Samantha Macklin is a Los Angeles-based journalist, writer and editorial storyteller currently studying journalism at Loyola Marymount University. She writes reported features, culture stories and human-centered pieces focused on identity, wellness, faith, women’s issues and Los Angeles life. Her work explores the intersection of personal experience and larger cultural conversations, often highlighting the voices and stories that shape everyday communities.

Alongside journalism, Samantha is the founder of The Joy Project, a community-centered initiative focused on mentorship, encouragement and service for young women and children throughout Los Angeles. Her background in leadership, advocacy and public speaking continues to shape the way she approaches storytelling both on and off the page.

Her work spans reported journalism, essays and multimedia storytelling, with interests in culture, wellness, media, beauty standards, grief, faith and the evolving experiences of young women today. She hopes to continue building a career in editorial and magazine journalism that centers honesty, empathy and impactful storytelling.