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Together We Thrive: Dream Summit – Appreciation and Invitation to join us June 5!

Participants in OhioNet's Together We Thrive: Dream Summit on May 10

Thank you to those that attended the in-person Together We Thrive: Dream Summit on May 10!

On May 10, library professionals, leaders, and community members from across Ohio gathered for the in-person Together We Thrive: Dream Summit. This event highlighted the experiences and career paths of over 40 BIPOC librarians, shared through structured appreciative inquiry interviews. These interviews provided valuable insights into the organizational practices that significantly impacted their careers and contributed to creating inclusive workplaces.

The summit featured engaging discussions and collaborative activities, where participants explored ways to foster inclusivity within their libraries.

You’re invited – join us for the virtual Together We Thrive: Dream Summit on June 5.

Building on the outcomes of the in-person event, OhioNet invites all Ohio library professionals to attend our next interactive virtual summit on June 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This session will delve deeper into the findings from the OhioNet Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion assessment.

Librarians, staff, hiring managers, supervisors, and administrators will have the opportunity to engage with peers from across the state. Participants will hear insights from Ohio BIPOC librarians and discuss the challenges and opportunities in their careers. The summit will highlight meaningful inclusive practices that can positively impact library workplaces.

Register to attend the virtual Together We Thrive: Dream Summit event on June 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and participate in this important conversation. This online event is free and open to all Ohio library staff – please register using the link below.

Register to attend the Virtual Summit on 6/5

Please note: These are live discussion events, and will not be recorded to encourage open dialogue.

Thank you again to everyone who attended the in-person Dream Summit on May 10 and the first of two virtual summits on May 22! We look forward to continuing this critical dialogue on June 5 as we work together to foster a more inclusive library community.

Need assistance with event registration? We’re happy to help! Reach out to our team at [email protected].

Additional photos from the Together We Thrive: Dream Summit at OhioNet on May 10, 2014 –

Consultants Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros (left) and Janice Jaguszewski (right) thank participants and provide an overview of Appreciative Inquiry and its role in ADEI work.
Consultants Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros (left) and Janice Jaguszewski (right) thank participants and provide an overview of Appreciative Inquiry and its role in ADEI work.
Small group discussions created space for participants to share ideas and best practices for inclusive workplaces.
Small group discussions created space for participants to share ideas and best practices for inclusive workplaces.
Discussion groups at the Together We Thrive: Dream Summit
Discussion groups at the Together We Thrive: Dream Summit
Participants shared individual commitments and ideas for services OhioNet can provide that foster inclusivity in Ohio libraries.
Participants shared individual commitments and ideas for services OhioNet can provide that foster inclusivity in Ohio libraries.
Shannon Simpson, Scholarly Instruction Librarian at Kenyon College and OhioNet Board Member, shares ideas generated during small group discussion.
Shannon Simpson, Scholarly Instruction Librarian at Kenyon College and OhioNet Board Member, shares ideas generated during small group discussion.
Elizabeth Lang (pictured standing), Digital Librarian at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, facilitates discussion during the Together We Thrive: Dream Summit.
Elizabeth Lang (pictured standing), Digital Librarian at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, facilitates discussion during the Together We Thrive: Dream Summit.
Desiree Thomas (pictured standing), Youth Services Librarian at Worthington Libraries, facilitates discussion and shares ideas for creating inclusion in Ohio libraries.
Desiree Thomas (pictured standing), Youth Services Librarian at Worthington Libraries, facilitates discussion and shares ideas for creating inclusion in Ohio libraries.
Beronica Avila (left), Outreach & Engagement Librarian at Denison University, shares experiences from the structured interviews held with BIPOC librarians across the state as part of OhioNet's ADEI Assessment.
Beronica Avila (left), Outreach & Engagement Librarian at Denison University, shares experiences from the structured interviews held with BIPOC librarians across the state as part of OhioNet’s ADEI Assessment.

Special thanks to the many dedicated individuals that helped coordinate, facilitate, and engage in this work – 

ADEI Librarian Cohort

  • Desiree Thomas, Youth Services Librarian, Worthington Libraries
  • Shannon Simpson, Scholarly Instruction Librarian, Kenyon College
  • Nimisha Bhat, Liaison to the Department of History, Anthropology, and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, University of Cincinnati
  • Lisa Morrison, Social Sciences Liaison Librarian, Denison University
  • Elizabeth Lang, Digital Librarian, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
  • Eboni Johnson, Outreach and Program Librarian, Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Mandi Goodsett, Performing Arts & Humanities Librarian, Cleveland State University
  • Beronica Avila, Outreach & Engagement Librarian, Denison University

ADEI Consulting Team

  • Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros (IMAGINE Lucha Lab LLC), Latin American, Iberian, and Latino/a Studies Librarian, The Ohio State University
  • Janice Jaguszewski (Janice J Consulting), Leadership & Organization Development Consultant

OhioNet Planning Committee

  • Heather Ladiski, Project Manager, OhioNet
  • Molly Meyers LaBadie, Deputy Director, Delaware County District Library & OhioNet Board Member
  • Hannah Rosen, Director of Member Programs, OhioNet
  • Carla Sarratt, Director of Libraries, University of Mount Union & OhioNet Board Member
  • Shannon Simpson, Scholarly Instruction Librarian, Kenyon College & OhioNet Board Member
  • Andrew Whitis, Interim Executive Director, OhioNet

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