Scavenger Spotlight

Are you a Cincinnati native?

Yes! I grew up in Finneytown and graduated from UC with a degree in English Literature!

What’s your favorite part about Cincinnati?

So many things. I love our museums, I love our parks, I love the food, I love the small and local businesses. Mostly, I guess I love the community and my personal community. It took me a little while to find my place here as an adult, or even as a college student, but now that I have I can't really imagine living anywhere else.

Favorite spots in Cincinnati?

Ambar India in Clifton is simply the best. I also love, love, love Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse in Evanston. It's a Black, female-owned coffee shop that opened in the middle of the pandemic. It's so close to where I live and I KNOW it's going to be my go-to writing spot the moment I am vaccinated. Here's their Instagram!

Favorite neighborhood?

I'd have to say Clifton and the Gaslight District. It's just such a walkable area with basically everything you could possibly need. It's also where I met my husband, so I have a soft spot for that neighborhood!

How do you spend your time (your work, your passions, your ways of working through the pandemic)?

Well, right now I'm working as a freelance writer and editor, and actively looking for jobs! But mostly I cohost a book podcast called Book It (marketed as B**K It!) with my friend and former colleague Jill Burket-Ragase! It's a twice-a-month podcast where we talk frankly about books and it has been the joy of my professional life. We've had the unbelievable luck of interviewing some AMAZING authors like Connie Schultz, Jacqueline Woodson, Nancy Johnson, and coming soon: Jasmine Warga, Jessica Strawser, Robert Jones, Jr., and more! But we also have episodes of Jill and I just chatting about books and publishing!

What are you currently reading (this can be anything, not just a book)?

Right now I'm reading Infinite Country by Patricia Engel and so far, I'd say believe the hype about this book! It's stunningly written and profoundly timely. Next up in my TBR pile is The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr., Pet by Akwaeke Emezi, and Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo!

What drew you to UCBC?

I love UCBC so much! Pre-COVID times I worked for a children's publisher, as well as a literacy non-profit, so I'm around books all the time. I came across UCBC through other people sharing the hiding spot posts on their “Stories,” and fell in love. Something that I love about UCBC is that it helps spread the love of reading across Cincinnati, but it also uses its platform for good and to raise awareness on issues that matter.

Anything else you’d like to share?

As much as I love Cincinnati, there is still so much work to do to make this city one that is inclusive and safe for all people. Black lives matter, trans women are women, LGBTQIA+ youth deserve safe and equitable spaces, as does the AAPI community, and I want to live in a city that reflects this!

Social media handles, website, other links?

For those interested in B**K It!, follow us on Instagram and Twitter. You can also find our episodes here!