Diversity

Diversity Statement

I have had the fortunate opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds. In particular, I have worked closely with historically underrepresented students, such as first generation and queer individuals. I have strived to incorporate these backgrounds into my instruction and academic service, inspired by the writings of Paulo Freire, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and bell hooks. Crenshaw's term, "intersectionality," is a foundation for me as I navigate the nuances of the spaces that I occupy, research, and teach; doing what I can to address the overlaps in identities and experiences. I believe that students thrive when we take the time to understand individual perspectives and incorporate diverse learning objectives alongside their interests. I am excited for the opportunity to continue creating partnerships with students and dedicate myself to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

In the process of teaching literature, I've discovered that storytelling has the ability to affect social attitudes. Cultural perceptions impact our ability to understand one another and they augment our views of diversity and voice. In order to create programs and tell stories that engage diverse needs, we must consider how different markers of identity contribute to individual lived experiences. We must move beyond the "banking system of education," where students are viewed as empty vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge. This perspective is rife with a host of ills and positions the classroom as a space of unequal power. Instead, we should center ourselves on creating networks of innovative and thoughtful student learning. Perhaps the most effective method in bringing about this change is the power of kindness. Students and teachers have an equal responsibility and commitment to the classroom; it is as much about connecting to each other as it is about understanding course material. By engaging a student's sense of personhood, their curiosity begins to emerge and their ability to learn flourishes. 

The hope is that diverse classroom learning will complement diverse library services. It is also my belief that the single most powerful library service is conversation. The answer to diversity has never been a trick question: treat people like people. This simple fact has the power to bring about change and create a foundation for celebration and relationship building. 

Diversity in Librarianship

I believe that in order to form an expressive relationship between the library and its community, we must find a way to enrich thinking and promote individual growth. Diversity counts, and the library profession has a long way to go towards achieving inclusivity.  

ALA's Office of Diversity released a report in 2012 that used American Community Survey data to analyze the current demographic trends in librarianship. As of 2021, this is their most current report. Their findings show that the majority of librarians are overwhelmingly white and female, suggesting that people of color are polarized in the profession and excluded from crucial conversations. (See charts below)

(There are so few male librarians of color that scale becomes difficult to visualize).

While race is certainly a factor to consider, it is not the only characteristic in need of inspection. People with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, and people with robust gender expressions are just a few of the communities that need further attention in the information profession. But how do we bring about change? How can we be good allies? 

We must work towards equity with a social justice framework in mind.

This means enacting change at the local and individual level. The communities we serve are rich and full of unique voices. It follows, then, that the librarians who work with these communities should be equally diverse. By engaging in roundtable discussions, grassroots activism, and intersectional debates we can start to serve each other. These methods are the first step towards creating greater inclusivity. And while equity in librarianship cannot happen overnight, recognizing the need for change is certainly a good place to start. 

Academic Service

• Instructor/Student Mentor: UCLA Academic Advancement Program
• Webmaster/Board Member: UCLA Information Studies Student Governing Board 
• Student Liaison: UCLA Department of Information Studies Diversity Council
• Queer Panel Chair: UCLA Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee
• Graduate Mentor: UCLA Graduate-Undergraduate Mentorship Program
• Participant: UCLA Southeast Asian Admission Coalition 

Professional Memberships/Affiliations

• American Library Association (ALA)

• Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)

• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Round Table

• Social Responsibilities Round Table