. She is a social justice advocate and writes to be the voice for the underrepresented in sharing their stories.  In addition to writing, Odessa uses photography as a representation of culture and community. 

 

Arts & Life Editor


Morgan Webb
is a fourth-year Journalism major and a student in LMU’s 4+1 Entertainment Leadership and Management program. She is incredibly passionate about all things music and pop culture and particularly enjoys writing coverage on live music events around Los Angeles.

Arts Reporters

Luke Veltz is a senior Journalism student who specializes in Opinion and Arts and Culture. He is an avid music, film, and political critic who produces art as well.


Abby Cetaruk
is a second-year Journalism student at LMU. She enjoys reporting on the visual and performing arts, as well as fashion trends and events. In her spare time, she loves hot yoga, skiing, and exploring LA.

Sports Editor


Liam Chaitin
is currently a senior at LMU, majoring in Information Systems and Business Analytics, with a minor in Journalism. Coming from Seattle, Liam enjoys the spending time outdoors, time with his dogs, and watching his local sports teams. Consider his passion for sports, Liam is eager to report on athletics and inform you on the most relevant and pressing topics around different sports.

Baseball Reporter


Liam Tanner
is currently the LMU baseball reporter for the Lion. He enjoys the world of sports, college and pro, as well as surfing and playing guitar. As a member of LMU Mock Trial and Phi Delta Theta, Liam is plugged into the various sides of Loyola Marymount and hopes to bring his knowledge into his writings.

Campus Reporter


Booker McCann
is a senior Film Production major and Journalism minor from Silver Spring, Maryland. He is passionate about documentary filmmaking and adversarial investigative reporting. In 2020-21, he served as the executive producer and lead editor of his school TV program, winning two Capital Student Emmys. He is also a movie buff, music junkie, and a resigned fan of the Washington Wizards.

City Reporter


Billy Dunlap
is a senior journalism major from Wayzata, Minnesota. Besides being a Timberwolves fan, he enjoys writing and exploring the arts. When he’s not writing, he can be found listening to music and discovering new artists.

Opinion Editor

Tova Golland is a third year Journalism major. She is incredibly passionate about fashion, beauty, and pop culture. She is a member of the Zeta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi and LMU and is an editorial writer for STRIKE Magazine’s Los Angeles Branch.

Opinion Columnist

 

Ali Gagliardi is a third-year Political Science and Journalism student from New Jersey. She is passionate about topics ranging from pop culture to politics, leading her to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. She developed her niche in political journalism covering the presidential election for Los Angeles Loyolan’s Project E2024. 

Opinion Columnist & Photographer


Nick Solan
is majoring in journalism and minoring in screenwriting at Loyola Marymount University. He dives into film, photography and writing to reach the different types of his audience through creative formats of media. His approach to journalism is a process of artistic freedom and practical design.

 

Multimedia Editor


Amelie Favre
is a third-year Political Science major and Journalism minor from Los Angeles, California. She is an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta and currently works in LMU’s Post Production Office. When she’s not working or studying, you can find her exploring new spots around LA with friends or relaxing with her dog.  

Engagement Editor


Natalie Ramsaran is a third-year journalism major from Newport Beach, California. She loves writing and is passionate about pursuing a career in entertainment or fashion. 

Content Creators

Katie Bushell is a second-year journalism major from the East Bay. She is passionate about mental health awareness, beauty, and pop culture. When she isn’t creating content for The Lion, you can find her listening to music or exploring new restaurants in Los Angeles!


Camryn Singer is a junior journalism major from Naperville, Illinois. When she’s not creating content for The Lion, she’s probably teaching hot yoga, listening to R&B music, or keeping up with the latest fashion trends. 

Madeline Wilson is a third-year journalism major from the Bay Area. She is passionate about politics and pursuing a career in the legal field. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and is also a member of Alpha Phi.

 

Jack Alberta is a junior journalism major from Wilmington, Delaware. He loves writing Op-ed and Column style pieces about all thing’s music and pop culture. Being a musician and avid music listener himself, he has a natural knack and voice for writing about all aspects of music and its intersection with pop culture as a whole.

 

Allegra Coleman is a third-year Journalism Major and Public Relations Minor from Chicago, Illinois. Allegra covers all forms of journalism but has recently found a passion for sports journalism. She has worked as a student writer for the Chicago Bears.

 

Mac Flanagan is a junior journalism major from Portland, Oregon. He served as the media editor of his high school publication. He likes writing about the outdoors, infrastructure, and lifestyle, and can also commonly be found with a camera in his hand. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, playing the guitar, hiking, and watching his hometown Trail Blazers compete. 

 

 

Bella Klucevek is a junior Journalism major and Peace & Justice Studies minor. Bella is incredibly passionate about the arts, social justice, animals – especially the ones at her home in Portland, Oregon – and the em dash. On LMU’s campus, she participates in music ensembles and clubs, including the Sinatra Opera Program. Although she has written for her high school and other publications int he past, The Lion is her first official contribution at Loyola, and she’s honored to add it to her resume. 


Betina Lounsbury is a junior at LMU and is currently pursuing a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Economics. She is a member of Delta Zeta Sorority and the LMU Real Estate Society on campus. In her free time, she enjoys running, hikig, and teaching gymnastics.


 Camille Mesquit is a third year Journalism major and Public Relations minor from Portland, Oregon. She discovered her interest in Journalism through writing for the LMU Communications Department’s newsletter, LMU This Week, for which she covered a wide range of on-campus events, from a Chinese Opera Workshop to movie premieres.

Shaunael Milton is an English major with two minors in Journalism and Public Relations. She has interned at two magazines throughout her college experience thus far: Tha Headline, a Black independent Magazine, and Modern Luxury. Shaunael has gained experience in interviewing, the entertainment industry, and writing for a luxury audience through these internships. 

Caroline Baker

Editor in Chief

Rachael Gaudiosi

Editor in Chief

Megan Slater

Engagement Editor

Cherlyn Li

Social Media Editor

Tamar Brown

Social Media Editor

Olivia Clark

Multimedia Editor

Roo Geiran

Campus Editor

Sofia Gyepes

Campus Reporter

Ryan Connors

Campus Reporter

Tyler Obalek

City Editor

Oliver Tensley

City Reporter

Bella Lechau

City Reporter

 

Michael Walsh

City Reporter

Elisa Alvarez

Culture Editor

Selina Haroon

Culture Reporter

Claire Houser

Culture Reporter

Ryan Watts

Culture Reporter

Kylie Dobbs

Sports Editor

Alex Pinedo

Sports Reporter

Ellie Flora

Sports Reporter

Brendan Balestracci

Editor in Chief

Hello! I am Brendan Balestracci, Editor in Chief for the Lion, and a Senior Journalism Major here at LMU.   I am originally from Guilford, Connecticut, and my interests range from music to content creation to politics. Outside of class you can find me enjoying life on the West Coast.

Hannah Medvene

Managing Editor

I am a senior journalism major, a former city reporter for The Lion, and am returning this semester as the managing editor. I previously interned at CNN and plan to produce/edit documentaries after graduating.

Josie Beltran

Engagement Editor

Hello! I’m Josie Beltran, the engagement editor of the Lion. I am a senior journalism major. Outside of class, I am a member of alpha chi omega as well as an intern for PULL PR.

Maddy Considine

Social Media Editor

Hey! My name is Maddy Considine and I’m a social media editor for The Lion. I am from San Diego, CA and a junior journalism major with an interest in sports broadcasting and social media. I’m super excited to be a part of the Lion this year!

Sammer Tarazi

Social Media Editor

Hi my name is Sammer Tarazi and I’m a social media editor at The Lion. I’m a senior journalism major with a minor in urban planning. Outside of The Lion I love anything to do with the beach or just being outside. I’m excited to create informative yet entertaining content for our community this year!

Alexa Wilson

Campus Editor

I am a senior journalism major and business minor at LMU. I have previously worked for The Lion as ME in 2022 and as a culture and entertainment writer at Her Campus Nationals. In my free time, I love doing pottery and painting.

Jo Moses

Campus Reporter

I am a Campus Reporter for The Lion, where I turn mind-numbing research into genuinely fascinating pieces. As a former Opinions Editor at The Campanil, I have experience as a creative and persuasive writer. Additionally, as a former reporter for Alturi and MXDWN, I have mastered the foundations of hard news reporting.

Soleyana Shiferaw

Campus Reporter

Hi everyone! My name is Soleyana Shiferaw and I’m a political science major with a minor in journalism and theater arts. During my free time I enjoy exploring new places in LA and thrifting. 

Paige Markowski

Campus Reporter

Hi my name is Paige Markowski and I am a Senior Journalism major. I am super excited to be a part of the Lion this year!

Scout Jacobs

City Editor

Hi! I’m Scout Jacobs, and I am the city editor of The Lion. I am from Portland, OR, and I am currently a junior English major and a Journalism minor. At LMU, I am a part of Delta Gamma and Isang Bansa, and I have quickly grown to love exploring Los Angeles during my free time. 

Marissa McRoberts

City Reporter

My name is Marissa McRoberts and I am a city reporter for the Lion. I am a junior journalism major and public relations minor from San Diego, California. Outside of class, I am the Director of Sisterhood for Alpha Phi and President of the French Club. I enjoy writing songs, spending time with my dogs, and being outdoors.

Karolina Vainshtein

City Reporter

 

Hey, I am Karolina and am a journalism major working for Lion as a reporter. My interests include being interested in fashion and car races.

Kiki Mathisen

City Reporter

Hi! I’m Kiki, a city reporter for The Lion. I’m a senior majoring in political science and minoring in journalism. In my free time, I typically hang out with friends and spend too much time in LA traffic.

Alex Kim

Culture Editor

Hello! I’m Alex Kim, the culture editor of the Lion. I’m a senior journalism major and English minor from San Diego. Outside of class, I am the Special Projects chair for Agapé, the Diversity and Inclusion chair for Delta Sig, as well as work part time for Event Operations. 

Bianca Louise Aquino

Culture Editor

I’m Bianca Louise Aquino, Culture editor of The Lion. I am a junior and a double major in Film, TV, and Media Studies and Journalism.

Leonard King

Culture Reporter

My name is Leonard King and I’m a proud LA native. As a senior journalism major, I’m excited to be a Culture reporter for The Lion and bring you diverse and exciting stories. I currently work at the Hannon Library as a digitization and archive assistant in addition to serving as a student representative for LMU’s Inclusive History and Images Project (IHIP) Committee.

Solia Mayo

Culture Reporter

Hi, my name is Solia Mayo and I am a culture reporter for The Lion! I’m also an LMU senior studying psychology and journalism. Fun fact…I am in a band & enjoy songwriting in my free time.

Reed Hewitt

Sports Editor

Hello! I’m Reed Hewitt, the sports editor for The Lion. I am a senior journalism major and a film studies minor from Sonoma, California. 

Dakayla Hawkins

Sports Reporter

Hello! My name is Dakayla Hawkins, the sports reporter for the Lion, and I am a junior journalism major from Baltimore, Maryland. Two things that I really enjoy are sports and good Journalism, so I cannot wait to contribute to the sports reporting that readers deserve to read and watch.

Carolina Espinoza Cervantes

Editor in Chief

Alexa Wilson

Managing Editor

Sam Beck

Campus Editor

Carly Ferdinand

Campus Editor

Anthony Guntert

City Editor

Nick Schwartz

Sports Editor

Emma Fox

Arts & Culture Editor

Cassey Ayala

Photo/Video Editor

Christina Dodd

Engagement Editor + Campus Reporter

Jayka Munsayac

Social Media Editor

Sienna Ryan

Social Media Editor

Juliana deLehman

Audio Editor + Campus Reporter

Will Golan

Campus Reporter + Video Producer

Hannah Medvene

City Reporter

Luke Veltz

City Reporter + Arts & Culture Reporter

Anya Chinappi

Sports Reporter

Isaiah Beltran

Sports Reporter

Hampton Kohler

Arts & Culture Reporter

Olivia Rose

Editor in Chief

Isabel Minaglia

Managing Editor

Mia Grunburg

Social Media Editor

Linnea Nelson-Sandall

Social Media Editor

Lia De Lemos

Photo & Video Editor

Luke Rwambuya

Sports Editor

Marina Fox

Engagement Editor

Miles Whittingham

Sports Reporter

Madelaine Sarisky

City Reporter

Tyler Roland

Campus Reporter

Erika Zaro

Campus Reporter

Vanessa Hurtado

Campus Editor

Caleb Park

Sports Reporter

Rebecca Edwards Owens

Campus Reporter

Juan Barrie

City Reporter

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Grace Galarraga

Managing Editor

“If I were paid to write about anything in journalism… I would write about music, films and art.”

Nar Amirian

Visual Editor

“My favorite medium of Journalism is multimedia Journalism. I love incorporating written and visual elements into a story to make them as interactive as possible!”

Madeline Pontius

Engagement Editor

“The story that changed my perspective was Carl Sagan’s book Pale Blue Dot. Inspired by the image taken by Voyager 1 on 14 February 1990. The spacecraft was departing and it turned around and took a picture of Earth. It’s terrifying to see how small we really are in the solar system. This image changed my perspective on life.”

Audie Layarda

Research Editor

“I decided to study journalism because I wanted to work in the field, and I’m a curious person. Journalism helps me see the world from a new perspective and allows me to develop my communication skills.”

Shayla Welch

Social Media Director

“One of the most interesting interviews I’ve had was with a Facebook employee that revealed some security information but had to be cautious because his devices were constantly listening. Legally he could get into a lot of trouble, but it was fascinating hearing what he had to say!”

Christina Habeeb

Story Editor

“My favorite journalism story I have written was my album review on Lil Nas X’s Montero. I have a passion for music and  Nas’ album was so distinct and revealed a lot about his true identity.”

Jillian Thicke

Online Editor

“My favorite genre of journalism is politics. I did speech and debate all throughout high school and it is still a big part of my life. I believe it’s crucial to understand what is going on in the world. There is power in knowledge!”Jillian Thicke

Shei Marcelline

Editor-In-Chief

Grace Galarraga

Managing Editor

Claire Lukehart

Features Editor

Mikayla Raye

News Editor Journalism and Theatre Arts Double Major Class of 2022

Gwen Pearson

Special Projects Editor

Cathy Siu

Multimedia Editor

Katarina Compean

Social Media Manager

Sophia Villamor

Staff Writer

Lillian Flaherty

Assistant Managing Editor

Grace Galarraga

Managing Editor

Sofia Santana

Features Editor

Spencer Lobdell

Multi-Media Editor

Jonar Cowan

Assistant Multi-Media Editor

Sara Pool

Managing Editor

Gaby Pidoux

Assistant Managing Editor

Genesis Jefferson

Visuals Editor

Dylan Marusich

News Editor

Savanah Butler

Engagement Editor

Samantha Collins

Special Project Editor

Taira Kanazawa

Engagement Editor

Allie Quintero

Features Editor