Member-only story
About Me — Emily
From Michigan Lakes to Mountain Peaks
Hi, I’m Emily Walbridge — a storyteller, outdoor enthusiast, and lifelong explorer. I grew up in a small rural town tucked between two lakes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where summers were spent fishing, swimming, and tracking through the woods with my golden retriever, Winston. Winters meant snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skating on the frozen lake my dad would plow for us. Nature was my playground and my refuge, where I first learned to love open skies, quiet trails, and the thrill of discovery.
Fast-forward to today, and I’ve traded those lakes for mountains. Now based in the Pacific Northwest, I spend my free time climbing peaks like Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. Whether I’m summiting a volcano or wandering the forests, I’m always seeking ways to reconnect with the wild spaces that shaped me.
Professionally, I lead marketing teams and help brands tell their stories in ways that drive sustainable impact. Outside of work, I write about the outdoors, with pieces published in places like The Boardman Review and other outdoor magazines. I also enjoy mentoring future outdoor leaders through initiatives like the American Hiking Society’s JEDI program.
My passion for storytelling has recently led me to pursue a lifelong dream — writing a young adult novel. The Northern Sky reflects many of the experiences I had growing up, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the connections we build in nature and with each other.
Whether I’m on the trail, behind a keyboard, or somewhere in between, I’m always chasing that next adventure — because the journey, much like life, is best enjoyed one step at a time.
