Jen Roberts is a St. Louis-based writer. She writes on a variety of topics including travel, education, and local and global social issues. Jen's work can be found on her website; follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
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Jen Roberts
St. Louis International Film Festival: Watch "Day One," about the Nahed Chapman New American Academy, for free
Plus, why the film's director immediately knew she had to make this documentary after visiting the school. more
Courtesy of Brandon Murray
Meet the St. Louisan on a mission to see 100 different artists before he turns 30
He moved to the city to become a priest. That didn’t work out, but music has been the constant through it all. more
Courtesy of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra
Meet the two new St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians from Kurdistan
The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra recruits the area’s best young musicians. This season, it’s also hosting two players far away from home. more
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Welcome Neighbor STL helps refugees feel at home in St. Louis
The organization's Supper Club is just one way in which it's helping local refugees. more
Photo by Ann White
Students share their thoughts on pressure, technology, and growing up with Trump in office
"My generation has grown up with a concept of politics’ being impersonal and not civilized. We have a lot of strong emotions but a lot of hope, too," says John Burroughs School grad William Howlett. more
Courtesy of Forai
Forai helps refugee women start online shops for their handmade fashion lines
What started as a small operation in 2009 has grown into an effective support system for families resettling in St. Louis. more
Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Five St. Louis women of design share their stories and offer advice
Triumphing over adversity and finding success in a male dominated field are just two things that each of these five women have in common. more
Courtesy of Peter Manion
After working in construction for years, Peter Manion returns to his art practice
"All the tools I would normally use in construction have reemerged in the way I make my work. I’m not a paintbrush painter," says Manion. more
Courtesy of Scott Tjaden
50 years after being adopted, this St. Louis designer met his birth mother
A fastidious librarian, a lucky Illinois law change, and a last-ditch Facebook search facilitated Scott Tjaden's first connection with his birth mom, which took place at a mall food court. more
Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
St. Louis designers and their dogs
At home or in the office, man’s and woman’s best friend proves that two are better than one. more
Courtesy QT Luong
Renowned photographer travels to St. Louis to capture Gateway Arch National Park
“I’ve visited other monuments in America and to me, the Arch surpasses them all,” says QT Luong. more
Photo by Carmen Troesser
Two architects reimagine a former telephone exchange building in Carondelet
Sue Pruchnicki and Tom Peterson are transforming the century-old space into their home and studio. more
Illustration by Alex Williamson
In a divided region, local schools are grappling with race relations
How area educators are working to bridge the divide more
Courtesy of Welcome Neighbor STL
Supper club dinners help refugee families settle in St. Louis
Welcome Neighbor STL hosts recurring dinners in which refugee families provide home-cooked food and proceeds benefit the family. more
Photography by Andrew Dominguez
Four tips for a Meatless Monday from a cook at Lulu’s Local Eatery
If you’re tempted by health and virtue, but you can’t figure out how to enjoy a meal without a cow in it… more
via Flickr/Jean-David & Anne-Laure
The hottest workout in St. Louis: flamenco dance
You’ve done your reps and miles. Maybe it’s time to tango. more
Photo by Carmen Troesser
Sara Zigman embraces her work, inside and outside the home
“I just love outdoor art and the possibilities it provides,” she says. “I hope St. Louis continues to embrace it.” more
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg
A new development in The Grove brings a modern feel to a classic neighborhood
Two development companies set a plan in motion to reposition a neighborhood. more
Christian Weiss
A look at modern life on the farm
An Illinois farmer shares about what's changed and what hasn't on his family farm. more
