When Omari Foote, founding Chief Creative Officer of COVER2COVER magazine, looked to name her successor, she found not one, but two capable women willing to take up the mantle of creative direction and production at Howard University’s premier student magazine. 

Hailey McMannen and Kayla Smernoff are two driven, creative, and wildly talented individuals determined to take C2C to new heights. But don’t take my word for it. Here's what the two media moguls-in-training have to say about their creative future at COVER2COVER magazine. 

Question: So how do you feel? 

Hailey: I am excited to say the least. I am so thankful to be in this role. I’ve had the pleasure of working with COVER2COVER since my sophomore year. I actually got my first article published with C2C. I started as a writer, then became the creative director and now serve as the Co-Chief Creative Officer. COVER2COVER helped me to see where my creative passions fit within journalism and ultimately know what I want to do with my career. 

Kayla: So the news that I was Co-Chief Creative officer with Hailey was just so exciting. I can’t wait for our work to get started with our teams for the year. COVER2COVER magazine has been such an amazing resource of inspiration and friendship for me. The practical experience that I gained from COVER2COVER just really helped me to learn what my strengths are and what I enjoy about magazine journalism and publication. 

Question: What is your vision as Co-Chief Creative Officers for the future of the magazine?

Kayla: I want to create more space for the creatives on campus and the writers on campus to contribute. Our staff is so driven and creative, and I can’t wait to see what we’re going to do in the coming months. I know that it's going to be amazing. I want everyone on campus to be able to say something positive about COVER2COVER magazine. 

Hailey: I am excited to just see what we can do next. How we can tell more stories that haven’t been told. How we can push the barriers more and just continue to re-shape the culture of media and journalism on campus. We have the most talented staff ever and I am excited to continue to create a space for people to showcase their talent and experience and grow professionally. 

It is clear that the future of creativity at COVER2COVER magazine is in very capable hands. Four to be exact. Side note: As the new EIC, there are no two people that I would rather work alongside with. The dream team has officially arrived. You ready? Because we absolutely are.