-My Background and Plans
From Social Communication to Youth Librarianship
After graduating in 2009, I embarked on a career path that introduced me to diverse roles and environments, each contributing to my skill set and professional growth. As a journalist, I honed my writing prowess and project management skills while collaborating with various departments, including Marketing, Sales, and Technology.
In 2011, I made the bold decision to immigrate from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico. There, I embraced diverse employment opportunities, transitioning from a waitress to a sales consultant in a children's/infant retail store. These experiences enriched my portfolio with invaluable tasks and skills, preparing me for future endeavors
In 2016, my journey led me to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where I embarked on a new adventure as a preschool teacher. In this role, I fostered stimulating and inclusive learning environments, recognizing the significance of play in early childhood education. My commitment to holistic development and multicultural inclusion laid the foundation for my transition to the field of library services. I should highlight that from my role at Just Like Home Early Learning Center, I recognized an opportunity to enhance the educational experience by introducing a Spanish curriculum for preschoolers, which was warmly accepted, and I became Miss Elizabeth, the Spanish teacher, engaging young minds with immersive language learning experiences.
During a hands-on activity in Just Like Home Early Learning Center where I worked.
In 2019, I seized the opportunity to join the Springdale Public Library as a Children's Multicultural Outreach Librarian. My main tasks were planning outreach programs for the Latin and Marshallese populations, including developing the Spanish Collection. Through my dedication and passion, I earned a promotion to Children's Librarian in 2021. My responsibilities expanded to more program planning, the collection development of Picture Books and Juvenile Graphic Novels, and bilingual storytimes.
Picture 1. Children in the library were working in a STEAM program. Picture 2. Sensory bags program. Matching stories with sensory activities for young children. Picture 3. Art exhibition. Bilingual program: "A Wonderful World." Picture 4. Special snack during "Ocean of Possibilities" Summer Program 22
Pursuing continuous learning led me to complete my master's degree in Fall 2022, empowering me with enhanced skills and insights to serve my community effectively. As a newly emerged leader, I actively contribute to professional organizations such as the ALA division and REFORMA, where I was honored as an ALA Emerging Leader in 2024. As a requirement of the selection, I am engaged in a project with the Philanthropic Advisory Group (PAG) to enrich fundraising opportunities for the ALA. Also, since May 2024, I started with a monthly collaboration for Kids Mag, with an article for children to promote the love of reading.
This e-portfolio reflects my dedication to lifelong learning, community engagement, and the advancement of library services. I hope to continue serving Northwest Arkansas with the best of my knowledge and expertise.