KARA PATAJO is a lifelong Washingtonian and the creator behind Your Northwestie Bestie, a trusted resource for Pacific Northwest travel with over 30,000 followers across social media platforms. Her deeply rooted passion for the region stems from her multicultural heritage-her father's parents immigrated to Washington from the Philippines and South Korea, while her mother's European ancestors homesteaded in North Dakota before settling in Tacoma. A graduate of the University of Washington with degrees in Communication and Political Science, Kara has contributed to respected regional publications including 425, 425 Business, South Sound, and South Sound Business. She has served as an ambassador for Visit Bellevue since 2020, creating monthly travel vlogs showcasing outdoor adventures and hidden gems throughout the region. When not exploring new hiking trails or discovering cozy cafés, Kara can be found sharing her photography and travel recommendations from her home in the South Sound, where her mission is to help others experience the Pacific Northwest with the same wonder and appreciation of a local insider.