Annie Pho won one of two Madrina Legacy Awards at this year’s Women of Color Leadership Conference, hosted by the University of San Francisco Office of Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in partnership with the USF Cultural Centers. It wasn’t until the announcement at the closing of the event that Annie was aware she had been nominated for the award.
“The Madrina Award was a recognition once bestowed by the Latinas in Leadership Forum planning committee, and has now returned as a legacy award of the Women of Color Leadership Conference. The Madrina Legacy Award recognizes a woman of color who is respected in the community and contributes to our community’s education and overall growth. A madrina, meaning godmother, cannot simply be defined by words, but is known rather for her actions as she touches lives of both individuals and collective communities. When a madrina is not a family member she is considered extended kin alongside grandmother, mother, sister, aunt, and cousin alike. To be a madrina is a lifelong commitment from a woman who embodies wisdom, nurturance, and support, who both wipes your tears, and lays a firm hand on your back to give you the strength needed to overcome any obstacle. This award is given to women of color of the University of San Francisco who embody the aforementioned values and who continue to promote them to successive generations of women of color leaders.”
— D. Perez-Sornia, Assistant Director for the Cultural Centers, University of San Francisco
Annie’s legacy of support for women of color is felt by current and former workers of Gleeson Library alike.
Testimonials honoring Annie Pho
“To say that Annie Pho is a leader it falls short in describing the positive impact she creates around her.
Annie helped me as a new librarian to jump start my career, to be confident in knowing my worth, and with my own voice inspire others to do the same. Annie continues to be a mentor, a voice for change, and a dear friend.
For all the amazing and wonderful things that Annie has done, does, and continues to do I want to say that Annie you deserve this award and so much more. Thank you Annie for being a leader amongst leaders, a thriving force for change, and for the visibility of women of color.”
— Fabi Hernandez, Librarian I – Adult Services, Berkeley Public Library
“Annie’s dedicated support for BIPOC women in her personal and professional community is truly commendable and inspiring. Her genuine efforts ensure individuals feel acknowledged and heard, while also encouraging inclusivity. Annie seamlessly navigates the delicate balance between fostering professional growth/ advocating for leadership opportunities for BIPOC women while also being mindful of the workload. Annie is a champion for her community, and does it with such natural humility and grace. I admire the care and respect Annie holds within all of her interactions. She is a one-of-a-kind leader and I’m grateful to have worked so closely with her!
—Reimi Akin, Project Coordinator – Global Collaborations, Exploratorium”
“As an early career librarian, I have been grateful to be on a team with Annie. Not only does she set an excellent example of professionalism and diplomacy even in the most challenging of times, she is always available as an advisor, a mentor and a friend. It doesn’t matter how much she has taken on, she still makes time to mentor and support her fellow women of color. She has the ability to see the positive and empower people to follow their academic bliss while encouraging them to develop the professional and relationship skills to navigate this labyrinthine industry in historically challenging times. From her work as the head of Instruction and Outreach at Gleeson Library to her dedicated work for APALA, Annie Pho is a force of nature in our industry. I can’t even go to a conference anywhere and mention her name without people replying “Oh! I know Annie!” I am happy and grateful to also say “Oh, I know Annie too.” Congratulations on a well-deserved acknowledgement of everything you do and are.”
— Chanda Briggs, Outreach Librarian, Gleeson Library
“Annie Pho is a beloved member of Gleeson Library, and the wider librarian profession, including as Immediate Past President of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association. Her leadership style embodies empathy, curiosity, and relationality. As her colleague, I have been lucky to see her mentor student assistants and new librarians, and to also benefit from her mentorship and care. Her insights and advocacy are crucial as part of Gleeson’s Library Leadership Team. Her research and editorial skills make her a sought-after collaborator nationwide – watch for her forthcoming research on Artificial Intelligence and Information Literacy. Congratulations, Annie!”
— Nicky Andrews, Open Education Librarian, Gleeson Library
“It is my pleasure to support the nomination of Annie Pho for the Madrina Legacy Award. I know Annie as a colleague and fellow department head at Gleeson Library, and through our professional networks, including the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA). Annie exemplifies this year’s Women of Color Leadership Conference theme of “Living Apologetically,” in her courageous and compassionate approach to leading, supporting, and uplifting others. As president of APALA, Annie expertly guided the organization in an especially challenging year when the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (JCLC) was rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. Annie never ceases to amaze me as a library leader, teacher, scholar, and colleague. She fiercely advocates for her staff, publishes groundbreaking and insightful research, champions and promotes the work of other women of color, and centers the learning and well-being of students, especially students of color. Without a doubt, Annie is a madrina: a woman of great wisdom, who nurtures and raises up other women of color.”
— Sherise Kimura, Head of Electronic Resources and Systems, Gleeson Library
About Annie Pho
Annie Pho is the Head of Instruction and Outreach Department at the University of San Francisco Library. She has a Bachelor’s in Art History from San Francisco State University and a Master’s in Library Science from IUPUI. She is the co-editor for the book Pushing the Margins: Women of Color and Intersectionality in LIS, as well as the co-editor of the Critical Race and Multiculturalism Series for Library Juice Press. Her research interests include intersectionality and women of color in LIS, student research behavior, and feminist pedagogy in information literacy instruction. She was a 2013 ALA Emerging Leader, a participant in the 2014 Minnesota Institute for Early Career Librarians, the recipient of the 2018 JCLC Rising Star award for APALA (Asian Pacific American Librarians Association ), and in 2019 she received the ACRL WGSS Significant Achievement Award for her work on the book, Pushing the Margins: Women of Color and Intersectionality in LIS. She is also the past-APALA President.