Serena Maria Daniels is a Detroit-based Mexican American journalist, media entrepreneur, and strategic communications consultant whose career spans investigative reporting, restaurant criticism, national food media, and independent publishing.

Over two decades, her reporting has influenced public policy and helped shape the Midwest's culinary landscape. Her editorial experience includes roles at the Chicago Tribune, the Detroit News, Eater, and Hour Detroit, where she serves as restaurant critic. Her reporting and criticism have also appeared in Reuters, HuffPost, Bon Appétit, TASTE, Detroit Metro Times, and WDET.

In 2017, Serena founded Tostada Magazine, an independent food journalism publication that expanded opportunities for journalists of color and brought new perspectives to regional food coverage. She later launched Midwest Mexican, an independent newsletter whose original reporting and essays have reached national audiences. Her essay “When the Food Journalist Needs Food Stamps” was republished by Bon Appétit and selected for The Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026.

Her work extends into editorial strategy, sponsored content production, and communications consulting. She has developed national editorial initiatives, including Eater's Hay Comida en la Casa series, and produced branded content for organizations such as the New Economy Initiative. She also served on the James Beard Foundation's Restaurant and Chef Awards subcommittee.

Through her consulting practice, Serena works with hospitality brands, small businesses, and organizations on public relations, brand positioning, editorial strategy, and communications campaigns.