IFRAH AKHTAR is founder and editor-in-chief of MODEST. She is an avid writer and foodie. Most days you can find her with a book in hand, eating something good, or sipping a colorful cup of tea.
LUCY BARILLA is a published author and seasoned writer, with nearly forty years of experience across the publishing, food, and entertainment industries. She brings expertise, creativity, and a passion for engaging storytelling to every project.
JIM CONNOLLY is an editorial and corporate photographer with numerous awards from The National Press Photographers Association, NJ Press Association and Society of Newspaper Design. His clients include Samsung, iCims, The New York Times, Time Magazine and New Jersey Monthly.
JULIA DZURILLAY is a lifelong ice cream enthusiast based in New Jersey with bylines at HobNob Magazine, New Jersey Family, and NJMom.com. When she’s not eating McDonald’s hashbrowns, you can probably find her at a concert supporting local bands.
ELIZABETH JACKSON is a freelance writer and foodie living in Maplewood. She’s written extensively about NJ, including as the former publisher and editor of Macaroni Kid (SOMA, Summit, Millburn). She also writes about caretaking and the “sandwich generation” at swgeneration.com.
LAUREN JOHNSON is a freelance writer and artist based in Hunterdon County. Her writing has appeared in Bridgewater City Lifestyle, Edible Philly, Grid Philly, Grow Magazine, and River Towns Magazine, among others. laurenjohnsonart.com, yeahwritelauren.com.
MIANA JUN’s photography work ranges from portraiture and weddings to food-and nature-inspired projects. When she’s not behind the camera, you may find her cooking delicious meals, hiking, bird watching, or traveling around the globe. @mianajunphotography
SARA McMAHON is a Monmouth County-based writer and marketing consultant whose work celebrates food, community, and connection. Through her stories, she highlights the makers, bakers, and dreamers shaping Central Jersey’s vibrant culinary scene.
CATHY MILLER enjoys photographing everything from food to music, all that happens in between, and all the interesting people sharing the journey. She is happy to collaborate with them on their myriad projects, knowing there’s always an adventure awaiting…
SHANNON SARNA is the Founding Editor of The Nosher and author of cookbooks Modern Jewish Baker and Modern Jewish Comfort Food. She is Chief of Staff to James Beard-nominated Chef Dan Richer at Jersey City’s Razza, and she’s been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
ROBIN SHREEVES writes with a special passion for NJ and East Coast wines. In addition to her award-winning “On the Wine Trail” column for the Courier Post, her articles have appeared in Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, Food Network, and New Jersey Monthly. @rshreeves
LAUREN THEIS is director of education at Raritan Headwaters, yoga instructor, flower arranger and pet portraitist. She creates the weekly chalkboard at the HLT Farmers Market in Flemington. laurentheis.com
JILL WALDBIESER is a writer, recipe developer, and risk-taker who lives in Bucks County, PA. She has worked in professional test kitchens, been a culinary moderator for The Food Network, and writes about food and spirits for publications including Eating Well, CNN, EverydayHealth.com, and Huffington Post.
CLAIRE WANG is a senior at Phillips Academy Andover. She is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the PA Food Society, her school’s food magazine. During her free time, Claire plays the violin and loves listening to live music at various Jazz lounges.
HANK ZONA is a wine-themed event planner and writes about food and drink for a variety of media outlets, including Wall Street Journal, Travel & Leisure and Food 52. Find more on social media and in his “Raise A Glass” column in Jersey’s Best magazine.
