Journalist & Communications Stratigist

Serena Maria Daniels is a Detroit-based Mexican American journalist whose 20-year career spans investigative reporting, food criticism, independent publishing, and strategic communications. Her reporting has influenced public policy and helped shape the Midwest's culinary landscape.

Her editorial experience includes Eater, the Chicago Tribune, the Detroit News, Hour Detroit, and others. She founded Tostada Magazine and created Midwest Mexican, two independent publications that reflect her leadership in entrepreneurial journalism.

Serena works with hospitality brands, small businesses, and organizations on public relations, editorial strategy, and communications.

JOURNALISM • ENTREPRENEURSHIP • STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

JOURNALISM • ENTREPRENEURSHIP • STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Public Relations & Media Strategy

Media relations, press outreach, publicity campaigns, and communications planning.

Services

Editorial & Content Strategy

Editorial development, branded content, storytelling campaigns, and publication strategy.

Brand Positioning & Consulting

Strategic messaging, brand development, and communications counsel for hospitality and small businesses.


Selected Work

In Good Co. Detroit | New Economy Initiative

Branded content and integrated storytelling campaign spotlighting Detroit's small business community through original reporting, multimedia production, and strategic content distribution.


2019-2021

Hay Comida en la Casa | Eater

Editorial strategy and development of a national series that expanded Latino representation in food journalism through original reporting, contributor engagement, and culturally informed coverage.


2024

Independent Journalism & Media Entrepreneurship

Independent practice encompassing freelance journalism, editorial consulting, and media entrepreneurship. She is the food critic for Hour Detroit, with bylines and contributions to Reuters, HuffPost, Bon Appétit, TASTE, Detroit Metro Times, and NPR affiliate WDET. Her independent publishing ventures include Tostada Magazine, which she founded in 2017, and Midwest Mexican, which she launched in 2025.

2014-Present

Let’s Work Together

Have a project in mind? Serena works with hospitality brands, small businesses, and organizations on public relations, editorial strategy, and communications.