Rita Soenksen is an academic librarian, mom, and admitted iced coffee addict. She currently serves as the librarian for the English and American Literature, Communication Studies, and Journalism departments at the University of Iowa. Rita holds a B.A. in English from the University of Northern Iowa and two Master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, one in African American Studies and one in Library and Information Studies. She is actively involved in the Big Ten Academic Alliance, working in DEI and Accessibility spheres. Her interest areas include diversity in libraries and MLIS programs, anti-bias/anti-racism work, mentoring and staff development, and enhancing student engagement in the library. She is a mom to two college-aged children, spends too much time thinking about coffee, and absolutely cannot tell you her favorite book/movie/song because it changes depending on her mood. Her TBR pile taunts her, as do her variety of creative projects. This is her first library conference presentation.