Adriana (Ady) Huertas

ADRIANA (ADY) HUERTAS - STATEMENT

Vice President / President Elect

Seventeen years ago I felt like I finally found my place in libraries when I became involved with REFORMA.  At a time when I was at a crossroads deciding if libraries were where I belonged, my REFORMA family welcomed me with a big abrazo!  REFORMA has offered me numerous opportunities, from financial support for library school, to meaningful mentorship and friendships, and impactful leadership roles to serve and support Latine communities and colleagues.  I’m inspired by the work Reformistas do throughout the country, and internationally across borders, to advocate for and uplift our communities and increase diverse representation and development in the profession.  For this reason, I respectfully seek your consideration of my nomination for the position of Vice President/President Elect.

In my 27-year career in public libraries, I’ve had the honor of serving BIPOC and immigrant communities with equity and justice at the forefront.  As a queer Latina who understands the immigrant experience as an English language learner, as well as navigating new systems and seeking a culture of belonging, I draw on my lived experience to implement programs and services that support the diverse needs of our communities and make change in policies and procedures that create barriers to participation.

Throughout my career I have had the honor of representing REFORMA in various roles, including serving as the president for my local LIBROS chapter in 2013 and as the REFORMA National International Relations Committee Chair in 2016.  I’ve also had the privilege of advancing REFORMA’s Children in Crisis Initiative work for 10 years to connect unaccompanied refugee minors to books and library resources as well as introduce libraries as a safe welcoming space for them.  In my continued efforts to make international connections to libraries across borders, with support from many Reformistas, I helped establish the Creando Enlaces Conference, a binational library conference that brings together libraries from the US and Mexico to share best practices and foster community connections and cultural diversity in public, academic, and special libraries.

I look forward to the opportunity to advance the mission and values of REFORMA through advocacy and collaboration and to continue to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging where our communities and peers feel welcomed, supported, and represented.  I hope to be able to continue this work together in the role of Vice President/ President Elect