What Colleagues Are Saying
What Colleagues Are Saying
Lesliediana Jones, President, Freedom to Read Foundation
I have had the pleasure of working with Becky for several years when I was Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee and now as the President of Freedom to Read Foundation. I have been very impressed at her dedication and work ensuring all people, especially our young people have the right to read. As the President of ALA I have no doubt that she will bring that same passion and dedication that is so very much needed at this time and in the future.
Shirley Robinson, Executive Director, Texas Library Association (TLA)
On behalf of the Texas Library Association’s 5,000 members representing academic, public, school, and special libraries, I am pleased to offer our strong support for Becky Calzada’s candidacy for ALA President-Elect.
Becky is a passionate and respected advocate for libraries with a proven record of advancing library services to meet the evolving needs of our communities. Known for her knowledge, compassion, and relatability, she is a creative, visionary leader who consistently pairs big-picture thinking with practical action.
With more than 20 years of active involvement in TLA, Becky brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing libraries of all types and of how associations must evolve to support their members. Her service includes the TLA Legislative Committee, Nominating Committee, and Conference Planning Committee; leadership as 2017 Chair of the Texas Association of School Librarians; and active engagement across multiple round tables. She is also a graduate of the TALL Texans Leadership Institute.
Becky’s association leadership experience extends nationally through her service as President of the American Association of School Librarians, further strengthening her ability to lead within complex, member-driven organizations.
Becky listens to members, leads with purpose, and works collaboratively to find solutions. She would bring thoughtful, forward-looking leadership to ALA, and we enthusiastically support her candidacy
Carolyn Foote, Retired School Librarian, Co-Founder of Texas #FReadom Fighters
Becky Calzada is a dedicated and experienced advocate for libraries, fiercely supportive of the right to read. She is a thoughtful spokesperson about libraries and best professional practices at a time when our profession is under duress, and moves forward with clarity and wisdom to get things accomplished. Her leadership at AASL in a time of transition was visionary, and she is well known in the library field due to her work ethic. She is willing to make inquiries and listen thoughtfully, but not afraid to question the status quo when it will improve the library profession and our organizations. Her AASL experience will serve her well as ALA President as she continues to make connections with librarians throughout the library community. As her co-founder in the Texas FReadom Fighters, I am proud to support her candidacy for ALA President.
Barbara Stripling, Professor Emerita, Syracuse University, Past President: American Library Association, Past President: Freedom to Read Foundation
Becky is an outstanding leader in the library profession. She is actively confronting the freedom-of-expression challenges we are facing by co-founding the Texas #FReadom Fighters, delivering powerful professional development sessions for a national audience, and standing up for the Freedom to Read. She knows how to manage difficult situations and calmly lead a group to collaborative problem solving. Personally, I find Becky to be inclusive, dedicated, collaborative, and inspiring. ALA would soar under Becky’s wise leadership.
I proudly endorse Becky Calzada for ALA President. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on multiple committees with Becky over the years and have witnessed her tremendously impactful leadership in librarianship for even longer. Her commitment to — and passion for — libraries for everyone is unmatched. With Becky as our leader, I know ALA would be guided by a visionary, inclusive, and steadfast advocate for our profession and the communities we serve.
While Becky’s recent focus has been on services to children’s and school librarians through her work as President of AASL, her passion for ALL of the wide-ranging priorities of the profession is exemplary, positioning her as an ideal candidate for ALA President. I have had the privilege of working alongside Becky in my own role as President of ALSC (2024-2025), and what sets her apart is her tenacity when it comes to advocacy—for children, for librarians, and for intellectual freedom. She pushed me and other member leaders throughout the organization to use our voices and fight for the needs of our members. Becky is a force of nature in all the best ways, and with her at the helm of ALA, I can’t help but feel hopeful for the future of the organization and the profession. I am proud to support Becky and her campaign for ALA President.
Becky Calzada is a proven, visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to equity, intellectual freedom, and strong public service makes her the perfect choice for ALA President. Her experience, integrity, and passion for uplifting library professionals nationwide ensure a bright future for our association. As a 20-year ALA member, I believe we both need and deserve her leadership, and I am proud to strongly endorse Becky for ALA President.
Susan D. Ballard, Consultant and Educator, School Library Media and Technology, Past-President, AASL & Distinguished Service Award Recipient 2025
It is an honor to endorse Becky Calzada for the office of ALA President. I am grateful that such a dedicated, capable, and qualified candidate has been nominated, as she is tailor-made for the work needed to help ALA and our profession evolve in an era of unprecedented change. Becky knows when to stop talking and start acting on the many issues that confront us and the communities we serve. She has demonstrated her resolve to make progress through her work as a Board member and President of AASL, a co-founder of the nationally recognized #FReadom Fighters, a member of ALA’s Policy Corp, Intellectual Freedom Committees, Past Chair of the Texas Association of School Librarians, and as a successful District Coordinator of a top-notch school library program. In each of these roles, she has proven herself as a thoughtful leader who is strategic and approaches problems with the intention of developing solutions. And while Becky has received several prestigious awards for her work, she remains modest about her impact. She is more interested in ensuring that her work pays dividends for her constituents. That is precisely the kind of leadership that we need.
I have found that among Becky’s many strengths, her communication skills are outstanding. She is a skillful speaker, writer, and most importantly, a keen listener. She also knows how to say thank you and does so often, making sure those who work with her feel valued and supported. She is as earnest, steadfast, and honorable an individual as I have known, and I cannot wait to cast my vote for her, fully confident that I am helping ALA move in a positive direction.