Self-Care at Work: The Narrative We Tell Ourselves and Changing to Center Ourselves

Featured Speakers: Twanna Hodge, MLIS and Rayna Smaller, MSW, LSW

Twanna Hodge (she/her/hers) is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Librarian at the University of Florida Libraries. She holds a BA in Humanities from the University of the Virgin Islands and an MLIS from the University of Washington. Her research and professional interests are diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues and efforts in the LIS curriculum and workplace, library residencies and fellowships, cultural humility in librarianship, and the retention of underrepresented and BIPOC library staff in librarianship. She is committed to self-preservation and self-care practices and principles for BIPOC communities. She is a 2013 Spectrum Scholar and 2018 ALA Emerging Leader. She is the National Conference of African American Librarians XI Conference Programming Committee co-chair, Association of College and Research Libraries Residency Interest Group – Social Media and Communications team leader, and more.

Rayna Smaller, MSW, LSW aka The Mental Health Advocate Jawn is a licensed social worker and the founder of BrownGirl SPACE. BrownGirl SPACE was birthed from a traumatic experience leading to depression and self deprecation but was cultivated into a movement of self-love, self worth, and a sense of self. Rayna transformed a painful experience into fulfilling her purpose to serve a cause greater than she by shedding light and giving hope to BrownGirls just like her.

Rayna obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rosemont College and continued her educational journey at Temple University , where she obtained a Master’s in Social Work. The Mental Health Advocate Jawn has experience working in settings with women and children, survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, drug and alcohol recovery, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and HIV medical case management. Rayna currently works for a non-profit who services families impacted by sexual violence.

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Promoting Civility and Self-care in North American Libraries

Featured Speaker: Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, MSLS

Kaetrena Davis Kendrick earned her MSLS from the historic Clark Atlanta University School of Library and Information Studies. Her research interests include professionalism, ethics, racial and ethnic diversity in the LIS field, and the role of communities of practice in practical academic librarianship. She is co-editor of The Small and Rural Academic Library: Leveraging Resources and Overcoming Limitations (ACRL 2016) and author of two annotated bibliographies. In addition to her research and writing, Kendrick also leads professional development opportunities and organizational dialogues designed to energize employee morale and promote empathetic leadership in North American libraries. In her daily and long-term work, Kendrick has transformed library programs, services, and culture via creativity, leadership, and advocacy. In 2019, Kendrick was named the Association of College and Research Libraries' Academic/Research Librarian of the Year. Learn more about Kaetrena's mission and activities.

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Featured Speaker : Deya Patterson

Originally from Upstate New York now residing in Charleston, SC; Deya is often referred to as the Power Pusher! After many years of serving in ministry as a worship leader, Deya found her true purpose and calling in being completely authentic by making people laugh, hosting events, and encouraging others to win! Deya believes ministry doesn't just happen on Sunday mornings, it's a lifestyle. She is the founder of Deya Patterson & Co and the Power Push Podcast Show. Deya Patterson is dedicated to affirming, encouraging personal growth, and activating women to live this life without limits! She is truly a motivating force!!

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Grace Under Pressure: The African American Male Perspective

Featured Speakers :

Carenado Davis, PhD, MLS, Dean of Library Services

Tristan R. Ebron , MLS, Collections Technician

Carl Leak, MLS, MA, Science & Technology Team Librarian

Carenado Davis is the Dean of Library Services at Wake Technical Community College. He was formerly a Research Associate Professor and Liaison for the Brody School of Medicine at Laupus Health Science Library at East Carolina University. He has worked in the academic, community college, and health science library settings. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration for ECU, his Master of Library Science from NCCU, and his Ph.D. in Education from Capella University. Carenado’s research interests include diversity and inclusion in librarianship (faculty, staff, students), minority student recruitment and retention library science programs, and student success and engagement.

Tristan graduated from East Carolina University in 2013 double majoring with a Bachelor of Arts in History, and African and African American Studies. He then went on to become a Library technician at William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library where his interest in library profession peaked, and decided to enroll in the Master's of library science program at North Carolina Central University. Upon graduation of this program, Tristan was offered the opportunity to discuss diversity and inclusion and his experiences as an African American male in the library profession. Currently, Tristan is a Collections Technician at the Government & Heritage Library. Tristan continues to be a beacon for diversity and inclusion within libraries by learning more about African American genealogy at his current job.

Carl is the Life Sciences and Systems Biology Librarian at George Mason University. He earned his Master's degree in Library Science from North Carolina Central University and a second Master's degree in English with a concentration in Technical and Professional Communication from East Carolina University. Carl is active in the Association of Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) as well as the Medical Library Association.

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