Chala June

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Location
Brooklyn, NY
School
Emerson College
Expertise
Restaurants & Dining, Arts & Entertainment, New York City
  • Chala has traveled to over 20 different countries across North America, South America, Africa, and Europe.
  • Since spring 2024, Chala has worked closely with New York City Tourism to create content highlighting the work of prominent LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.
  • Chala is the author of a food and travel-centric newsletter called "Black Bourdain."

Experience

Chala is a travel-obsessed food fanatic with nearly a decade of journalistic experience writing about cuisines and cultures from around the world. Born and raised in the suburbs of Washington, DC, Chala's fascination with global cultures began in elementary school when they were enrolled in an Internationally-focused French immersion program. While pursuing a degree from Emerson College, Chala was fortunate enough to participate in a three-month study abroad program in the Netherlands that firmly cemented their love of all things travel. After graduation, Chala moved to Brooklyn and landed their career-shaping role at Bon Appétit in 2021, where they served as an associate print editor for two years. Since leaving BA in spring 2023, Chala has been working as a full-time freelancer, covering food, travel, and popular culture for prominent publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, New York Magazine, Them.us, and more.

Education

Chala holds a bachelor's degree in writing, literature, and publishing from Emerson College (class of 2018).

Islands Editorial Policies

Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.

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Stories By Chala June