New Members
Name: Lorraine Jenkins
Job Position/Title: Technical Library Assistant
Hobbies: Reading and Providing Charity
Favorite Spot For Food/Drink In Trenton: The Big Easy Restaurant
About Me:
I am an employee of The NJ State Library for the past 22 years working in the Interlibrary Loan Department as a Technical Library Assistant. Prior to my employment at NJSL, I worked at The Trenton Free Public Library as a floating Library Assistant, working in the community at the 5 branches, where providing assistance and various programs to the patrons in the community.
I am a born and raised proud Trentonian, but spent every Sunday and every Summer up until my high schools living in between the City of Trenton and Burlington Township with my grandparents. I have ventured back to my roots, and I am a new homeowner in Burlington County, since November 2021. I have 4 brothers and 4 sisters and a host of nieces and nephews! Family is very important to me!
The most important thing in my life is being a mother. I have 2 sons, my oldest is Troy who is 32 years old and Brandon who is 19 years old and a current student at a prestigious HBCU: Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.
I am also a “Glam-ma” to Riley, and not grand mom because I am too young and way too fabulous to be called “Grand mom!”
Why I Want To Join The Advisory Board: I am interested in becoming a member of this advisory board because I am first a believer of Women’s empowerment. I am also an advocate for change, most importantly positive change, especially when it is to grow both professionally and socially. Networking to create opportunities for growth and for the betterment of myself and society is what I enjoy. My work inside & outside of the State Library/TESU has and will always be about service. I am looking forward to networking and impacting change for myself and others, while promoting the goals of the Women’s Professional Network collectively.
Name: Christy Schwager
Job Position/Title: Assistant Director of Payroll Services
Hobbies: Spending time at the beach, watching sports, reading, fostering puppies for a local rescue organization
Why do you want to join the advisory board? Is there anything you’re looking forward to or hoping to accomplish?: I am looking forward to sharing experiences and making connections with our community of amazing women at the University and Library!
Name: Larsicena West
Job Position/Title: Graduation Records Specialist / Office of the Registrar
Hobbies: Reading, Movies, Comics
Why do you want to join the advisory board? Is there anything you’re looking forward to or hoping to accomplish?: I want to reach outside my comfort zone and interact and get to know more of my TESU colleagues.
Returning Members
Name: Jenn Montone
Job Position/Title: Director of Purchasing / Office of the Treasurer
Current Position on the Board: Secretary of the Advisory Board
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, Board of Education Member in the City of Burlington
Favorite spot for food/drink in Trenton: Royal Cake Creations and Café Antonio in Morrisville, PA
What has your experience been like serving on the board? Is there anything you’re looking forward to or hoping to accomplish?: It has been a pleasure getting to know colleagues from the University and Library. I would love to see us grow the membership and increase attendance at events.
Name: Melissa Cryan
Job Position/Title: Associate Director of Human Resources
Current Position on the Board: Co-Chair, Nominations, Constitution, and Bylaws Committee
Hobbies: Being a mommy 😊 shopping (too much!) and volunteering with Burlington County Animal Alliance and the Burlington County Community Emergency Response Team
Favorite spot for food/drink in Trenton: Does Antonio’s count? 😉
What has your experience been like serving on the board? Is there anything you’re looking forward to or hoping to accomplish?: It’s been great getting to know the other women here at the University and Library both personally and professionally, outside of my role in HR. It’s exciting to plan events that give our colleagues the opportunity to network with other women that they work with but may not normally cross paths. I look forward to hopefully getting to do these activities in person again soon!
Name: Samantha Rhein
Job Position/Title: Program Assistant for Mentors Administration
Current Position on the Board: Co-Chair of the Programs Committee
Hobbies: Being a mommy to my young son, spending time with my husband, family and friends, exercise, going to sporting events/concerts
Favorite spot for food/drink in Trenton: Starbucks
What has your experience been like serving on the board? Is there anything you’re looking forward to or hoping to accomplish?: I was elected to the board at the very start of the pandemic. There was a lot of transition from being able to be together and have events together and then trying to navigate all things virtual. It was tricky in the beginning, but now two years in, we have all gotten the hang of it. I am looking forward to the time when we can all gather together and hopefully bring back more events that will allow more social engagement, networking, and some semblance of normalcy.
Name: Regina Fitzpatrick
Job Position/Title: Genealogy Librarian, New Jersey State Library
Current Position on the Board: Co-Chair, Programs Committee
Hobbies: Lifting heavy, running, picnics, reading, and cooking
Favorite spot for food/drink in Trenton: My office, as I bring my own lunch and only have a half an hour break! I was trying to come up with a good restaurant choice, but all of the places I’ve been for lunch pre-pandemic have shut down. My favorite pre-pandemic was Café 128. I’d love to try Health is Wealth on East State Street near the DEP building.
What has your experience been like serving on the board? Is there anything you’re looking forward to or hoping to accomplish?: Serving on the board has been a great professional decision! I’ve learned new skills in leadership, interpersonal relationships, project management, outreach, planning, and time management. Working on the Programs Committee in particular has been a major creative outlet for me, and I’ve enjoyed all of our programs we’ve done over the last couple years. I love doing panels, interviews, and interactive programs like our TED Talks where everyone participates and gets to know each other and our featured speakers better.
I really hope everyone has enjoyed our recorded interviews in celebration of Women’s History Month! I’d like to make sure in the future we either keep this up as an annual tradition, or substitute another annual program, as our members prefer. Since we are an organization that uplifts and supports women, I think Women’s History Month is something that we should strive to consistently acknowledge and celebrate.
Name: Christina Wilson
Job Position/Title: Instructional Designer, Center for Learning and Technology at TESU
Current Position on the Board: Co-Chair, Marketing Committee
Hobbies: Shopping, Traveling, Broadway shows
Favorite spot for food/drink in Trenton: During the work week I'll visit 1911 Smokehouse BBQ, The Big Easy of Trenton, Brunchables, and Starbucks. During my free time I'll visit Mama D's and Ila Mae's. Before the pandemic I visited Delia's Empanada Cafe and Cafe 128. Unfortunately, both locations closed due to the pandemic.
What has your experience been like serving on the board? Is there anything you’re looking forward to or hoping to accomplish?: Serving on the board has been a great opportunity to meet other members of the TESU/NJSL community. I had the unique experience of collaborating with members of the advisory board to develop events to serve TESU/NJSL in the midst of the pandemic. I look forward to hosting more events in person.
Name: Angela Chatman
Job Position/Title: Acting External Affairs Manager at TESU
Current Position on the Board: Nominations Constitution & Bylaws Committee co-chair
Hobbies: Traveling, music, fashion, museums, summer activities, and exploring new places to eat
What has your experience been like serving on the board? Is there anything you’re looking forward to or hoping to accomplish?: I enjoy the collaborating and supporting the amazing women on the board.
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