Founded by former investor and present arts advocate Genaro Trejo, Megacity Review is a new voice in the Los Angeles literary sphere aiming to capture narratives of urban life from worldwide. Trejo has established his platform for those often ignored by mainstream media, especially members of LGBTQ+ communities.
“Cities are filled with dynamic people and untold stories,” Trejo said. “My goal with Megacity Review was to create a space that captures urban experiences from every angle. Cities are rich, complex spaces, and we want the journal to reflect that.”
An Education That Began the Journey
Trejo’s passion for the urban environment was bolstered by his studies at UCLA and the University of Chicago, where he studied political science and Chicano Studies and earned a master’s in public policy, respectively. This period of education initially led Trejo toward investment opportunities.
Trejo’s Initial Career in Global Investing
Though Trejo has deep connections in East Los Angeles, his career has involved travels to cities across the world. His local inclinations have brought him back to the city of Los Angeles, but his vision remains broad. Trejo’s career has ranged from global private investing to community work in his home city, but urban life remains at the core of his interests. Following a period of investment in Latin America and Asia, Trejo’s eyes were opened to the challenges of the urban landscape through his work in Mexico City and Shanghai, as well as its unique beauty and inspiring potential.
Nonprofit Work and Partnerships
In the present day, he uses his insight into urban spaces to contribute wherever he can, especially by serving on boards such as The Survivor Center (formerly The Center for Law and Justice) and PS Science. In these roles, he applies his urban knowledge to community work in order to improve the lives of others. Trejo also applies his skills to nonprofit work in Los Angeles, serving as COO of Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) and partnering with groups like the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Weingart Foundation.
Founding Megacity Review
Megacity Review is yet another local initiative from Trejo, ignited by a passion for urban environments and a sense of purpose. He gained both experience and insight through his education and professional career, and now this platform will broadcast the voice of cities around the world.
“After years in business, I wanted to bring [my] experience to the literary arts,” Trejo said. “Megacity Review allows me to support both emerging and established voices, showcasing stories that shape city life.”
Megacity Review’s experience is inspired by The Paris Review, combining uncoated text pages with semi-gloss inserts. The result is a tactile experience that emphasizes the artistic features of the journal for the reader.
The First Issue
The first issue of Megacity Review, “Chronicling the Urban Condition,” features pieces by the New York Times-recognized artist Lauren Halsey, Vietnamese-American writer Lynn Lieu, the University of Chicago managing editor Lisa McKamy, and The Idea of You author Robinne Lee. As a whole, the issue explores themes of identity and culture, authenticity, and inclusivity.
A New Platform for Urban Voices
Megacity Review aims to capture the sense of city life, exploring its unique realities and global influence. Much like the city in which it is situated, the journal advocates for free expression while connecting a diverse audience of readers. Trejo envisions the journal as an outlet for sharing urban stories with a worldwide audience. It is an extension of his dedication to his home city of Los Angeles and the global urban community, moving beyond his local work to give a new voice to the people all around him.
Megacity Review’s first edition is available for pre-order at megacityreview.org.