Marquita K. Harris Marquita K. Harris is a seasoned journalist with a passion for people, creativity, and uncovering stories in overlooked places. For three years she worked as the senior editor for Essence magazine, overseeing both print and digital platforms, expanding the Work & Money section, launching three successful editorial franchises, and hosting various live events. Marquita has also worked for Refinery29, editing the entertainment section as well as writing features, op-eds, and trending stories. As a freelancer, her work has appeared in several publications, including Travel + Leisure, Real Simple, InStyle, and more.• 10+ years of journalism experience• Traveler and researcher for Airbnb’s Live Anywhere program (one of 12 people selected from over 314,000 applicants)• Created UnBossed, a career-oriented podcast• Held editorial roles at Essence, Refinery29, and Glamour• Received a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Arts London• Received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago• Recognized as a Harold Tillman Scholar About Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is a top travel media brand with a mission to inform and inspire passionate travelers. Our expert team includes a network of hundreds of writers and photographers across the globe, all providing a local eye on the best places to stay, eat, and explore. We reach an audience that takes 76 million round trips annually, offering valuable travel tips, ideas and inspiration, and products you need to get you to your destination — whether it’s a small town or big city, beach or lake, national park or theme park, road trip, cruise, or long-haul flight, and everything in between. Learn more about us and our editorial process