Writers

Sean Charles, originally from Bishop, Texas, grew up with prominent parents—his mother served on the local school board, and his father has been a well-known hairdresser for over 30 years. Sean moved to Dallas to attend college, where he studied fashion design. While in college, he launched a blog focused on fashion and lifestyle events within the city, which quickly gained attention. This led to his role with the local publication DFW Style Daily, where he was appointed social media director and contributing writer. Additionally, he worked as a publicist for JWA Associates. After 12 exciting years as a fashion journalist in Dallas, Sean’s passion for journalism only grew stronger. Upon returning to his hometown in 2018, he reconnected with his roots but remained driven by the allure of uncovering fascinating and glamorous stories. Now a student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Sean continues to pursue knowledge and sharpen his journalistic skills, motivated by the same curiosity and enthusiasm that marked his early career. He currently resides in Bishop, Texas, with his cat, Francis “Champagne” Benedetto, who shares his instinctive curiosity.

“If you're curious, you'll probably be a good journalist because we follow our curiosity like cats.” -Diane Sawyer

AJ Rodriguez is an up-and-coming journalist and writer from the Kingsville area. Growing up in a close-knit family, her Mexican roots and cultural heritage have guided her and influenced every decision she has made in life. During a successful career as Chef-de-cuisine at the King Ranch, AJ has found a passion for telling unique stories about people and culture, especially those in Kingsville's diverse community. As a journalism student, she now aspires to preserve her heritage while learning about and sharing the experiences of underrepresented cultures.