91´«Ã½

The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and 91´«Ã½. Spectrum Scholarship Alumni are part of what makes this program successful -- we are thrilled to highlight Cindy Hohl (2016 Scholar), director of policy analysis and operational support at Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library, and 91´«Ã½ President, to talk about the Scholarship, as well as current work. This interview was conducted via email with Spectrum Advisory members, Kay P Maye, and Ramon Garcia in November, 2024.

What area(s) of librarianship have you worked in thus far?

I started my library career at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library and moved over to the Kansas City Public Library where I have worked since 2017. In my work as 91´«Ã½ President, I have the pleasure of meeting library staff working in various library types all over the world.

What are some current projects that you're really excited about right now?

We are creating a toolkit to share information about Missing, Murdered, Indigenous Women and People to bring awareness to this issue. Thousands of people go missing and the national database does not include everyone that is missing. We need to create awareness about this health information matter and correct the data disparity. Ultimately, we need to share information so that more people can understand and hopefully get involved to help us find more people before it is too late. This is important for Americans so that everyone is safe in society.

What has the Spectrum community provided you with in the years since you've graduated library school?

As the first Spectrum Scholar elected to 91´«Ã½ President, it is my duty to make sure that I am not the last. Our Spectrum community is everything to me as a library leader and I strive to help colleagues on their journeys. Our Spectrum family helps me feel like this is where I belong in the field, in community with my esteemed colleagues.

How do you carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in the LIS profession?

In traditional Dakota beliefs, we are all related, and I carry that knowledge with me to help build sustainable relationships. It is my goal to make sure that everyone feels seen, and I strive to create a spirit of belonging for all no matter where I go.

Working in libraries can sometimes take us far from home. What are some favorite regional foods that you look forward to getting if you ever return for visits? Alternatively, what are some favorite dishes that you discovered along the way?

I enjoy cooking for my family and we enjoy frybread, soup, and wojapi.