Balancing Act: Writing and Editing with Hannah Orenstein
In this episode of Beyond Her Campus, host Julianne welcomes author and editor Hannah Orenstein to celebrate 15 years of Her Campus. Hannah dives into her unique journey from aspiring magazine journalist and Her Campus's first intern, to becoming a published author and deputy editor at Bustle. She shares insights on balancing her roles, the influence of mentorship, and the serendipitous experience that led to her debut novel, Playing with Matches.
Hannah also discusses her new book, Maine Characters, set in her beloved Maine, and the creative benefits of writing longhand. The episode includes practical advice for aspiring writers, the impact of social media on her connection with readers, and the importance of mental health for balancing professional and personal goals. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with tips for writers and editors alike.
Creators and Guests

Host
Julianne Skrivan
Julianne Skrivan is a community builder and storyteller, with a passion for bringing people together to learn and grow. Currently, Julianne is the Director of Community at Her Campus Media where she oversees exclusive weekly newsletters, social media accounts, and launches innovative education efforts. She has worked on award-winning events and has appeared on multiple panels and podcasts relating to influencing, writing, and emphasizing how to create content in a way that feels genuine. Julianne holds a Masters in Communications from Johns Hopkins University, certificates in Women’s Leadership and Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell, and Political Science, Communications and Film & Media Arts degrees from the University of Utah. She lives in Salt Lake City with her dog and future-husband.

Producer
Allison Piwowarski
Allison Piwowarski is a seasoned media professional with over a decade of experience in digital content and brand strategy. She has driven significant audience growth and brand engagement by overseeing high-impact partnerships, special projects with A-list talent, and editorial initiatives across leading women's media brands. Allison has led teams in producing award-winning content and pioneered innovative approaches to storytelling through web, social, and audio platforms. As Director of Content Strategy at Her Campus Media, she currently spearheads audience growth and editorial initiatives, including events and partnerships with impactful social-first organizations. She is passionate about mentoring young content creators and specifically spotlighting and amplifying women's stories in new and emerging ways.

Producer
Cara Chiaramonte Johnson
As Vice President of Community and Strategic Initiatives at Her Campus Media, the number one media and marketing ecosystem for college women, Cara Chiaramonte has spent the last near-decade scaling, developing, and managing HCM's campus and influencer communities and supporting its 50,000+ members plus tens of thousands of alumni launch their careers, find their confidence, build their personal brands, and more. Chiaramonte has produced award-winning, large-scale event programming both in-person and virtually, has secured and worked directly with A-list talent, and has partnered with major consumer brands to create one-of-a-kind brand ambassadorship and campus/influencer marketing campaigns. She is passionate about growing communities and businesses with impactful missions that strive to help push women's leadership forward and make the next generation more successful, safer, and smarter than the generations before them. Cara received her undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Florida with minors in Women's Studies and Leadership. She currently resides in Tampa with her husband and their two dogs.

Guest
Hannah Orenstein
Hannah Orenstein is the author of Maine Characters (out May 13, 2025), Meant to Be Mine, Playing with Matches, and other novels. She's also the Deputy Editor of Lifestyle and Wellness at Bustle. Previously, she held editorial roles at Seventeen and Elite Daily, and once worked as a matchmaker for a luxury dating service. In 2010, she was Her Campus's first editorial intern. She splits her time between Brooklyn and Maine.

Producer
Kayla Goldman
Kayla Goldman is an emerging event programming specialist and talent lead with a focus on curating digital and IRL experiences that resonate with Gen Z audiences. Since graduating from UMass Boston with a degree in Women's Studies, she has worked with high-profile talent, such as Hannah Berner, Tefi Pessoa, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Kelley O'Hara, Midori Francis, and more. Kayla is currently on the Events team at Her Campus Media, leading on programming and talent relations.
