Francesca de Vera
Pronouns: She/Hers/Ella
Title: Youth & Engagement Coordinator
Organization: San Diego Public Library
Bio: Francesca de Vera (She/Ella) is a librarian and the Youth and Engagement Coordinator for the San Diego Public Library. For the past 8 years, Francesca has worked in youth services. She champions intellectual freedom, access, equity, and inclusivity. She is a social justice advocate, who strives to uplift the BIPOC and queer/trans communities she serves. Since 2020, Francesca has been one of the leaders on SDPL’s LGBTQIA+ Library Services Committee. She has cultivated and sustained meaningful relationships with community-based organizations during her tenure to engage and serve San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ community more effectively. Furthermore, she has Utilized these relationships to develop further queer-affirming collections, programming, spaces, and outreach practices. As an openly trans and queer woman, she finds great joy in coordinating “drag queen story time” throughout the year, spaces that help celebrate queer stories and connections. Francesca was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She possesses a master’s in library information science and a master’s degree in American History from San Jose State University. She is an avid owl lover, and in her spare time, she enjoys San Diego’s beautiful beaches and parks.
Speaking at: Community Partnerships: Relationships for Mutual Benefit and Community Empowerment