Growing up I had always been a reader and a library go-er but when I got my first job working in libraries, I had no idea it would become a career for me. I was just looking for a part-time job, but I got lucky enough to work for an amazing leader who taught me the importance of public libraries and gave me opportunities that stretched my capacities. Fifteen years later I’ve devoted my professional life to library service and I would love to be a part of a team that does such incredible work helping to make libraries- and the people working in- them stronger and more connected. The most important factor in my own library journey has been the mentorship, support and friendship of likeminded professionals, and CLA plays a huge part in bringing library workers together in leadership development, support for innovation and training. I believe that California has the best and most diverse libraries in the nation and I would be honored to serve on CLA’s Board. 

Questionaire

1. How do you define leadership?
   Leadership to me means creating and communicating a compelling vision of the role of libraries in a changing world. Leaders have the knowledge to transition their ideas into concrete plans, the communication skills to describe their vision, and the interpersonal skills to lead others in translating that vision into reality. Leaders serve others before serving themselves and enable the people around them to do their best work.
   
   Today’s public libraries exist at a point in time in which we have the incredible opportunity to rethink the types of services and value we provide to our communities, and to transform the role of the library in society. Changes in how people seek, use and create information mean that libraries can and must change how they provide information, how they organize their physical spaces, and how they contribute to the cultural, economic, educational and social well-being of our communities.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
   I am interested in serving because I have long been impressed with the professionalism, drive and passion of the CLA Board and membership. California libraries are driving innovation and I want to deepen my involvement with CLA in orderto support the amazing work being done across the state. 
3.  How would you describe your personal leadership/communication style?
   I believe that there is a constant give and take between effective leaders, their staff, and public library patrons. Leaders who value collaborative participation and contribution amongst all levels of staff are most effective in creating change and implementing new policies and programs. Communication is a vital part of this collaboration, and effective leaders know that social interactions at work- establishing and maintaining professional and interpersonal relationships- are what enable creativity and new ideas to flow in organizations. Great leaders establish an organizational culture in which communication at all levels is valued and encouraged.
4.  What strengths would you bring to the position?
   I personally pride myself on being able make genuine connections with my coworkers and those whom I serve through my enthusiasm and knowledge, and I consider a commitment to excellent, forward-thinking customer service as fundamental to my own philosophy of librarianship. I see myself as creative, open to new ideas and hard-working in accomplishing my goals.
5. What experience do you bring to this position?
   I began working in public libraries in 2003 and worked as a paraprofessional in Florida and California before earning my MLIS and becoming Senior Librarian in Children’s Services at the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library. I have also worked in museum education and outreach, specifically serving children experiencing homelessness, a position which helped strengthen my commitment to serving diverse populations. 
   
   During my time in Monterey Park I have expanded our programming to include important early literacy offerings such as 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and Starlings, and worked to shift the library’s culture to emphasize the importance of early learning and play in the public library. In 2014 I was awarded PLA’s Innovations in Literacy Award for my youth literacy program for children of parents with limited English proficiency.
   
   I have been lucky to participate in Eureka Institute and the Public Library Association’s Leadership Academy, where I honed my skills working on long-term intensive projects like creating a bilingual early literacy app for parents and broadened my involvement with professionals across the state and country.
6. What issues or trends are particularly informing your work at this time?
   I entered the profession because I loved the role libraries can play in providing educational, economic, civic and social opportunities to all members of the community. Right now I’m invested in social justice, diversity and equity and the work public libraries can do to support and further these issues.
7. Who are the thought leaders (in libraries or in other fields) who interest you?
   I have been incredibly impressed by Oakland Public Library’s work, particularly their toolkit on evaluating children’s books about police so that representations are accurate and relevant to all children. I’m also a big supporter of the non-profit, grassroots organization We Need Diverse Books for advocating for changes in publishing so that all children can see themselves respectfully reflected in the pages of books.
8. Who are the regional and statewide stakeholders libraries need to be in communication with?
   Libraries should be in communication with groups and stakeholders that share our interest in extending educational, economic, civic and social opportunities to our communities, such as governmental agencies, nonprofits, adult education agencies, parks, preschools, and local school districts. Creating these connections expands the reach of the work we can do and makes our work more sustainable.
9. What do you feel are the most critical challenges and opportunities facing California libraries right now?
   Many California libraries are facing challenges in terms of funding at the same time that we are seeing demand for our services grow. Convincing local politicians and lawmakers of the importance of libraries is a constant challenge which drives home the necessity of powerful advocacy and being able to tell our story effectively is more important than ever. While these challenges are forcing libraries to think creatively about the work we do, innovative libraries are meeting these challenges with new and exciting services and programs in their communities. 
10. Describe your experience serving on Association committees and/or interest groups.
    I am currently serving on ALSC’s Geisel Award Committee and PLA’s Public Libraries Advisory Board, while finishing up an appointment as the Chair of ALSC’s Program Coordinating Committee (where I had the opportunity to review and help select ALSC’s sessions for ALA 2018 and ALSC Institute). I have been on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California since 2015, where I have served on their Awards Committee and as Vice President of Communications. In addition I have served on PLA’s Baker & Taylor Entertainment Award Jury and their Upstart Innovation Award Jury, as well as ALSC’s Liaison with National Organizations Serving Youth Committee. These appointments have given me the opportunity to support public libraries and librarians both regionally and nationally and have deepened my commitment to the work that we do.
11. Describe your network of connections with library professionals and library stakeholders in California.
    My network of connections with library professionals and library stakeholders in California is what sustains my work. I have been lucky enough to be involved with many formal and informal groups across the state, including Eureka! Leadership and the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California, which have fostered connections with library professionals who do amazing and inspiring things in their communities every day. Being able to reach out to people for mentorship and advice and learning from others, whether in person or online, has been invaluable in my career and makes me a better librarian.