Board of Directors Candidate
Video
Current Position:
- Consumer Health Program Specialist, The Network of the National Library of Medicine Training Office, University of Utah Eccles Health Sciences Library, 2022 to present.
Previous Positions (Last 10 Years):
- Drake Memorial Library, SUNY Brockport, Brockport, New York, 2020-2022.
- Edward G. Miner Library, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 2019-2020.
- Health Sciences Library, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, 2018-2019.
MLA Official Activities (Last 10 Years)
National:
- Medical Library Association: member 2018-present;
- Membership Committee: Student Member 2019-2021;
- Scholarship Jury: Member 2020-2021;
- Legislative Committee: Member 2021-2022;
- Nominating Committee: member 2021-2022;
- JMLA Editor in Chief Search Committee: member 2022;
- Community Council 2023-present.
Caucus:
- Caucus member: Latinx, LGBTQIA+, Public Health, Academic Librarians, African American Medical Librarians Alliance, Collection Development, Hospital Library, Data, Systematic Review, Research, Medical Library Education, Health Humanities, Health Association Corporate Librarians. Libraries in Health Sciences Curriculums, Nursing and Allied Health Resources and Services, Consumer and Patient Health Information Services, Cancer Librarians, New Members, Public Services, Pharmacy and Drug Information;
- Social Justice and Health Disparities: chair-elect, chair, past-chair 2022-present;
- AAMLA: member virtual engagement committee 2019-2022;
- New Members: communications chair 2019-2021.
Chapter:
- Upstate New York and Ontario Chapter: member 2018-present; Conference planning committee 2022-2023; Member at Large 2023-present.
Professional Activities (Last 10 Years)
- American Library Association: 2018-present; Allied Professional Association, Salaries and Status of Library Workers Member 2018-2020; Committee on Diversity: Member 2019-2021; Emily Drabinski Advisory Committee, Member 2022-2024.
- Association of College and Research Libraries: Member 2018-present; Residency Interest Group Programs and Proposals Team: Member 2018-2020; Residency Interest Group Assessment Team: Member 2019-2024; University Library Section Award Committee: Member 2019-2021; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee: Member 2019-2021.
- The Black Caucus of the American Library Association: Member 2018-present; History Committee: Member 2019-2020; 11th National Conference of African American Librarians Evaluations Committee : Member 2019-2021; Program Committee: Member 2020-2021; 12th National Conference of African American Librarians Evaluations Committee: Member 2024; Professional Development Committee: Member 2023-present.
- Association of Research Libraries: Kaleidoscope Program: Mentor, 2019-2021.
- Library Juice Academy: Introduction to Health Sciences Librarianship Program: Mentor 2020.
- JAMA Network Library Advisory Board: Member 2022-2024.
Professional Honors (Last 10 Years)
- North Carolina Central University, 40 Under 40 Alumni Award, 2023.
- Medical Library Association President’s Award, 2023.
- AAHSL Leadership Diversity Scholarship, 2022.
Candidate Questions from the Nominating Committee (500 word limit combined)
Tell us a bit about your skills, qualifications, and why you are interested in serving on the MLA Board.
I have dedicated my career to advancing health literacy, equitable access to information, and professional development within medical librarianship. As a health sciences librarian and health information trainer, I have extensive experience designing and leading educational programs that empower librarians and their communities. As a second-career librarian, I bring a unique perspective, combining empathy, advocacy, and problem-solving skills. I’m excited to bring my experience to the MLA Board.
What do you think the board of directors should focus on in the coming year?
I am eager to serve on the MLA Board because I am passionate about fostering professional growth, building inclusive spaces, and ensuring that MLA continues to be a leader in supporting medical librarians at all career stages. In the face of ongoing attacks on science, public health, and librarianship, MLA must stand strong as a leader in advocating for credible information, health equity, and the vital role of librarians. In the coming year, the board should focus on strengthening programming and support that equip members to counter misinformation, advocate for their expertise, and navigate challenges in their institutions. This includes expanding accessible and inclusive professional development and fostering innovative engagement that empowers librarians to stand in solidarity in the face of these threats.
How do we show people the value of volunteering and participating in MLA?
To demonstrate the value of volunteering and participating in MLA, we must highlight and celebrate member contributions’ impact on the organization and individual professional growth. One of my suggestions would be to have a gratitude event for all MLA volunteers. This could be virtual since everyone can not attend the MLA conference. Providing greater clarity on volunteer responsibilities is important, particularly what is expected of Caucus chairs. Ensuring that members fully understand their roles and have the necessary support will strengthen leadership within MLA and enhance the overall volunteer experience.
What would you as a board member do to help build community within our association and create an environment where members feel a sense of belonging?
As a board member, I would prioritize creating a strong community within MLA by fostering spaces where members feel heard, valued, and connected. This includes supporting affinity groups and not hiding them from the public. We should be proud of our affinity caucuses. Therefore, creating virtual networking opportunities for Caucuses to break out of their silos would be nice to see. A culture of belonging is built through intentionality by ensuring all voices are welcomed and amplified, particularly those from marginalized communities.
What would you do to improve communications between MLA Leadership and MLA members?
Improving communication between MLA leadership and members requires a multi-faceted approach. I would advocate for more transparency in decision-making processes by providing regular updates on board initiatives, utilizing multiple communication channels, and creating structured opportunities for members to provide input. Town halls, open office hours, and feedback loops could be implemented to ensure members feel engaged and informed. By strengthening dialogue between leadership and members, we reinforce that MLA is a member-driven organization where all contributions matter.
Serving on the MLA Board would be an opportunity to support, uplift, and advocate for our members while shaping the future of medical librarianship. I am committed to ensuring that MLA becomes an inclusive, dynamic, and supportive community where all members feel empowered to grow and contribute.