Zoe Branch

Freelance writer, editor, and typewriter artist

Hi, I'm Zoe.

I'm an award-winning lifestyle and business writer who focuses on social impact stories. I have three years of experience crafting short- and long-form pieces on climate change, sustainability, health, the arts, and more.

In 2020, I received the "New Journalist of the Year" award from the Society of Professional Journalists Western Washington Chapter. My work can be found in a variety of local print publications, including 5280, Arches, South Sound, and 425 magazines.

I'm currently based in Brooklyn, where I run a literary arts business out of my apartment with my great grandfather's typewriter.

Read more about me.

Photo by Moriah Ziman

Best Clips

425 Magazine • 25th November 2019

Almost Human

Ten chimpanzees live at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, a bucolic 90-acre slice of land nestled in Cle Elum’s Cascade mountains. They are a handful of thousands rescued from medical testing.

South Sound Magazine • 16th March 2020

To Protect and Preserve

The activism around the Nisqually watershed in the last 60 years has resulted in one of the most pristinely preserved environments in the state. Still, the Nisqually Tribe worries for its future.

425 Business • 13th May 2020

Why We're Still Talking About Women In Business

Experts — and data — show that the successes of women in business still are vital ones to highlight because equity is far from achieved.

425 Business • 27th January 2020

The Unexpected Power of Animation

Terry Thoren has spent his career making cartoons like Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys. The Snohomish resident now owns a company called Wonder Media, which creates animations that educate and empower kids of all ages.

425 Business • 6th May 2020

A Voicemail Box to Reduce Recidivism

Corrio was designed by Alex Peder while he was incarcerated so he could better stay in touch with his kids. The startup now helps hundreds of people in prison do the same.

425 Magazine • 20th January 2020

Ending the Stigma

One in five adults experiences mental illness each year — but we don’t often hear people speak openly about their own struggles. Here are four who did.

South Sound Magazine • 10th August 2020

Women to Watch 2020

Meet six Women to Watch who continue to lead and shine.

South Sound Business • 19th November 2019

Durable Goods

Bremerton Office Machine Co. is one of the last shops in the Puget Sound area dedicated to repairing typewriters — machines that its new owner, Paul Lundy, said are built to stand the test of time.

South Sound Business • 23rd October 2019

The Economy of Language

Expedition Press’ Myrna Keliher prints words that she believes people need to read, or remember, or send to a loved one. She calls it "poetry propaganda."

South Sound Business • 22nd October 2019

Set in Stone

Today, the Tenino Stone Carvers keep history alive by continuing to practice the rare and traditional craft of stone carving.

South Sound Magazine • 13th March 2019

Saving Our Bees

Among the most highly publicized culprits for declining bee health are pesticides and even some herbicides. But a lesser-known, and potentially equally dangerous, foe has been identified as the single-most serious problem causing colony losses today: the varroa mite.

South Sound Magazine • 12th March 2019

The Changing Face of Recycling

At JMK Fibers, local solutions to a global problem attempt to emerge.

South Sound Business • 3rd January 2019

Maker's Market 2.0

After noticing that a few of her favorite things — community spirit, lively music, and a good bite to eat — were missing from the local scene, Leah Morgan decided to create the Tacoma Night Market.

5280 • 2nd January 2019

An Ode to Eskimo Ski Club

A personal essay outlining my experience growing up in one of America's last independent ski schools.

425 Magazine • 6th September 2018

Trapped Bodies, Freed Minds

In 2012, the Washington Corrections Center for Women underwent an important shift: College classes became available inside the prison’s walls.