Rebellious Magazine for Women is a Chicago-based intersectional feminist digital media organization that’s smart, funny, inspiring, empowering, smart-ass and yes, Rebellious!
Rebellious Magazine delivers a unique feminist perspective on Chicago news, events, politics and culture through original articles, essays and interviews. We support women-owned and women-operated businesses and organizations through editorial coverage and business partnerships.
Founder and Rebelle in Chief Karen Hawkins is an award-winning reporter and editor whose journalism background includes positions with The Associated Press, the Windy City Times, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post. She is the former director of communications for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and she is Hubspot-certified in Inbound Marketing. Sometimes, she talks to reporters and stuff.
Our team:
Karen Hawkins: Founder and Rebelle in Chief
Karen Hawkins is the Founder and Rebelle in Chief of Rebellious Magazine. She is a recovering mainstream media reporter and editor who wants to thank her former boss for naming the online magazine she’s always wanted to start when he called her “Rebellious” for taking too many weekends off. When she isn’t instigating a media Rebellion, she’s thanking her lucky starlets she gets to do whatever she wants on weekends. Read Karen’s work
Laurie Fanelli: Entertainment Editor
Laurie Fanelli is a Chicago-based writer and photographer who specializes in live entertainment coverage. She is at home at major music festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo and, of course, Lollapalooza and Riot Fest. She loves chatting with hilarious comedians and has interviewed the likes of Maria Bamford, Paula Poundstone and Tracy Morgan, to name a few. She has photographed tons of great bands/musicians – from every genre – including Rob Zombie, Florence and the Machine, Alabama Shakes, Neil Young, Shania Twain, Pitbull, Pierce the Veil, Kendrick Lamar, Patti Smith and many, many more. When not writing or shooting shows, Laurie loves to spend her free time training for marathons and exploring the city of Chicago. She is a longtime vegetarian and animal advocate who likes to cook healthy, delicious meals that everyone can enjoy. For more information or to contact Laurie, head over to www.lauriefanelli.com. Read Laurie’s work
Janet Arvia: Arts & Leisure Editor
Ms. Arvia is an online columnist and critic; entertainment ghostwriter reaching nine million visitors per month; award-winning artist; grant-winning filmmaker; and Janet-of-all-trades. She’s interviewed SNL’s Cecily Strong and Julia Sweeney, the travel industry’s Rick Steves and Pauline Frommer, and directors Taylor Hackford and Laurie Anderson. Press releases on Chicago cultural events can be sent to reeljanet@live.com. Read Janet’s work
Valerie Hawkins: Social Media Director
Valerie Hawkins has the same last name as the editor only because they have the same mother and father. She tweets under the handle @RebelliousVal, but it’s under @Valsadie that she has appeared in books (including “World According to Twitter”) and embedded in online articles. She’s currently updating Valsadie.com and pondering new ways to get in good trouble… Read Valerie’s work
Princess McDowell: Managing Editor + Columnist and Reviewer
Princess McDowell is an internationally touring poet, writer and journalist from Dallas, Texas. She coordinates Rebellious’ editorial mission, handles the Feminist Agenda and weekly newsletter, and cohosted the Feminist Erotica Podcast. As a writer-in-rebellion, Princess reviews graphic novels and writes political and cultural columns in the tradition of Uppity Negro (one of the first black bloggers on the internet and Karen’s brother). She can be reached at princess@rebelliousmagazine.com. Read Princess’s work
Jera Brown: Lifestyle and Sexuality Editor
Jera Brown writes about being a queer kinky polyamorous Christian on their blog scarletchurch.com. Their sex and relationship advice column, Just the Tip, is hosted by Rebellious Magazine. Follow them on Twitter or Instagram @thejerabrown. Read Jera’s work
Michelle Duster: Cultural Education Editor
Michelle Duster is an educator, public historian, and activist whose advocacy has led to street names, monuments, historical markers, and other public history projects that add to the representation of African Americans and women. She is the author of several books, including Ida B. the Queen: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Ida B. Wells and Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth about her paternal great-grandmother. Read Michelle’s work
To submit your event for our Calendar/Feminist Agenda:
Email details to calendar@rebelliousmagazine.com.
To write for us:
Thank you for your interest! As of March 2026, we’re not currently accepting submissions or pitches, but stay tuned for future opportunities. Note: Please do not reach out to our staff for freelance details. For real, though.