Why Do I Stay? – The DEI Perspective II

As a follow up to popular series "Why I Left the Profession -- DEI Perspective," "Why Do I Stay -- The DEI Perspective II" series is taking a closer look at resiliency and optimism in the face of many obstacles and challenges.  Facilitated by Twanna Hodge, we are honoring Kenya Flash as our inspiration.

Sample questions include: 

Why do I stay in the librarian profession?  What advice do you have for newer BIPOC librarians who are contemplating leaving?  How do I deal with adversity and setbacks?  What do you feel has changed in the profession over the years in terms of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and what proactive steps are needed for the future?

Panelists:

Silvia Vong (she/her) is the Associate University Librarian for Scholarly, Research, and Creative Activities at Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto, Ontario. She has been in the profession for over a decade in various roles with increasing responsibilities. She is also a Ph.D. candidate at OISE at the University of Toronto where she is studying the impact of neoliberal conventions on equity and anti-racism work in Canadian universities.

Isabel Espinal has been at the University of Massachusetts Amherst since 1998, after working in public libraries in Connecticut. She has a PhD and MLIS and is currently an Academic Engagement librarian for African Studies, Afro American Studies, Latin American, Caribbean & Latinx Studies, Native American & Indigenous Studies, Spanish & Portuguese, and Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies. 

Nichelle Hayes (MPA, MLS) is the BCALA president (2022-2024). She leads the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) at the Indianapolis Public Library. Hayes graduated from Indiana University’s School of Library & Information Science (SLIS) with her MLS. She began her library career as a library media specialist at an Elementary School in Indianapolis. 

Register to attend.

Sponsored by ASERL