Library Workers
Diego Jimenez
California
Diego Jimenez is a Chicano library worker based in unceded Kumeyaay Territory. He currently works at the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center Archive, the San Diego Public Library, and the Chula Vista Public Library. He has held positions in libraries at the Chula Vista Elementary School District, the Museum of Photographic Arts, and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Diego is passionate about cultural preservation of historically marginalized communities, equitable access to education, and public services.
Edith Méndez
Illinois
Edith Méndez (she/hers) is a researcher and educator exploring identity through Mexican culture and family stories. Her work focuses on cultural reclamation and advocacy for Copándaro de Galeana, Michoacán, Mexico. As a mother, she aims to create a culturally rich environment for her son, maintaining family traditions and teaching Mexican rituals. Her research combines Chicano/a and Mexican studies, Cultural Heritage and Archival studies, and oral storytelling. Edith holds a BFA in Art Education from UIC and an MLIS with a certificate in Archives and Cultural Heritage Resources from Dominican University.
Essy Barroso-Ramirez
California
Essy Barroso-Ramirez is a first-generation Chicana born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. She is a proud daughter and granddaughter of Mexican immigrants from Oaxaca, Mexico. She is a tenure-track Research Services and Social Sciences Librarian at San José State University and an adjunct Reference and Instruction Librarian at Cabrillo College in California. She is also a doctoral student. Her academic/research interests involve first-generation BIPOC student and faculty experiences in higher education, Spanish-English bilingual early childhood literacy, Mexican Ballet Folclórico and equity, literacy, and information as they relate to marginalized communities.
Nicole Gillihan
Idaho
Nicole is a second generation Latina and works as an associate librarian, specializing in youth, at the Meridian Library District in Idaho. She prioritizes highlighting Latine youth stories that she needed but didn't see when she was a child. With the Latine community being the largest minority population in her area, Nicole makes a special effort to incorporate Latine programming, through Spanish-English storytimes, Día events, and working with local Latine groups to create community events. With this scholarship, Nicole plans on learning more about how to serve the Latine community through a tense political climate, the benefits of local chapters to begin an Idaho chapter, and to broaden her professional horizons by presenting her own research.
Valerie Tohom
California
I am Valerie Tohom, a messenger clerk with the Los Angeles Public Library and a Librarian I with Alhambra Public Library. As an early career librarian, I am honored to have been selected to attend the REFORMA conference. I am passionate about public librarianship, youth services, and supporting latine/x communities & other marginalized communities. I am excited to have the opportunity to network with and learn from fellow Latinx librarians, allies, and REFORMA members in Long Beach, California!