About the Beacon
The Bucks County Beacon is an independent media outlet producing fearless, fact-based journalism. We are committed to reporting the stories that other local media outlets can’t or don’t cover, especially the growing threat of extremism and disinformation to our schools, government, and democracy.
We are building a sustainable, reader-supported news organization to fill the local information gap, rooted in transparency and community accountability.
Our mission is to strengthen our communities, increase civic engagement, and empower residents to make informed decisions. We are focused on providing the resources, like our local voter guides, that create a more informed electorate. We also believe in highlighting the community members who live and work here, publishing diverse local writers and activists.
We believe this work fosters a community where every resident is informed, engaged, and empowered to shape its future.
To be part of this community media movement, contact us at info@buckscountybeacon.com. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on socials @buckscountybeacon to read and share all of our stories.
Staff
Emily Smith is the Owner & Publisher of the Bucks County Beacon. She is a seasoned design professional with nearly a decade of experience in strategic communications. Emily has spent nearly two decades working with startups and small businesses. Beyond her design chops, Emily is a creative problem solver, and business strategist. She has also owned her own graphic design firm since 2003, working with nearly every imaginable client including small businesses, giant corporations, non-profits, and community organizations.
Cyril Mychalejko is the Editor-in-Chief of the Bucks County Beacon. He has over two decades of journalistic experience. His work has appeared in The Bucks County Courier Times, The Intelligencer, Upside Down World, Common Dreams, TruthOut, and other publications. Read his columns on Sundays and follow him on Twitter.
Ali Hollen is a customer service and sales professional with a strong background in client relations, business development, and project management. She has worked across industries—from publishing to healthcare—managing multimillion-dollar portfolios and leading high-impact projects. Known for building lasting relationships and driving growth, Ali is passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences and supporting initiatives that make a positive difference.
Key contributors
Jennifer Cohn
Jennifer Cohn is an attorney, election integrity advocate, and political writer whose articles have appeared in the New York Review of Books, Who What Why, The Independent, TYT Investigates, The Brad Blog, and Salon. You can follow her on Twitter at @jennycohn1.
Jenny Stephens
Jenny Stephens is a freelance journalist who has written for a variety of publications, including The Reporter. An avid collector of all things vintage, she resides in Lansdale, PA.
Kierstyn Zolfo
Kierstyn Zolfo is a volunteer organizer with Indivisible Bucks County and Pennsylvania Indivisible. She and her husband live in Newtown Township.
Molly Parzen
Molly Parzen is Executive Director of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, a statewide environmental advocacy group.
Kadida Kenner
Kadida Kenner is the CEO of the New Pennsylvania Project, a statewide voting rights organization with a primary focus on voter registration, civic engagement and mobilization, and co-chair of Why Courts Matter — Pennsylvania, a campaign educating Pennsylvanians about the importance of the independence of both the federal and state courts. She writes from Chester County. She writes from Chester County.
More Contributors
