J.D. Avant—Contributing Writer

J.D. Avant’s writing pilgrimage has been highlighted by his debating/writing about local luminaries in hip-hop culture and philanthropists in the North Omaha community. He utilizes freelance work and YA novel production to help quench his insatiable thirst for writing. Relaxing evenings and weekends are spent playing with his “ferocious” floppy-eared Dobie, Gigi, (she’s a good-girl!) and white-knuckle driving across the cliff edges at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Visit his website for insightful blogs and information regarding future projects at jdavant.com.

 

Josefina Loza Wells—Contributing Writer

Omaha freelancer Josefina Loza Wells writes people profiles and entertainment pieces. She is a journalism graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha who is expected to complete her master’s degree this fall in communication studies. She currently serves as The Gateway’s manager of student publications, working with a talented group of creatives. She is a longtime journalist and nightlife columnist who has worked as a newspaper reporter and online editor. She loves small talk with strangers at swanky cocktail lounges. She appreciates loud laughs and awkward people. Get social with her: @lozafina

 

Linda Persigehl—Associate Editor

After six years away spent freelance writing, volunteering with her kids’ Bennington schools, and obsessively researching her family’s genealogy, former managing editor Linda Persigehl has returned to the Omaha Magazine fold. A lover of all things home decor, she gets her fix working a couple shifts a week at Pier 1 Imports (where she spends her entire paycheck). She and her husband of 27 years, Steve, are brand-new empty nesters who love to explore new cities (most recently, Philly!) and attend Creighton Bluejay hoops together. When she’s not pining away for her two “awesome” college kids, you’ll often find Linda walking her two adopted mutts, watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or The Queen, or enjoying a martini at Charlie’s on the Lake with friends.

Bryan Vomacka—Editorial Intern

Bryan Vomacka is a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha who has spent quite a bit of time on his undergraduate degree. During a few rocky years of college, he explored business, emergency management, and psychology. Deciding to focus on journalism gave Vomacka a fresh start. He considers himself a writer, but getting involved in broadcast news taught him how important it is to get outside your comfort zone. Outside of school, he enjoys going to movie theaters and has never been known to turn down a trip to get ice cream.

 

 

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This article was printed in the October 2019 edition of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.