Jennifer Forbes, Founder and Executive Editor
Embracing her environmental roots, Jennifer founded Eco News Network in 2009. An environmental advocate and outdoor enthusiast who loves biking, kayaking, walking along the Esplanade in Boston, and just about any outdoor activity, Jennifer is also an animal lover and regularly has her two cats, Flash and Magic, and her amazing Corgi, Ben, by her side while she works. Jennifer loves living and working in Boston after spending time in Connecticut, Atlanta, and Cleveland during her career. Finding adventure and hidden treasure in every day and each place she goes is a special mission she loves to share with friends and clients. A frequent traveler and cultural explorer, Jennifer spends as much time as resources allow exploring the world and absorbing the individuality of each place she visits. Jennifer is a mom to a college age son who is also a student of world culture.
Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University. She is a proud member of the Charles River Watershed Association, the Beacon Hill Civic Association, and Beacon Hill Seminars. Jennifer is also a sponsoring member of Women for Women International. Contact Jennifer at jforbes@econewsnetwork.org.
Megan Webb, Co-Founder and Managing Editor
Alongside Jennifer, Megan is the co-founder and an eco blogger for Eco News Network. Having recently relocated to Boston after spending time living and working in Rochester, Atlanta and Buffalo, Megan enjoys exploring the culture and history of Boston. She has a passion for the outdoors, sports, running, reading the latest best sellers, and traveling to new and exciting places. Megan earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications/Journalism and English from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y. Contact Megan at mwebb@econewsnetwork.org.
Allyson Koerner, Assistant Managing Editor
Allyson Koerner is the assistant editor and a contributing writer for Eco News Network. A graduate student at Emerson College majoring in print and multimedia journalism, Koerner received her bachelor’s degree in English and writing from Westminster College. Koerner previously wrote for JSONS (Emerson College’s Online News Service) about issues in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. Contact Allyson at akoerner@econewsnetwork.org.
Laura Franzini, Contributing Editor
Laura Franzini is currently a junior at Emerson College studying Print & Multimedia Journalism and Photography. Originally from New Hampshire, Laura hopes to one day travel the world as a documentary photographer doing advocacy work for various organizations. She previously wrote for Globalpost.com as a study-abroad correspondent during her semester in Europe, and JSONS (Emerson College’s Online News Service). Contact Laura at lfranzini@econewsnetwork.org.
Alexandra Gyarfas, Intern
Alexandra was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduating from high school, and spending a semester interning at Venezuelan news site El-Nacional.com, she moved to Boston to attend Emerson College.
She is currently a Print & Multimedia Journalism senior, with a minor in Sociology. After graduating in May, Alexandra hopes to use journalism to help the voiceless around the world, hopefully starting with Venezuela. In the meantime, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, taking pictures of everything, music, reading, and her loving cat, Elu.
Aditi Pai, Intern
Aditi Pai is a sophomore Journalism major at Boston University. A San Diego native, Aditi plans on graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism and eventually wants to specialize in feature pieces for a network news program or work for the Travel Channel. Her most recent writing venture was a month-long blog about meeting one new person every day, which she completed in November.
Matthew Hawley, Intern
Matthew Hawley is a sophomore at Boston University, majoring in Journalism. A native of the Boston area, Matt plans to graduate with a degree in News-Editorial Journalism, double minoring in Political Science and Public Relations. He hopes to work for a major news organization one day and, at some point in his career, tell a story that will profoundly impact the life of at least one person.
Deb Percival, Contributing Writer
Deb Percival has more than 25 years of experience as a writer, editor, and communications strategist. In addition to serving as Editor in Chief of Natural Nutmeg Magazine, she writes for various magazines and websites, focusing mainly on our planet, eco-travel, wellness, and dogs.
Alexander Forbes, Contributing Writer
Though when asked his profession he may have once told the NY Times—dilettante, Alexander Forbes now splits his time between New York City and Berlin, writing for various publications about contemporary culture. Aside from the written word, Alexander has a passion for photography, with cameras littering the shelves of his East Village apartment. His work spans from top-models to his dog, Benjamin.
With an equally voracious appetite for the Zeitgeist and travel, Alexander searches out the here and now of everywhere he goes. He has spent time on every continent other than Antarctica and continues his quest for the ultimate destination.
Alexander currently studies at New York University’s Gallatin school. Previous to his current professional life, he has worked in Branding for some of the leading restaurants and nightlife destinations in the city.
Kami Gray, Contributing Writer
Kami Gray is a personal style consultant, TV wardrobe stylist, author of the bestselling book The Denim Diet: Sixteen Simple Habits To Get You Into Your Dream Pair of Jeans and founding blogger of The Denim Diaries who says a dream pair of jeans can be a great motivator for losing weight and keeping it off. She doesn’t trust the bathroom scale but says a pair of jeans will never lie. Kami has worked with Hollywood stars Hugh Laurie, Kristen Bell, John Corbett, Gordon Ramsey and Jenny McCarthy on TV shows including House, Veronica Mars and Hell’s Kitchen. Her work has also appeared on national commercials for Toyota, Nike, Discover Card and other major companies.
Monica Breeden, Contributing Writer
A graduate of Georgia State University, Monica has extensive knowledge in the marketing and communications industry. With several years of experience she has worked on public relations campaigns for past clients in the home and building industry such as: Cifial USA, Diva de Provence, and Construction Solutions. She also has worked on building the internal brand of a well-known Atlanta based marketing and communications agency by leading online strategies and new business campaigns. Breeden is also an accomplished writer with several published by-lined articles in regional consumer publications.
Anna Musselman, Contributing Writer
Anna Musselman is a freelance writer and folk singer/songwriter in Cambridge, Mass. While acquiring a writing degree from Minnesota State University of Moorhead, Anna spent her summers in the Bighorn National Forest of Wyoming where preservation and earth-friendly practices became a passion and began to infuse her work. Her creative non-fiction and poetry have been published in Red Weather literary magazine and her EP album When In Wyoming, was produced in 2008. When not writing, Anna can be found playing guitar and singing in the Boston subway system.
Alicia Diaz-Verson, Contributing Writer
Alicia is a marketing and PR professional with a multi-faceted background that encompasses various industries including residential and commercial building products, sports, lifestyle, hospitality and non-profit services. She has provided PR and marketing services for brands such as Hilton Hotels, Fresh Market, Natural Body Spa, Mr. Steam, Cucine LUBE, and more. Currently, Alicia works as independent contractor, providing customized PR and marketing services. An Alabama native, Alicia obtained her bachelor’s in communication from the University of South Alabama. She is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and American Marketing Association (AMA).
Beth Doane, Contributing Writer
Beth Doane grew up surrounded by nature and wildlife on a small farm in rural Ohio and created Andira in 2005 as a fashion import and distribution company. Through launching international fashion brands, Beth experienced the growing need and potential for environmentally conscious design and apparel production and was inspired to create her own line: The Andira Rain Tee Collection. Beth sees each piece she creates as a tool for spreading knowledge and Rain Tees is a reflection of her values and love for our delicate ecosystems.
Always passionate about education being the greatest tool for change, Beth uses her extensive environmental research and experiences in Central and South America to inspire consumers on issues that require global awareness. Beth additionally works as a consultant to corporations and designers interested in the marketing, production, and design of eco-conscious products. She is currently working on a children’s book about the value of our tropical ecosystems and believes that every one of us can take small steps to create global change.
Jennifer Scotto, Contributing Writer
With roots in Tampa, Fla., Jennifer Scotto is a nationally competing equestrian that has achieved world, national, and local championship titles. As a professional equestrian, Jennifer co-owns Whispering Oaks Equestrian Center where she trains horses and coaches riders. Living on her family’s small horse farm, she takes care of her 10 horses, three dogs, two cats, and donkey. Apart from horses, she enjoys outdoor activities such as running, swimming, boating, scuba diving, and horseback riding. She graduates in the spring of 2011 from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in international studies. Jennifer plans on pursuing a career in public relations and advertising.
Dennis F. Hallahan, PE, Contributing Writer
Dennis F. Hallahan, PE has more than 20 years of experience with onsite wastewater treatment systems design and construction. He has authored several articles for on-site industry magazines and has given numerous presentations nationally on the science and fundamentals of onsite wastewater treatment systems. Dennis is currently Technical Director at Infiltrator Systems where is responsible for government relations and technology transfer between Infiltrator Systems and the regulatory and design communities. Dennis also oversees a staff that is responsible for product research and testing for both universities and private consultants.
He received his master’s in civil engineering from the University of Connecticut and his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of Vermont. Dennis is a registered professional engineer in Colorado and Connecticut. Dennis also holds patents for onsite wastewater products.
Courtney Kistler, Contributing Writer
Courtney is a marketing and public relations freelancer who has worked for numerous media enterprises includingForbes Media LLC, Holtzbrinck Publishers, Conde Nast, and KPI Television. She earned her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Brown University. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Courtney now lives in Manhattan with two spoiled cats.
