Six students pursuing their Master's degree have been awarded the 2016-2017 Spectrum Scholarship by the American Library Association. The Spectrum scholarship program recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and the ALA organization. The aim is to increase the number of racially and ethnically diverse professionals in the field of library and information science to best position libraries to support today’s culturally diverse communities.
This year, 61 scholarship winners were awarded, with the program receiving three times the amount of applications as there were available scholarships. The majority of the applicants were deemed 'highly fundable' and the winners were chosen based on their commitment to diversity, commitment to entering the library profession, demonstrated community outreach, academic ability and achievements and leadership potential.
The Department of Library and Information Sciences wishes to congratulate the following students on this great accomplishment:
Giao Luong Baker
Giao Luong Baker is currently pursuing a master's degree in Library Science. In addition to her academic pursuits, Giao is the Digital Imaging Manager at the University of Southern California Libraries, where she enjoys working with a dedicated staff of students who assist her in building digital collections. Giao also serves on the board of the Los Angeles City Historical Society and is a member of the USC Libraries Innovation Council.
In addition to being a Spectrum Scholarship recipient, Giao is also the recipient of the 2016 LITA/OCLC Minority Scholarship. This scholarship, in the amount of $3,000 is sponsored by the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) and OCLC. It is intended for master’s level study,with an emphasis on library technology and/or automation, at an accredited library school program. Criteria for the Scholarship includes previous academic excellence, evidence of leadership potential, and a commitment to a career in library automation and information technology. The Committee immediately recognized Baker as being exceptionally accomplished in her career, already demonstrating great promise.
Giao's passions include history, urban planning and pho noodles. She currently lives in the City of El Monte with her husband, two children, parents, brother-in-law, and a partridge-in-a-pear-tree!
To read the full ALA press release regarding Giao's well-deserved LITA/OCLC scholarship announcement, click here.
Juan Garcia
Juan currently works as a Library Assistant/ Spanish Outreach Specialist/ Literacy Coordinator at the Glendale Public Library. He is currently completing his master's degree , and holds a bachelor’s degree in library science from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). Juan has worked in academic libraries in Mexico City, where he was born and raised. He currently serves in Reforma, The Los Angeles Chapter as Chapter Secretary. Juan is a current student in the Northen California cohort.
Lynda Letona
Lynda Letona received her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Notre Dame, MA in English from the University of South Dakota, and BA in English with a minor in Spanish from Mount Marty College. She has taught literature, composition, and developmental writing courses to diverse students at Los Angeles Valley College as well as creative writing at the University of Notre Dame. Lynda has collaborated with librarians to conduct creative and academic research workshops for students; she enjoys helping students develop their writing and research interests. She is currently pursuing her master's degree, with the goal to work as an academic librarian. In her spare time, Lynda likes to explore the Bay Area with her friends, watch films, and write poetry and fiction.
Michele Garcia Martinez
Michele Garcia Martinez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with a minor in French from California State University Long Beach. After graduation, Michele partook in several customer service and tutoring positions. These expanded her interpersonal, teaching, and language skills. Today, she is pursuing her Masters of Science degree in Information and Library Science. Michele will also begin an internship with the United Nations in New York City this summer. Once she has graduated, Michele plans to help university students and faculty with research in the International Studies department of a university.
Danica Simons
Danica Simons is from Pharr, TX. She received a Bachelor in Business Administration majoring in Marketing and Management from Texas Tech University in 2010. She is currently pursuing a Master's in Information Science with a concentration in Health Informatics from UNT, and will complete in the 2017-2018 school year. In addition, she is a Library Assistant at South Texas Academy for Medical Professions in Olmito, TX, which is part of South Texas ISD.
Anaslyvia Torres
"I am thrilled to have won the Spectrum Scholarship, and I am so excited about where my career will take me," says Anasylvia Torres. Anasylvia is from California, and has lived there her entire life. She is currently working for the Los Angeles Public Library system in one of their branches, and enjoys the work she is doing there - whether it's brainstorming program ideas, putting together displays, or interacting with the patrons. When she's not busy trying to finish up her MLS or working, she can be found reading, cooking, or plotting her next adventure.
For more information about the Spectrum Scholarship and a list of all the winners, click here.