Our Story
Art-emis was founded in April 2025 by Samantha Szumloz, a Rowan University undergrad student majoring in Writing Arts. For her internal internship at Rowan, her professor asked her to come up with a project of her own. She chose to kickstart the foundations of her own literary magazine, as she was into submitting to journals at the time. She also wanted to create a community for women and marginalized voices to share their art. Her project became a passion project, and after hours of researching, networking, and creating, Art-emis became a digital reality!
Samantha has always looked up to badass women in popular culture—Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games (2012), Clarice Starling from The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Fleabag from Fleabag (2016)... People crap on the “strong female character trope” for its supposed overuse, but Samantha celebrates the motif for its gender representations. She looks for it in every movie and novel character she comes across.
So to all who revel in quirky plotlines and character motifs, Art-emis has your back!
Meet The Team
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Samantha Szumloz (Editor in Chief): Samantha (she/her) is a third-year Rowan University student majoring in Writing Arts, minoring in Creative Writing, concentrating in Publishing and Writing for the Public, and obtaining certificates in Technical Writing and World Religions. She has served as Graphic Layout Designer for Avant, Rowan’s undergraduate publication, and has done social media marketing work for FlowerMouth Press, an external literary and arts magazine. During her third year at Rowan, she co-managed her department’s social media sites. She also blogged and edited book manuscripts for Singularity Press. Predominantly a poet and creative nonfiction writer, Samantha has been published in literary magazines such as Moria, Blue Marble Review, R U Joking?, and DisLit Youth Literary Magazine. She continues to submit to small publications to this day. To get in touch with Art-emis’s EIC, please go to her LinkedIn and/or Instagram page @samantha_szum.
Photo Credit: Samantha Szumloz
Cecilia Combs (Editor): Cecilia is a local New Jersey writer who has spent her whole life in South Jersey. She is a recent graduate of the Rowan University Writing Arts department. She has a major in Writing Arts, a minor in English, a minor in Creative Writing, and a certificate of undergraduate study in French. She is now a member of their Writing Arts Master program and is expected to graduate in 2026! While at Rowan she worked at the Writing Center, and was a member of their Avant and Writing Arts Clubs. She was a president of the Writing Arts Club in 2024. She has been published with Rowan affiliated publications, as well as self published her debut poetry collection, "Tranquil Things". Cecilia loves things that start with c- cats, community, and chocolate cake! She is thrilled to work with Art-emis. You can find out more about her on her Instagram @ceciliac.writing or on her website ceciliacombs.com
Photo Credit: Armaine Dela Cruz
Nina Pantaleone (Editor): Nina is a third-year undergrad at Rowan, with a major in Writing Arts and a concentration in Publishing and Writing for the Public. Her other fields of interest include World Languages and Anthropology. In her free time, Nina enjoys putting together LEGOS and puzzles, and reading her favorite books. Nina is triliterate; her proficiencies are in English, Spanish, and Italian.
Janaye Roberts (Editor): Janaye is a graduate student pursuing a degree in Writing Arts at Rowan University. She enjoys writing fiction, romance, and reviews, with a strong passion for incorporating LGBTQIA+ themes into her stories, something she finds both meaningful and fulfilling. In her free time, Janaye loves to read, watch YouTube, and play video games. After graduation, she hopes to secure a full-time position in publishing or editing. She hopes to begin writing her own book in the future, turning her ideas into a story she can share with others. Through her writing, Janaye aims to create stories that bring her joy and offer entertainment and connection to her readers.
Photo Credit: Picrew
Photo Credit: Rebecca Marcela Oviatt
Kierstyn Edore (Editor): Kierstyn, a North Jersey native, graduated from Montclair State University with her B.F.A. in Dance and a Minor in Psychology. She is the founder and director of Opus//The Company, which has presented work at Koresh Artist Showcase (Philadelphia), 14th Street Y (NYC) at S.H.I.F.T. with One Day Dance, Montclair Dance Festival, Williams Center (Rutherford), and Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center (West Orange). She is a founding member of KM Dance Collective, and is currently dancing with Freespace Dance Company and Puluka Projects. She has experience working in dance, music, and film, both behind and in front of the camera. Edore recently launched a pre-professional dance program for high school students called The Ady Project, which she co-directs with her sister Amanda Edore. In 2025, she received scholarship as Program Ambassador for immersive theater intensive CONCRETE, and has worked in stage management throughout her time at Montclair State University. Kierstyn has performed for events including DUMBO Dance Festival, Whitewave Solo/Duo Dance Festival, APAP, Koresh Artist Showcase, the Capezio ACE Awards, NJPAC and Nimbus Emerging Choreographers, The Chita Rivera Awards, and American College Dance Association Showcase. Edore has been a featured choreographer across school districts and dance studios for both concert and competitive work, and her work has been presented at County College of Morris and Montclair State University. Kierstyn prioritizes collaboration in her work as a choreographer, director, and dancer, and highlights her own passion for poetry and music in her artistry.
Annette Greenberg (Editor): Annette is from New Jersey and is a student at Rutgers University. She writes poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. She has always valued literature and believes it is an excellent way to foster community and an improved understanding of fellow human beings. She loves the color lavender, going on long walks, and listening to music. She is excited to discover new pieces and help emerging writers improve.
Aspen Maier (Editor): Aspen (aka Witchy) is a full time writer. When they are not writing, they are drawing their characters to share with others. When they aren't drawing or writing, they are watching TV, reading, playing video games, or chilling with friends. They are pursuing a bachelor's degree in Writing Arts and English. They love to spend time with their dog, Jazzie, when they are working. They are excited to work with art-emis and see the amazing work that talented writers bring forth.
Photo Credit: Aspen Maier
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Mahee Trivedi (Editor): Mahee is a recent Business Management graduate of Rowan University with a double minor in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. At school, she served as Service Chair in Rowan Circle K International. In her free time, she runs a baking business called Mahee’s Delights. She is also Director of Volunteer Services for the Om Foundation.
Photo Credit: Samantha Szumloz
Photo Credit: Meg Nielsen
Meg Nielsen (Editor): Meg is an undergraduate student at Rowan University majoring in Writing Arts and Communication Studies, minoring in Publishing & Writing for the Public, and completing a certificate of undergraduate study in Creative Writing. They currently hold the role of Vice President/Senior Editor of Avant Literary Magazine, Rowan University's undergraduate lit mag. She has put an emphasis on immersing herself in the literary community on campus by interning for the Writing Arts department, and attending as many events held for and by writing students as possible. After completing her two undergraduate degrees, Meg hopes to pursue a M.A. in Writing from Rowan University while participating in the T.E.P Program and teaching College Composition. When they aren't writing, Meg can be found reading (usually historical fiction with a fantasy twist), playing Sims 4, and watching terrible movies with friends. Meg can be found on Instagram @meg.z1na
WANT TO JOIN THE TEAM? FILL OUT THE APPLICATION FORM ON OUR HOMEPAGE!