MEET THE TEAM

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | ARIES

Hi, I’m Sarah! I am the Creative Director & Photographer for Rebelle Zine. As a Muslim woman of colour, Rebelle is so important to me because it gives underrepresented creatives, like myself, opportunities within the creative industries. Though my medium of choice is photography, I tend to dip my toes in all areas of Rebelle Zine to ensure everything runs smoothly, even if that means spending my 5-9 after my 9-5 working on the zine. Outside of Rebelle I try to make time for personal creative projects, tending to my ever-dying plants, cuddling kitties, turning my living room into a karaoke lounge, lighting pretty candles in the name of self-care, and exploring the city’s hidden gems before they get too popular on TikTok.

What inspires me: Girl boss creatives living their best life in the city like @nawalsari and @jvff3ry

Hit me up for: Photoshoot collabs in Toronto, thrifting + bubble tea dates, big sister advice

You can find me: @snappedbysarahmc on IG & mcintyresarah.com

EDITOR | TAURUS

Hey, it’s Maeve! I’m the Editor of Rebelle Zine. I have the pleasure of overseeing our talented writing team, interviewing incredible artists, and doing all sorts of writing for the publication. I live for consuming and creating art in its many forms, especially when it means I get to connect with other creative souls. My favourite medium is music—I’m never not singing or working on a new song. I’m a Media Production graduate (with a minor in Music & Culture) who is now lucky enough to work a couple of creative jobs at nonprofits. Day-to-day, you can catch me jamming out, sipping on iced chai lattes, and rewatching Adventure Time for the millionth time.

What inspires me: Journaling sessions, clever lyricism, and eerily beautiful spaces

Hit me up for: Creative projects of all kinds! I love seeing a vision come to life.

You can find me: @maevedelia on IG & Maeve Delia on all streaming platforms

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | SAGITTARIUS

My name is Serina, I'm the graphic designer for Rebelle Zine. When I'm not creating super wicked graphics for the zine and social media, I'm usually at home watching Twitch streams and YouTube videos. When I have a burst of energy and inspiration, I like to paint, draw, knit, or make bread. I also love watching movies and will go to the theatre any chance I get.

What inspires me: I can find inspiration from anything or anyone as long as it piques my interest

Hit me up for: Underrated horror movie recommendations

You can find me: @velvet.daydreams on IG

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER | GEMINI

Hey, I'm Leila the Social Media Manager for Rebelle Zine! Being able to connect and share around the world through social media has always intrigued me. Rebelle Zine uses the power of social media to create a platform and voice for underrepresented groups within the creative industries and I am honoured to have a major part in that. When it comes to a creative medium I am always up for trying something new, I've dabbled in just about anything! Within and outside of my career I am always doing some sort of creative work, but I value keeping a balanced lifestyle. Self-care, meditation, socializing, keeping active and adventures are just a few of the things you can catch me doing outside of Rebelle Zine!

What inspires me: Reflecting on my past and seeing how far I've come/ the things I've manifested for myself <3

Hit me up for: Deep convos, all things wine and dine, adventures and creative planning new ideas!

You can find me: @leilapoupada (on everything!)

WEB COORDINATOR | SAGITTARIUS

Hi, I’m Estrella :) I’m one of the newer members at Rebelle Zine and I help design the website! I discovered the team through TikTok and it caught my eye because of the way it uplifts the queer community. As a nonbinary person of colour, I felt like I would fit right in and well I was right. And as an aspiring UX designer, I thought it made sense to apply for the Web Designer position and put my marketing/ design skills into use. When I’m not doing Rebelle things, I’m at McMaster filming and editing Instagram Reels and TikToks (if you had a feeling you recognize me from somewhere, that might be why lol). I also create vlogs on my TikTok and YouTube channel, estrella’s journal. Besides that, I enjoy listening to music (I’m a beabadoobee STAN), roller/ ice-skating, journaling, thrifting, getting my silly little chai lattes and honestly doing anything that’s considered queer <33

What inspires me: Vloggers and other creatives living their best lives in New York City

Hit me up for: Coffee chats about UX design, brand collabs, and ~ thrifting ~

COMMUNICATIONS OORIDNATOR | GEMINI

Hello! I’m Hashneet/Crescent, the communications coordinator for Rebelle Zine. I had been following this zine for a while before I joined it. I had always been looking for a platform that highlighted femme and queer creatives in particular, and when I found Rebelle it felt like an epiphany. I’m studying filmmaking but I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades because I try out and enjoy almost everything that’s creative! I started out with storytelling and all I do now is find various mediums within which I can express myself!

What inspires me: femme and queer multimedia artists!

Hit me up for: warm cups of chai, discussions about creativity, collaboration on films in toronto, going to flea markets together

You can find me: contacthashneet@gmail.com / hash.neet on instagram!

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR | TAURUS

Hey - I’m Erica! I work on the social media team for Rebelle Zine. I love being able to share the work of so many incredible artists and creatives on the RZ socials, as well as flex some of my own creative muscles when it comes to brainstorming our own content. I don’t mind being in front of the camera, but I’d much rather be behind the scenes, coming up with content ideas, working on strategy, and keeping us organized. When I’m not planning the Rebelle IG grid, I can be found cross-stitching, contemplating yet another sushi delivery order, and watching whatever my current show or movie I’m hyper-fixating on at the moment.

What inspires me: Creating with friends, revisiting comfort media, my pinterest boards & spotify playlists

Hit me up for: Social media strategy advice, your next binge-worthy watch (i don't promise it will be Good but it will be Fun), remote and/or in-person co-working at fun/gorgeous coffeeshops

You can find me: @ericawilk_ccs on IG

WEB DESIGNER | TAURUS

hi, I'm Salem! I'm a member of the Web Design team for Rebelle Zine, as well as a freelance designer and published poet and essayist (check out Issue 03 to read one of my poems!). My writing explores themes of identity, technology, space, nature, and the uncomfortable. When I'm not huddled in front of my computer in the dark working on designs or writing my latest poem, I like to spend time reading solarpunk fiction, playing on my switch, and going on walks to free little libraries around my neighbourhood.

What inspires me: the number of indie zines, mags, and small presses popping up in the literary scene

Hit me up for: obscure TV show recommendations & funky space facts

You can find me: salempaige.com or @corpseofapoet elsewhere

WEB DESIGNER | SAGITTARIUS

Hi! I'm Amal. I'm part of the Web Design team at Rebelle Zine. My perspective and all that I do is informed by a deep love and care for the people around me. I am a big believer in community first. I come from a teaching background, and so this feeling started with being a care figure in the lives of young folks - teaching high school and diving into critical and decolonial pedagogy are my personhood. However, I live a very "wherever the universe takes me" type of lifestyle, and so while I have transitioned out of teaching, I still try to maintain my ties to my community and engage in different ways. Outside of my creative and care work, I am an amateur gardener (my microgreens WILL sprout!), fighter of beach waves, biker girlie, and reality TV connoisseur.

What inspires me: The growth of my monstera, the right song at the right time

Hit me up for: Web design, intense conversations about TV + if you need a hypeman

You can find me: khurramamal2@gmail.com

WRITER | PISCES

Hey, I'm Khadra! I'm a writer with Rebelle Zine. I have a passion for writing, specifically using storytelling to uplift the voices of marginalized folks not typically given space in mainstream media. I find nothing more rewarding than using my writing skills to make people finally feel heard, understood, and represented. Outside of writing I love doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, thrifting, embroidery, taking nature walks, and dancing my heart out to 90's-00's R&B and Hip Hop.

What inspires me: Seeing BIPOC and queer folks sharing their passions and living their truth

Hit me up for: Writing collabs focusing on marginalized folks, a listening ear, a dance or step aerobics buddy, tours of the Art Gallery of Ontario

You can find me: @tootsie_rolls on IG

FINANCIAL COORDINATOR | ARIES

Hi, I’m Kim! I’m the financial coordinator at Rebelle Zine. Whether through developing pricing models, maintaining the total budget, or tracking event costs, I’m excited to support Rebelle’s mission to uplift underrepresented creatives and artists. Outside of trying to solve every problem with a spreadsheet, you can also find me spending hours thrift hunting for good home decor, elaborately planning my next dream travel destination, and always sipping on 3 beverages at once.

What inspires me: beautiful places, brave women, and my best friends <3

Hit me up for: thrifting + coffee dates, long no-destination-walks, book recommendations, and endless girl talk

You can find me: @k.delac on IG

WRITER | CANCER

Hi! My name is Rowan and I am a queer writer and filmmaker, writing for Rebelle Zine. I was inspired to join Rebelle Zine because of the beautiful previous issues and the creative and collaborative team of amazing humans behind the zine. I graduated from York University with a BFA in Film Production, and have directed and written multiple short films. I have also written for Her Campus and IN Magazine, but I particularly love writing fantasy and horror stories. When I am not sitting at my computer (writing, working, or gaming), I love to try new restaurants in Toronto, go to drag shows, catch a special screening at the Revue, or dance my ass off!

What inspires me: Queer writers pushing boundaries like @vivekshraya and @carmenmmachado

Hit me up for: Fun queer events in Toronto, independent bookstore and/or campy movie recommendations, and coffee & writing dates!

You can find me: @rowanohbee and rowanobrien.net

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | LIBRA

Hiii, Im Ary! Im a graphic designer for both Rebelle Zine and L.A. Girl. I love art! I try to always branch out try new mediums. My current favorite is acrylic. As a queer Latine, I believe it is our duty to ensure freedom, protection, and justice for everyone. Which is why I try to surround myself with people who are making a difference, like Rebelle Zine. I am a huge podcast lover, so I’m always on the hunt for a the next one. When I find time to relax I usually put on my favorite horror movie to wind down.

What inspires me: Mexican artists, de la Torre Brothers, use their work to speak about Mexican culture, colonization, religion, and many other topics. Their work is extremely impactful. My absolute favorite artist is designer, Alexander McQueen. His work incorporated so much courage, creativity, and pure talent. I know there are a lot more people, but that’s just off the top of my head

Hit me up for: Thrifting, art/museum dates, fashion/makeup inspo.

You can find me: @aryanna_design on IG & www.aryannadiaz.myportfolio.com

WEB DEVELOPER | AQUARIUS

Hi! I'm Dina and to Rebelle Zine I'm a Web Developer! Outside of Rebelle I study Engineering Physics at McMaster, produce, write, play and sound eng/mix music, and I nerd out on technology I can create with. Currently it's been WebGL and Ruby. There's so many functional labels I could use to describe my life experiences like queer, black, Muslim, an immigrant and so on that I believe have given me experiences and interactions I use to inform my artwork and my contributions to non-profits/collaborative organizations like Rebelle (and open source projects on Github!). The creative process is already taxing and muddy and any technical or personal contribution I can make to help make that process easier for others especially those who have been barred from seeing how they can be creatives themselves is something I'm dedicated to, and so is Rebelle. I also really like cooking, reading poetry and making/drinking lots of wonderful oat matcha-chai lattes c:

What inspires me: fab musical weirdos like @jpegmafia and @sudanarchives

Hit me up for: music recommendation trades, tech help (just turn it on and off) and long walks/hikes through woody trails

You can find me: @dinaelhanan on IG & dinaelhanan.com

WEB DESIGNER | TAURUS

Hello, I'm Simay, the Web Designer of the team. I'm currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in UX design, and my journey into design has been a thrilling exploration. Rebelle holds a special place in my heart because it empowers underrepresented creatives like me to make their mark in the world of design and art.

My passion for design is driven by my insatiable curiosity and love for aesthetics. I consider myself not just a designer but a dabbler, an explorer, and a perpetual learner in the realm of visual storytelling. My artistic inclinations extend beyond web design; I have a deep appreciation for photography and the art of creating captivating collages.

Beyond the creative world, I'm an ardent advocate for personal development. I believe in the transformative power of self-reflection and growth. In my downtime, you'll often find me engaged in introspective me-time sessions, indulging in deep conversations with close friends, experimenting with culinary creations, and immersing myself in activities that nurture the soul and fuel personal enrichment.

What inspires me: Every team member of Rebelle is an inspiration for me!

Hit me up for: Photoshoot collabs in Toronto, making art sessions, trying new cuisines

You can find me: on IG @simay.rar