Ema is a Mexican-born Chicagoan and a first-generation college student. As the eldest daughter of Mexican parents from Mexico City and Oaxaca and a sister to two siblings. Her educational journey unfolded on the dynamic south side of Chicago, proudly attending Everett Elementary School, Evergreen Middle School, and Kelly High School.

Her passion for education, history, and storytelling ignited during high school, sparked by a dedicated teacher who introduced her to impactful social movements and Chicano history. These experiences, coupled with living in the culturally rich Southside and exploring her Mexican-American identity in Chicago, fueled her decision to pursue higher education. Currently a master's student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Ema's academic pursuits delve into Latin American and Latino studies, focusing on the informal sector, immigration, culture, generational experiences, and race and ethnicity.

Ema is a museum and cultural worker with expertise in K-12 education. Her skills encompass cultural development curriculum, assessments, and instructions. In the non-profit sector, she has devoted herself to youth education and development, eager to continue her learning journey and contribute to education initiatives benefiting Chicago communities.

Fueled by a passion for storytelling, Ema plays part of the founding storytelling team. She staunchly believes in the importance of our stories—they are integral threads in the rich fabric of our city. In an era marked by historical erasure, Ema advocates for collaboration to illuminate the diverse stories of Latino communities. She stresses the significance of preserving these narratives and recognizing historical gaps in the archives related to our communities. Ema encourages everyone to embrace the importance of their own stories, emphasizing that sharing them can be a guiding light for others.