Em Arata-Berkel was born and raised in Austin, that weird blue heart of Texas. They made the trek out west to complete a Master’s in Library and Information Science at the University of Washington, and charmed by the PNW’s sublime gloom, they've since put down roots in the greater Seattle area. Em has written creatively since they were knee-high, hiked before they could walk, and delights in excavating information rabbit holes. Inspired by this spring's blooms, they've taken up amateur photography.