About Us

The storytellers behind local faces + places.

Backstory Magazine is a local publication driven to shed light on the stories behind the community of San Diego -- through its people and places. We recognize that our city is special because of the people who comprise it. Sharing and exploring the backstories that mold San Diego helps all of us to find the humanity in the world around us and understand ourselves and our surroundings in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Meet The Team

Madison Geering

Editor-in-Chief

I’m a San Diego native and a senior journalism major at SDSU. A lover of human interest stories and creativity, I am also the Editor-in-Chief of The Look Magazine and a previous intern for The San Diego Union-Tribune. In addition to my interest in writing, you can find me singing and playing guitar at a local restaurant.

Kelly Cutler

Staff Writer

I’m a creative at heart who is endlessly inquisitive. I have a passion for food and music and on the weekends you can find me at an alternative rock concert in the front row.

Ashley Ortega

Staff Writer

I’m a 4th-year journalism major and television, film, and media studies minor at SDSU. I’m a pop culture fanatic and have wanted to be a writer since middle school. When I’m not writing, I’m either watching movies or playing with my dog, Captain Cooper.

Joshua Silla

Staff Writer

My stories typically center around Filipino diaspora, issues of ethnicity and race and justice-impacticed communities. The Philippines has a history of activism through local writing; I hope to continue that tradition by writing about the groups that matter to me most!

Makayla Hoppe

Staff Writer

Makayla is a student of journalism and theater arts. She currently works as assistant editor at the San Diego Jewish Journal, and previously served as editor-in-chief for Grossmont College’s newspaper, “The Summit.” Makayla is a San Diego native and enjoys writing about the live theater community.

Paola Valenzuela

Staff Writer

I have a strong passion for writing stories about communities or issues that need more exposure and being an outlet for people who want their voice heard. When I’m not writing, I’m exploring different parts of San Diego with friends or watching a movie in 18 parts on TikTok.