Rising Star Program
Established in 2010, the MLA Rising Star program provides members with the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge, and personal characteristics needed to become a leader in MLA. The yearly leadership development program matches each Rising Star with a mentor in a curriculum that includes:
- Monthly classes led by MLA member leaders.
- Experiences and training to develop self-awareness of skills and dispositions as a leader.
- Opportunities to discuss, reflect upon, and apply concepts from classic leadership texts.
- Opportunities to gain a comprehensive, intimate view of all aspects of MLA, from Board meetings to MLA history, with a focus on strategic planning.
- A group project that relates to current MLA initiatives.
- Working with a matched career mentor.
Rising Star Criteria
- The applicant does not need to be a current member of MLA when applying to the program. If selected, the applicant will be required to obtain MLA membership for the duration of the program, which spans two membership cycles. Two years of MLA memberships is required.
- The applicant is considered ineligible if they have held a national level MLA position as chair of a committee or task force; elected officer of a caucus; or have served on the MLA Board of Directors.
- Former jury chairs are eligible to apply.
- The applicant must have attended at least one national MLA annual conference (in-person or virtual).
- The applicant must have demonstrated interest and commitment to professional service through participation in activities or conferences related to medical librarianship.
Rising Star Program Requirements
- To fully participate in the one year program, complete all assignments, and participate in 10-12 virtual meetings (90 minutes each).
- An estimated time commitment of 8-12 hours per month.
- Attendance at annual conference towards the end of the program is encouraged, but optional. This would allow program members to meet in-person and present achievements.
- The recipient assumes all costs of attending the annual conference.
The Rising Star Jury will assess submissions based on the following:
- Interest in MLA leadership
- Potential for MLA leadership
- Potential to contribute to group learning
Recipient
- The award recipient will be notified in early March.
- The recipient will be asked to share a photo and video for the virtual awards ceremony held in the spring.
Ready to Apply?
- The application must be completed, and all supporting documents uploaded no later than December 2.
- Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be accepted for review.
- An acknowledgement of the submission will appear on the webpage once the application has been received.
Applicants must be logged into MLANET to complete this form.
Past Recipients
- 2024
- David Petersen
- Renee Rau
- Jessica Sender
- Valerie Vera