Chala June

Photo of Chala June
Follow
Location
Brooklyn, NY
School
Emerson College
Expertise
Culinary Travel, Arts & entertainment Destinations, New York City
  • Chala has traveled to over 20 different countries across North America, South America, Africa, and Europe.
  • Since 2024, they have authored the "Trans Voices in NYC" series for the New York City tourism board highlighting prominent trans and gender non-conforming New Yorkers.
  • Chala's essay "On Any Given Sunday" was featured in 2025's "Best American Food and Travel Writing" anthology

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.

Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.

Stories By Chala June