Maureen Halushak, Editor-in-Chief of Canada’s premier lifestyle magazine Chatelaine, specializes in service-driven content that empowers readers to simplify and enhance daily life. With a 15-year tenure at the publication, she has pioneered inclusive wellness coverage and practical home solutions, notably through initiatives like the Clutter-Busting Challenge and Dove partnership for body-positive imagery.
Halushak avoids hard news politics and celebrity gossip, preferring evergreen content with lasting utility. Her editorial leadership has driven Chatelaine’s digital growth while maintaining its legacy as a trusted print resource for Canadian women.
Maureen Halushak has shaped Canadian lifestyle journalism through her 15-year tenure at Chatelaine, ascending to Editor-in-Chief in 2025. Her work emphasizes practical solutions for modern living while championing inclusivity and authenticity. After beginning as a junior editor, she honed her expertise in curating content that balances aspirational guidance with relatable storytelling, earning recognition for transforming traditional women’s magazines into platforms for empowerment.
This inaugural editor’s note established Halushak’s vision for Chatelaine, blending personal reflection with editorial direction. She candidly discusses her initial hesitation about appearing in unretouched photos, framing it as a growth moment that mirrors the magazine’s commitment to authenticity. The article highlights her collaboration with Dove to showcase diverse body types, emphasizing how this project aligned with her goal to "reclaim joy" in media representation. By weaving anecdotes about summer planning challenges and career mentorship, Halushak positions Chatelaine as a guide for navigating modern life’s complexities.
Halushak co-authored this hands-on guide to organizing chaotic living spaces, reflecting her belief in actionable lifestyle journalism. The piece documents her own struggle with a disorganized kitchen drawer, pairing self-deprecating humor with expert tips from professional organizers. By showcasing real staff transformations, she demystifies home management while reinforcing Chatelaine’s role as a trusted resource. The article’s success led to recurring seasonal decluttering features, cementing her reputation for relatable service journalism.
Under Halushak’s leadership, this issue introduced the Pantry Awards, recognizing time-saving kitchen products. The edition balances practical advice (e.g., weeknight meal prep) with aspirational content like yurt vacation guides, exemplifying her "edit smarter, not harder" philosophy. A standout section on wardrobe minimalism reflects her focus on sustainability without sacrificing style, a recurring theme in her curation.
Halushak prioritizes stories offering tangible takeaways, such as the Clutter-Busting Challenge’s step-by-step organization framework. Successful pitches should mirror this approach—for example, "5 Biodegradable Products for Zero-Waste Kitchens" with expert interviews and cost comparisons. Avoid vague trend pieces lacking implementation strategies.
Her Dove collaboration demonstrates a preference for inclusive narratives. Pitches might explore topics like accessible fitness programs for plus-size individuals or mental health resources for immigrant communities. Ensure sources reflect Canada’s demographic diversity.
The Spring 2025 issue’s yurt travel feature reimagined conventional summer content. Pitches should put innovative spins on seasonal themes—e.g., "Winter Gardening for Urban Apartments" or "Mindful Holiday Gift-Giving Guides." Include data-backed insights, like surveys on changing consumer habits.
“The results, as you’ll see here, are picture-perfect.” —Halushak on the unretouched swimsuit feature
Halushak’s transformative first year as Editor-in-Chief earned recognition from the National Magazine Awards Foundation. Judges noted her bold visual rebranding and increased reader engagement metrics (+37% YoY). This nomination places her among leaders redefining Canadian lifestyle media.
Received for mentoring junior staff and launching Chatelaine’s paid internship program targeting BIPOC candidates. The award underscores her commitment to equitable representation, a value embedded in features like the 2025 Everywoman model portfolio.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Lifestyle, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
