Libraries Cultivate Community

Diana Moronta (She/Her/Ella) is the Coordinator of Information Literacy at Leonard Lief Library. She is passionate about weaving critical information literacy and social justice practices into her everyday work. Through her praxis, Moronta cares to implement strategies for learning spaces that are inclusive and accessible to all. She is co-editor of Practicing Social Justice in Libraries (2022), which provides practical strategies, tools, reflections, and programming for practicing librarians looking to incorporate social justice practices into their work. She earned her MSLIS from Pratt Institute, her MS in Organizational Leadership from Lehman College, City University of New York, and her BA from Hunter College, City University of New York.

Alyssa Brissett is the Head of Reference at Bobst Library, New York University. In this role, she manages the Reference Services Department at Bobst Library and the virtual and in-person reference services, including the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat that services the entire NYU community. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University, a Master of Arts in Childhood Education from New York University and a BA in Anthropology and English from Cornell University. Her research interests include critical library practice, organizational change and culture, and social justice in libraries. Alyssa most recently co-edited the volume Practicing Social Justice in Libraries, as part of the Routledge Guides to Practice in Libraries, Archives and Information Science series.

Amanda May is a Senior Library Information Specialist at the ELTC. She has been a staff member at the Mizzou Libraries since April 2022. She is currently finishing her final year of the MLIS program at Mizzou. In her free time, Amanda loves to read, write, crochet, and knit.

Sue Lightfoot Horine celebrates 17 years of library service as Director of the Livingston County Library and the Lillian DesMarias Youth Library in Chillicothe, located in North Central Missouri. She began her journey in the library field at the Carrollton Public Library in 2008. With an MBA in Administration and Management from Baker University, Sue brings a wealth of leadership experience, having previously served as Chair and currently as an Executive Board Member of the Missouri Evergreen Consortium. She is also a Past President of the Grand River Library Consortium and a board member of the MOREnet Council.

Sue's commitment extends to serving on the Livingston County Library Charitable Trust Board, Treasurer for the Hudson Bridges Foundation, holds the position of President Elect for the Chillicothe Rotary Club, and is an active member of the University of Missouri Extension-Carroll County Council. Her prior roles include serving as President of the Missouri Public Library Directors and taking on various local and county positions that highlight her dedication to community engagement. She passionately aims to connect patrons of all ages with library services emphasizing community involvement.

Sue boasts 12 years of experience in marketing, promotion, and advertising. She previously worked as Chief Appraiser for Carroll County, Missouri, where she assessed tax values for eight years. Sue also volunteers locally for the H.E.L.P. Cancer Fund Benefit Auction and Dinner, which raises over $85,000 annually to assist Carroll County residents on their cancer journey. Her most recent volunteer effort was at the Back-to-School Fair, where 762 students received backpacks filled with school supplies, an initiative sponsored by the MU Extension-Livingston County and supported by the library and other community partners.

Margarita Moore is the Assistant Youth Services Coordinator at the Lillian DesMarias Youth Library in Chillicothe, Missouri. A self-proclaimed accidental librarian, Margarita found her way into library work after teaching middle school and high school. She quickly found her passion for connecting young people to stories, spaces, and opportunities that spark growth. She brings energy and creativity to planning youth-centered programs and events that inspire young minds and build community. Margarita is committed to inclusive public library service and works to build meaningful bridges between the library and the community—ensuring all families feel seen, supported, and welcomed.

As a proud community member, active volunteer, and familiar smiling face, she believes libraries are where everyone belongs.

"Will work for stickers, story time giggles, and the smell of freshly opened books."

Leslie Kravitz Fox is an Adult Services Librarian for Glendale Library, Arts and Culture. She has a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Missouri Columbia, and in her role focuses on health and wellness programming, outreach, and programming for older adults.

Amber Carr is a wife, mother, and librarian! She serves as the Assistant Library Director and Marketing and Outreach Librarian at Missouri Southern State University – Spiva Library since 2018 but have been a librarian at MSSU since 2005. Amanda also serves as a Co-Director of the Center for Nutrition Security and Lion Co-op Food and Personal Hygiene Pantry at MSSU since 2020. She has served as a member of the Secretary’s Council on Library Development since 2023 and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education – Leadership in Higher Education through Capella University. Amber enjoys cultivating partnerships across the MSSU campus and the surrounding communities because partnerships are invaluable. She believes that together we can innovatively continue serving our communities.

Megan Phifer-Davis is the Manager of the Information Services department and Small Business Center at St. Louis County Library. In this role, she spearheads efforts to empower small business owners, guide career seekers, and assist inquisitive individuals with their diverse research needs. Megan is deeply passionate about bridging information and access gaps, providing crucial support and resources to underserved populations. She holds an MLIS from Simmons University and a BS in Psychology from Fontbonne University.