Lessa is very thankful for the following associations & individuals who have endorsed her for ALA President:

Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association [Press Release]

American Indian Library Association (Press Release)

Chinese American Librarians Association (Press Release]

REFORMA (Press Release]

Jennifer Addington, Director, Palos Verdes Library District

“Lessa is committed to making a difference in the lives of ALA members and creating an equitable and inclusive association for all of us.  She will not shy away from the hard topics and will bring her trademark passion and enthusiasm to meet each challenge head on. She will be an exceptional leader for ALA and I hope you will join me in electing her our next President.” 

Susan Baier, Executive Director, Allen County Public Library

Camila Alire, ALA President, 2009-10; ACRL President 2005-06; Reforma President

“Dedicated, intelligent, passionate, capable are just a few of the attributes Lessa would bring to the ALA presidency. She would serve ALA well.”

Ven Basco, APALA Executive Director 2012-2019, President 2007-2008, Member - ALA, ACRL, IRRT, APALA, CALA, ASEE

“Lessa is a born leader and a strong supporter of inclusion and diversity in our profession. Her leadership and service are evident in key positions she has held for APALA, JCLC and ALA. I have first-hand knowledge of her contribution to the success of APALA, an organization that addresses the needs of Asian Pacific American librarians and those who serve Asian Pacific American communities.”

Eugenia Beh, APALA Past President 2013-2014, ALCTS/CORE member, MIT Libraries

Roxana Benavides, REFORMA, President 2006 -2007; JCLC Steering Committee Co-Chair 2015-2018, IRC Americas Subcommittee November1, 2016 - July 30, 2020.

“Lessa possesses the vision and commitment to lead this organization with humility, empathy and integrity of an innate leader.”

Keturah Cappadonia, Outreach Consultant at Southern Tier Library System; ALA Councilor-at-Large; member is PLA, Association for Bookmobile and Outreach Services, New York Library Association

Janet H. Clarke, APALA President, 2015-2016, and lifetime member; Associate Dean of Research & User Engagement, Stony Brook University Libraries

“Lessa has devoted her professional career to librarianship in vibrant and intentional ways. She has a strong vision and is laser-focused on achieving goals and moving ALA forward.”

Evan Coates, ALA Member, Assistant City Librarian, Torrance Public Library

Lindsay Cronk, Head of Collection Strategies and Scholarly Communication, University of Rochester; ALA Member (2011-current); Former LITA Board Member (2017-2020)

“Lessa is the President ALA needs-- especially at this moment. Her strategic brilliance is only matched by her kindness, generosity, and dynamism. She's a personal inspiration, and it's a pleasure to endorse her candidacy for President.”

Trevor A. Dawes, ALA Life Member

“I can think of no better person to lead the Association at this time. Lessa has demonstrated her leadership abilities on the ALA board, as chair of SCOE, and in so many other ways. Her compassionate yet decisive and inclusive style will serve her - and the Association - well!”

Ana Elisa de Campos Salles, Councilor-at-large, 2011 Spectrum Scholar, 2013 Emerging Leader, Branch Manager/Librarian II, San Francisco Public Library

“I wholeheartedly endorse Lessa for ALA President. Her extensive experience, particularly and most recently on the ALA Executive Board, as Chair of the Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness, assisting in the transition to the Forward Together phase of ALA restructuring, and as an active Councilor committed to making ALA better make her the best choice to keep updating and making ALA relevant today.”

Dr. Sarah Park Dahlen, Associate Professor, MLIS Program at St. Catherine University; ALSC (2020 Virtual Institute Task Force Chair) and YALSA; member of APALA, AILA, BCALA, REFORMA; co-editor of Research on Diversity in Youth Literature

“Lessa's unwavering commitment to anti-racism, justice, and inclusion have long been inspiring. She is precisely the leader our Association, profession, and communities need to carry us through these unprecedented times.”

Heather Devine-Hardy, AILA Executive Director, AILA President 2013-2014, JCLC Board Member since 2015

“Lessa is an inspiring leader who is always willing to do the hard work necessary to build bridges between people, so that we can move forward and bring positive change that advances librarianship and library organizations.  She will be an exceptional ALA President.”

Katherine Donaldson, Social Sciences/Education Librarian, University of Oregon, 2016 Emerging Leader

Megan Durazo, NMRT and YALSA member, Young Adult Librarian, Palos Verdes Library District

Sheila Garcia, 2016 Spectrum Scholar, 2019 ALA Emerging Leader, Liaison Librarian

“Lessa is a voice for informed change, that seeks to not only envision a truly equitable organization, but one that will continue to better itself to meet the needs of an evolving librarianship profession.”

Martin Garnar, Director, Amherst College Library

“Lessa's commitment to the future of our association is unquestionable. She has demonstrated a gift for leading complex initiatives and will be a champion for increasing member engagement. I know her well from our shared work on equity, diversity, and inclusion within ALA, and her focus on helping us become an anti-racist organization is exactly what we need for the association to live up to its promise.”

Mario Gonzalez, Executive Director, Passaic Public Library

Mandi Goodsett, Performing Arts & Humanities Librarian, Cleveland State University; ALA Emerging Leader; Past New Members Roundtable President; ALA SCOE Member; Academic Library Association of Ohio President

Michael Gorman, University Librarian Emeritus, California State University, Fresno

“I am happy to endorse Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada for ALA president and will vote for her as embodying the promise of the future of librarianship and someone who can be an excellent spokesperson for our association.”

Jody Gray, Director, University of MN, CFANS, Office for Diversity & Inclusion and Former Director ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services, she/her/hers, Cheyenne River Lakota

“Lessa and I have worked on several complex issues concerning EDI for ALA. She is thoughtful and brings her passion for the work and her natural leadership style to all issues. Lessa is always on the top of my list of people I contact to consult and collaborate on EDI projects. I think her work on the Executive Board and as a Councilor gives her great insight into the complexity of ALA.”

Annah Hackett, University of Texas at Austin, Information Literacy Librarian, former Emerging Leader (2016), ALA, ACRL

“Lessa was an amazing mentor for my Emerging Leaders group in 2016. She was kind, friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about helping early career librarians get their start. I will happily vote for her!”

Peter Hepburn, Head Librarian, College of the Canyons. Past Executive Board member and Councilor, ALA

“I have long been impressed by the leadership that Lessa has shown in our profession, particularly her work on the ALA Executive Board and in chairing the much-needed SCOE effort. Her experiences and her knowledge of the association are terrific assets. I am happy to endorse her as ALA president.”

Susan Hildreth, Library Consultant, ALA Treasurer 2016-19

“Lessa is the future of our profession – She demonstrates a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and will provide visionary and pragmatic leadership for ALA’s success.”

Dora Ho, 2017-2018 APALA President, 2011-2014 ALA Executive Board Member

Florante Ibanez, APALA President 2010-2011

Alexia Hudson-Ward, Associate Director of Research and Learning, MIT Libraries, ALA Executive Board 2012-2015, Immediate Past Chair, ACRL College Libraries Section

“I proudly endorse Lessa Nani Pelayo-Lozada for ALA president. Lessa possesses essential leadership skills to assist ALA in moving through and out of one of the most difficult periods in our history. Lessa and I served on the ALA Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness (SCOE). Under her leadership, I watched her guide our committee and our association in a series of critical conversations that will ultimately determine our future. What was remarkable to me was her ability to fully engage into that tough work with empathy, kindness, grace, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. All these essential elements are necessary for success as ALA president. She is the right candidate to lead ALA in remarkable times. I hope that colleagues will join me in voting for Lessa for ALA President 2022-2023.”

Liana Juliano, AILA Treasurer, AILA President 2010-2011, JCLC Steering Committee 2015-2018, ALA Councilor at Large 2020-2023

“Lessa is an effective advocate for change and genuinely committed to ALA and its varied membership. She is a thoughtful and compassionate person who listens to, engages with, and seeks out new ideas and different perspectives. Lessa has shown herself to be an exceptional leader and she has my vote!”

Oscar R. Lanza-Galindo, Associate Dean, Library and Learning Commons - Bunker Hill Community College

“Accountability in action, commitment and dedication to people who make ALA and libraries run; Lessa has a vision that is within reach through her leadership.”

Susan Luévano, California State University Librarian, REFORMA National President (1985-1986), JCLC Steering Committee 2015-2018

“Lessa is a fabulous candidate for ALA President! I have worked closely with her on the Joint Conference for Librarians of Conference Executive Board and many issues, big and small, related to diversity and equity issues in libraries. She is hard working, very diplomatic, a team builder, and has strong leadership and communication skills.  She had demonstrated these qualities most recently as an ALA Executive Board member and Councilor, as Chair of the Steering Committee On Organizational Effectiveness, and as the Executive Director for the Asian Pacific American Library Association.  In these roles she has addressed the needs and interests of all types of libraries and library workers. She will be an excellent spokesperson and advocate for the profession.  Lessa for ALA President– Leading Together for Change!”

Noah Lenstra, Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Member of Public Library Association Division

“Love the strong, dynamic, inclusive approach to leadership. I believe Lessa will work to ensure everyone feels included in ALA, and that is critical.”

Nina Lindsay, ALA Lifetime Member, Past-President ALSC, Associate Director Oakland Public Library CA

“Lessa is a fearless, compassionate, and experienced leader. I trust Lessa to listen to members, and I know that she has the vision to lead our organization through a time of unprecedented change.”

Hilda Loh-Guan, Library Director, Alhambra Civic Center Library

David Lopez, REFORMA

“Lessa has put in the work and will continue to ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion are a top priority for ALA. She is the leadership ALA needs in the organization's pivotal stage. She will lead from a place of listening and understanding.”

Ed Martinez, Redondo Beach Public Library/El Camino College/former editor, Library Mosaics

“I have known Lessa her entire life. Her mother, Laurie, was a colleague of mine at the El Camino College Library. Lessa grew up in the library world and has had direct and indirect experience with the field, perhaps starting as a child when she would visit our library. It has been my pleasure in seeing her evolution as a student, when she was president of the campus honor society to her academic success at UCLA to her dedicated work as a library influencer and innovator. ALA will find no one better than Lessa to lead us to the new frontier of librarianship. She is simply the most qualified candidate for this honored role and responsibility.”

Kirby McCurtis, Library Manager, Multnomah County Library

Dr. Claudette S. McLinn, ALA, APALA, BCALA, CALA, REFORMA Life Member, Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature

“Lessa is a champion for libraries and our association. She will bring a spirit of collaboration, enthusiasm, and excitement to ALA.”

Andrew Medlar, ALSC President 2015-16

Alanna Aiko Moore, APALA President 2019-2020, ALA Councilor 2020-2023, ALA SCOE Member, JCLC II Steering Committee

“I am delighted to endorse Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada for President of the American Library Association. I have had the honor of working closely with Lessa throughout my three year term as President Elect/President/Past President of the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA).  I developed enormous respect for her dedication and deep knowledge of how organizations work in her role as Executive Director.  I also had the pleasure of serving on the ALA Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness, where she demonstrated her skill as a leader, communicator and bridge builder, where she always worked to build consensus and understanding on difficult issues.  Lessa has a strong commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and to ensuring that all voices--especially those from underrepresented communities--are heard.  She  will represent and advocate for all members of ALA as President. It has been a privilege to work with her over the past decade,  and to provide my unwavering support in her efforts to become the next President of our association.”  

Louis Muñoz Jr., ALA Councilor-at-Large, Morristown and Morris Township Library

Robert Newlen, Executive Director, Dwight D. Opperman Foundation

“Lessa is the president we need now - strategic, experienced and ready to respond to the challenges and opportunities facing ALA and the profession.”

Katrina Nye, Kirkus, Book Reviewer, APALA member

“Lessa has the talent of leading in an organization while making sure that all voices are heard and supported. I have worked with Lessa on committees in APALA. She is bright, effective, and also a joy to work with. ALA would benefit greatly from her leadership.”

Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries, Multnomah County Library. PLA (past president), SCOE, DCWG

“We all know that ALA is at a critical juncture in terms of its future. Change is not just imminent but is critical to ALA's continued efficacy. My experience with Lessa over the past few years convinces me that she is the person we need in and leading some of the most difficult conversations our association needs to have. She is smart and thoughtful. She listens to understand but doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. She holds a deep commitment to equity and inclusion which informs all she does. And she gets s*#t done.”

Cynthia Mari Orozco, Librarian for Equitable Services, East Los Angeles College

Fumiko Osada, 2006 Spectrum Scholar, APALA Life Member, Teen Librarian, San Diego County Library

Ana-Elba Pavon, Branch Manager at Oakland Public Library and President. Reforma. 2005 – 2006

“I am proud to endorse Lessa Pelayo-Lozada for 2022-2023 ALA President. Lessa has a diverse background having held a variety of different positions in her career, ALA, APALA, and other organizations. Lessa's activities as an ALA Executive Board Member and ALA Council are very impressive and have prepared her to lead at the national level as ALA President. I know her best as APALA President, APALA Executive Director, JCLC leader, and as a Co-Contributor to the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Book List, all where she has a proven track record. I feel that Lessa is an ideal candidate and invite you to cast your vote for Lessa with me.”

Madeline Peña, REFORMA

“Lessa is a proven leader in the library community, and a champion for equity, diversity and inclusion in libraries. She will be an outstanding ALA President.”

Annie Pho, APALA Secretary 2017-2019 and Instruction Coordinator and Assessment Librarian at USF

“Lessa is a tireless advocate for library workers and is one of the most driven, compassionate, and organized leaders that I have met in this profession. She will bring much needed energy and change for ALA and I can't think of a more perfect candidate for ALA President.”

Raymond Pun, Instruction/Research Librarian at the Alder Graduate School of Education, Member of ALA, APALA, AILA, BCALA, CALA, REFORMA, California Library Association, ALISE, ACRL and AASL

“Lessa Nani Pelayo-Lozada is an amazing leader. I have worked with Lessa closely in the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) where she has been an extraordinary President and Executive Director of the organization. Lessa has been a champion for all library workers at large. She has demonstrated authentic and servant leadership approaches in her work in ALA and its divisions and groups. During this critical moment, Lessa leads with compassion in supporting ALA members and the profession at large. I am very excited to support Lessa Nani Pelayo-Lozada's candidacy for ALA President!”

Alma Ramos-McDermott, ALA, REFORMA, ALSC and AASL Member

“I'm a School Librarian and Spectrum Scholar. Knowing your passion revolves around helping our profession truly live up to its Core Values, including making libraries more diverse, makes me proud to have you as our next ALA President.”

Kate Rao, Librarian at Los Angeles Public Library and Palos Verdes Library District

“By running for ALA president, it is apparent that Lessa has a dedication and passion for librarianship and ALA, but through knowing her personally, I've experienced how she truly cares for the advancement and inclusion of every librarian. She has the strength to accomplish the most difficult of obstacles and the heart to make each librarian feel heard and cared for. I have complete confidence that she is the best candidate for ALA president.”

Deb Ripley, RUSA committees member, PLA, Librarian at Palos Verdes Library District

“Lessa is a proven leader, whether on the national level with her work with the ALA Executive Board or the local level with her boots on the ground work at public libraries in Southern California. She has her finger on the pulse of librarianship at all levels and will be the extraordinary leader ALA needs at this moment in time.”

Juan Rivera, School Librarian, New York City Department of Education, Emerging Leader 2018, AASL, YALSA, GNCRT, and member of SCOE

“Lessa leads with humor, compassion, vision, and by deft engagement and deep listening with a variety of voices.”

Lian Ruan, Chinese American Librarians Association Executive Director & Past President, Head Librarian, Illinois Fire Service Institute Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

“Lessa is an energetic, passionate and visionary leader in the library communities. She is so committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. I strongly believe that she will lead ALA to a brighter future at this challenging time.”

Brian E. C. Schottlaender, Past President, ALCTS; Past Division Councilor; current Endowment Trustee; and current member of ACRL and CORE

Deb Sica, Deputy County Librarian, Alameda County Library, ALA Council, Rainbow Round Table, PLA Intellectual Freedom Liaison

“Lessa is exactly who we need in these challenging times. She is a stay-the-course and get-it-done big picture person. She is a Librarian with incredible skills in organizational development and has the keen ability to bring all people together. Lessa understands deeply the roles of EDI and can move the profession into a deeper understanding of true equity.”

Gladys Smiley Bell, Hampton University

Peter Spyers-Duran, Associate University Librarian, University of Central Florida; APALA Treasurer (2016-2018, 2018-2020)

“As APALA Treasurer from 2016-2020, I worked closely with Lessa as members of the APALA Executive Board and then in her role as Executive Director. Lessa is an outstanding leader and a pleasure to work with. Lessa will bring her enthusiasm, smarts, personality, vision, and creativity to ALA during this period of transition. She is exactly the leader ALA needs and deserves.”

Debby Stegura, Former Trustee & Board president, Palos Verdes Library District

“Lessa leads by example among her peers, including at the local level. She is open to ideas and stands for inclusivity.”

Ann Symons, ALA Honorary Member, ALA Past President 1998-99, ALA Executive Board 1989- 1992, ALA Treasurer 1992-1996, Chair, IFC 1996-1997, ALA Rainbow Round Table (formerly GLBTRT) Chair 2014-2015, ALA Councilor at Large 2019-2022

“Lessa is the ALA president we need to build bridges from our past to our future. Lessa engages us to think in new ways with her visionary and inclusive leadership. ALA is at an important crossroad as our profession faces many challenges. She will rise to those challenges. What I appreciate most about Lessa is her charismatic leadership style: she communicates, listens, is confident - and looks for results.”

Elnora Kelly Tayag, Director of Learning Commons at College of San Mateo; Council of Chief Librarians Board of Directors; Spectrum Scholar; APALA; ALA

“Lessa's commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion is the ALA leadership we need to continue transformative change in our profession, services, and the communities we serve.”

Dr. Julie Beth Todaro, ALA President 2016-2017, Dean, Library Services, Austin Community College

“Lessa is my choice for the next ALA president - and an endorsement for this role is never one to take lightly. It's hard work but incredibly rewarding...you get hate mail on Tuesday and on Wednesday get a heartfelt thank you that makes it all worthwhile. At a moment's notice you take a call from the Washington Post asking "IMLS - why should we save it?" and the next day get interviewed by Teen Vogue - by a teenager - asking "Is being a librarian a recommended profession?" You should know about all types and sizes of libraries and should - memorize - immediately, three inspiring stories about 1. what the smallest library in Iowa does for the community 2. how Harvard is choosing students over books - and my favorite ones 3. the roles that libraries play in social justice today. So, why the litany? Because Lessa can do it...she is knowledgeable about the profession and the Association, she is a quick study - if she doesn't already know it - and can answer the easy and hard question and inspire others. She is an expert fundraiser, a fearless defender of what we do and who we are and is thoughtful and manages when she needs to and leads others. Her experience is broad through a combination of her work, her extensive and in-depth work for associations and her elected and appointed roles. She is passionate about what we believe in, charming and has a great sense of humor. Lessa is an excellent speaker and a listener and a problem solver. I served on the Executive Board with her, have served on initiatives and projects with her and she can be both a team member and a team leader.

ALA President is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am hopeful you review her work, listen to her thoughts and vote to make her your representative, your team member and your ALA team leader!”

Pat Toney, Children's Outreach Librarian, Oakland Public Library; ALA Council 2015-2018; CSK50 Marketing Team & Technology Committee; JCLC 2018 Publicity, Public Relations & Web Committee; Pura Belpré 2020; Chair 2022 Odyssey Award

“When I heard Lessa was running for ALA President, I was full of glee. She has invested so much time and energy into the organization- from APALA president to ALA Council & Executive Board. Her skills and commitment are key ingredients to excel in this role.”

Miriam Tuliao, ALA, APALA, REFORMA and ALISE member

“Caring and compassionate, upbeat and unwavering, Lessa is a let's-roll-up-our-sleeves collaborative library leader who will advocate for communities, libraries, and change. I enthusiastically support her candidacy for ALA president!”

Betty Turock, ALA Past President and Honorary Member & Professor and Dean Emerita, Rutgers University, School of Communication and Information

Touger Vang, Director of Learning Resources, Montgomery Community College

Tinamarie Vella, Library Manager, CUNY Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism

“I have known Lessa since we were on the same Emerging Leaders project team back in 2011 - She has the experience, the dedication, and the compassion to lead ALA through the changes needed at this critical time.”

Derek Wolfgram, Director, Redwood City Public Library; Past President, California Library Association; Member, PLA Leadership Development Committee

“Lessa's thoughtful, inclusive, inspirational leadership approach has produced incredibly positive outcomes for our profession and for ALA. She is without a doubt the right person with the right vision to guide our association into the future.”

Sandy Wee, APALA President 2011-2012, JCLC Steering Committee Co-Chair 2015-2018, ALA Councilor at Large 2012-2015, 2015-2018, 2020-2023

“Lessa and I have had many opportunities to work and co-chair many committees together. She is a dedicated individual who gives more than 100%. Lessa is a true leader who is committed to ALA and our profession. She is such an inspiration for us all. She is the future of our profession. It is an honor to endorse Lessa.”

Meredith Wickham, Director, First Regional Library; Chapter Councilor for Mississippi; ALA Emerging Leader

“Lessa became a wonderful mentor to me and my group during our time as ALA Emerging Leaders doing our research project on behalf of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association. I am grateful for her guidance, expertise, kindness, and support. Lessa will be the perfect fit to lead ALA during challenging times!”

Kenneth A. Yamashita, President, Joint Council of Librarians of Color Inc.; Past ALA Councilor, Past President of APALA

Courtney L. Young, ALA President 2014-2015

“I am pleased to endorse Lessa for ALA President-elect. She brings experience to the role as a member of Council, the Executive Board, and key committees including the Diversity Committee. Lessa is a hard working member-focused leader. She will ably represent ALA on behalf of its members, librarians, libraries, library advocates, and library users.”

Shali Zhang, ALA Accreditation Committee member and ALA Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness (SCOE) member 2018-2020

“Lessa Pelayo-Lozada is an outstanding library colleague; she has been very active with ALA and its leadership positions; she is a strong voice for inclusions and diversity for our profession. Lessa will be able to lead ALA with its vision through the most challenging times in our nation’s history if elected.”