Staff

Christie Garton, Founder/Publisher

Christie Garton is an award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of the U Chic, a media brand and book series for college women whose mission is to ensure that any young woman in the U.S. with big goals for her life has the support, resources and experiences she needs to achieve them.

Christie’s passion for social entrepreneurship blossomed early in her career. At the age of 19 while in college, she founded Music Mentors, a nonprofit that provides free private music lessons to children that cannot afford them. While earning a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Christie launched U Chic. The company has been featured on the Today Show and has created several popular products for their target audience, including the best-selling guidebook to college for women "U Chic: The College Girl's Guide to Everything."

A leading college life and philanthropy expert, Christie penned a daily philanthropy column for USA Today for several years and serves as a judge for the annual USA Today Academic All-Star Competition, an award she won while in college, helping select the 20 "best and brightest" college students each year. In her capacity as an author, Christie has also contributed to The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, U.S.News & World Report, Seventeen, among others.

As founder of U Chic, Christie sees herself as the chief navigator, helping young women find the path to achieving their dreams – in school, in work and in life.

Kara Apel, Managing Editor

Kara Apel is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in journalism. She is currently the Online Content Creator/Editor for WRDW-TV in Augusta, Ga. Kara started writing for U Chic in the summer of 2008 and contributed to "U Chic: The College Girl's Guide to Everything." She's interned at the Post & Courier in Charleston, S.C., and WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio. During college, she was the editor-in-chief of The Daily Gamecock, USC's student newspaper. Kara is a huge college football fan (go Gamecocks!) and a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Follow her on Twitter @Kara_Apel.

Ashley Tripp, Social Media Intern

Ashley Tripp is a junior at the University of Alabama and is double majoring in dance and journalism. She is involved with organizations such as Campus Crusades, Nu Delta Alpha and Gamma Phi Beta. Ashley is a current company member in the dance program and also choreographs for her department’s annual fall and spring concerts. She is a devoted 'Bama fan and writes weekly sports articles for Connect Crimson. Ashley aspires to dance for the Walt Disney Company and to continue her passion in journalism. Roll Tide! Follow her on Twitter @Ashley_Tripp.

Madeline Greene, Blogger

Maddie is currently a senior at Minnesota State University -- Mankato, pursuing a degree in public relations and gender and women's studies. She is very involved on campus with many organizations such as Gamma Phi Beta, Student Ambassadors, PRSSA and the Women of Action Committee. She is currently the social media manager for Expertise PR, a student-led PR firm, and the programming intern with the MNSU Women's Center. With a passion for writing, sports and people, Maddie hopes to impact the world in one way or another. Follow her on Twitter @MadelineSGreene.

Jill Ravae Scherr, Blogger

Jill Ravae Scherr is a fashion merchandising and design student at Academy of Art University with a minor in fashion journalism. She is honored to be a part of University Chic and hopes to inform and inspire young women all over the world. Follow her on Twitter @Jill_Ravae.

Amanda Ferrara, Blogger

Amanda Ferrara is a senior at New York University pursuing a degree in speech language pathology. Amanda currently splits her time between attending classes and working at an outerwear manufacturing company in NYC’s garment district. She feels very lucky to get to work with the newest styles to hit major stores all over the country on a daily basis. She is excited to graduate and begin a career where she can combine her experience in the fashion industry with her love for writing.

Kelly Leslie, Blogger

Kelly is currently a junior at San Francisco State University and is majoring in journalism. Aside from school and work, she is a member of Alpha Phi International Fraternity and is always looking for a new way to be involved with her community. In her free time, she loves to read fashion magazines, take pictures and write for University Chic! Follow her on Twitter @kellyyleslie.

Rachael Smith, Blogger

Rachael Smith is a recent December graduate of Radford University with a degree in journalism. In college, Rachael was a section editor for her school's newspaper and a member of Phi Sigma Sigma. Since graduation, Rachael has been freelancing for magazines in the area such as Bella and Clutch and is now a writer for Prototype Media. She enjoys writing lifestyles, profiles and editorial pieces and hopes to continue working her way up in the magazine business. When she isn't writing, Rachael enjoys listening to classic rock, watching great 80s movies, finding a great deal and vacationing in warm climates. Follow her on Twitter @rasmith585.

Megan O'Connell, Blogger

Megan O’Connell is a senior at UW-Platteville pursuing her degree in communication technologies with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in English. She works as the features editor of the UW-Platteville campus paper, The Exponent. One of the main goals she’s always had for her life is to make people smile, and she believes she’s found a way to do so by means of the tip of her pen. Follow her on Twitter @meg_ocon.

Amanda Cross, Blogger

Amanda is currently a junior at the University of Central Arkansas. She is a sociology major with a minor in public relations. She is involved on her campus and is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, a UCA Ambassador and Cub Connector and a member of Young Democrats. She has a passion for writing for University Chic as well as her own website. Amanda’s major passion in life is working with college students to create the experience she has been loving herself. Her future career goals include going on to graduate school so that she can major in college student personnel administration. Follow her on Twitter @AmandaJPCross.

Ashley Yenick, Blogger

Ashley is currently a junior studying mass communications with a minor in public and professional writing at Merrimack College. Ashley is involved in Merrimack's Chapter of Relay For Life and is part of the Sub-Committee of Ceremonies and Survivorship. She aspires to be a fashion journalist or write album reviews for new talent in the music industry. In her free time she likes to read fashion magazines, browse Pinterest, listen to music and hang out with friends. Her favorite color is teal and is obsessed with TV shows "New Girl" and "Pretty Little Liars." Follow her on Twitter @Ashhyen.

Laura Iglehart, Blogger

Laura Iglehart is currently a sophomore at Georgetown University, where she is studying economics and French. In addition to writing for U Chic, she is a CollegeFashionista style guru. She also works and writes for Capitol, a boutique in her hometown, Charlotte. Follow her on Twitter @LWIglehart.

Briana Luca, Blogger

Briana is a current junior studying journalism at Iona College. Briana is a sister of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority and a staff writer on the Ionian Newspaper. She aspires to be a magazine journalist working in entertainment or lifestyle. Besides being involved on campus, Briana enjoys reading, writing, all kinds of social media and being with friends. She is excited to be part of the U Chic team because she loves college life and everything is has to offer. Follow her on Twitter @bribrilukes.

Marissa Kameno, Blogger

Marissa is a digital marketing professional with a degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Quinnipiac part time. Marissa’s U Chic career started in 2010 when she wrote as a senior in college. She most recently contributed to the Diploma Diaries series and will be published in the upcoming book. She aspires to continue combining her loves of writing and marketing while pursuing her career. For post-grad advice, digital media articles, CrossFit soreness complaints and the occasional New York Giants commentary, you can follow her on Twitter @mkkameno.

Emma Martin, Blogger

Emma Martin is a junior at Ithaca College studying integrated marketing communications. She is co-director of communications for her school's PRSSA chapter, a member of New York Women in Communications and Ithaca College Big Sisters and a mentor for freshmen. She loves keeping an active, busy lifestyle but also loves spending time with friends and family (and her puppy Riley, too). Her true passion lies within the entertainment and media industry and is an avid follower of everything pop culture. Emma is ecstatic that she will be spending her spring 2013 semester interning and studying in Los Angeles. Follow her on Twitter @emmaleigh014.

Jennifer Werner, Blogger

Jennifer is currently a senior at Radford University majoring in English. She is an editor for her school’s student-run newspaper, the Tartan, and is also the chapter chairman for the College Republicans. Jennifer is a member of Alpha Phi Omega and has spent several months as an intern for various political campaigns. In her free time, she enjoys going on road trips with her friends and has a passion for fashion, politics and music. Follow her on Twitter @JenniferWerner3.

Brianna Pennella, Blogger

As a television/radio student at Ithaca College with a minor in business administration, Brianna is an active part of her school's television station, ICTV, and enjoys writing for her campus magazine, "Buzzsaw." Brianna is passionate about writing and puts a lot of time and focus into maintaining a strong GPA. She is deeply invested in her career path and future but makes plenty of time to enjoy hobbies like reading, socializing and exercising. She wants to write pieces that encourage other college students to do their best. Follow her on Twitter @bripennella.

Emily Roseman, Blogger

Emily Roseman is a recent broadcast journalism graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., and is currently an editor/producer for ABC News Digital Media in New York City. During her time in Washington, she interned with BBC World News, where she covered the 2008 Presidential Election and served as a digital journalist for MSNBC and USA Today. She also interned at the White House, serving in the Executive Office of President Barack Obama and covered the 2012 Republican Primaries in New Hampshire. Emily has written for U Chic since 2012 with a focus on career advice for young women and most recently contributed to U Chic's "Diploma Diaries." When she's not at work or commuting to the city, Emily spends her time working on her photography and watching far too many Bravo reality shows. Follow her on Twitter @eroseman.

Olivia Lawnick, Blogger

Olivia is currently a chemistry major as well as a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, the American Chemical Society and the varsity lacrosse team at Newberry College. She truly enjoys being active and staying fit with long-distance running and roller derby as her two favorite activities. In order to keep fit and fuel her active lifestyle, she enjoys cooking and creating her own recipes. Her running partner and taste tester is Heidi, a very loving Australian Cattle dog. Olivia is recently married and lives in Fort Benning, Ga. Even though English is her second language, she plans on pursuing further education in journalism as well as pharmacology. Follow her on Twitter @LivLawLax.

Beatrice Rivera

Beatrice is a current junior at Rutgers University double majoring in journalism/media studies and human resource management. She is a staff writer for the student-run newspaper/magazine, The Daily Targum/Inside Beat, and is secretary of the student organization, Reach Out and Read. She is also an Intern Queen Campus Ambassador. In her free time, Beatrice loves to read, volunteer, bake cupcakes for great causes, explore nature with her best friend, listen to music, tie-dye, play with her dogs and write warm Post-it notes to encourage others. She enjoys blogging and traveling with her mother and is utterly obsessed with bubble tea and Baked by Melissa cupcakes. Beatrice aspires to make a difference in the world and impact our youth to get involved by volunteering at nonprofit organizations. She hopes to inspire people with her writing. Follow her on Twitter @Bea_Rivs.