Building Inclusive Organizations

Michelle strengthens the urban library role in local ecosystems and advances partnerships and programs resulting in systemic change. She is known and respected throughout public libraries for her leadership to diversify the profession, to serve marginalized communities and to increase racial and social equity. Prior to joining ULC, Michelle served as Prince George's County Memorial Library System's chief operating officer and led the mission, vision, innovation and operations of the library's 19 branches and the county detention center.

Tonya Aikens is passionate about uncovering unheard voices in the community and leveraging community assets to build stronger communities through public libraries. As President & CEO, she leads the Howard County Library System with a focus on community-led librarianship rooted in Asset Based Community Development with an Equity Focus (ABCDEF). Placing the Equity Focus on the ABCD model, and her cutting-edge approach to Brave Voices Brave Choices, an initiative where library staff and community come together in racial equity training, story gathering and sharing, sensemaking, collaboration across background and difference, and then take action to advance equity, has placed her in high demand as a consultant and speaker on matters of equity and community building. She has served on numerous non-profit boards and is passionate about the ability of libraries to transform lives and communities.

Tamara King is the Chief Equity and Engagement Officer for Richland Library. In her role, she is tasked with the development and support of the library’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, programs and partnerships. In addition to her role, Tamara also supports the library’s award-winning Let’s Talk Race Team. To date, the team has held discussions surrounding race, women’s rights and social justice for more than 4,000 participants.

Michael Lambert is the City Librarian for the City and County of San Francisco. He was appointed to the position in March 2019 by Mayor London Breed. During his tenure, the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) was named the 2018 National Library of the Year by Library Journal. Michael Lambert has championed increased and equitable access to libraries through expanded hours and a fine-free library system. Prior to his employment with the City and County of San Francisco, Lambert managed library operations at San Mateo County Libraries in northern California and at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in North Carolina. He began his career in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina at the Richland Library. He is a proud alumnus of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and earned his Master of Library and Information Science Degree from South Carolina’s College of Library & Information Science. Lambert currently serves as President of the Public Library Association (PLA), the nation’s largest professional membership association supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. He also serves on the Children and Families First Commission and the City’s Committee on Information Technology (COIT). He is the first Asian American to lead the San Francisco Public Library.