Mosaic Scholarship: Desiree Alaniz

Desiree Alaniz, who will pursue a master of library and information science degree with an archives management concentration at Simmons College starting this fall, is the 2015 recipient of the Mosaic Scholarship. The Mosaic Scholarship provides funding to students who demonstrate potential for scholastic and personal achievement and who manifest a commitment both to the archival profession and to advancing diversity concerns within it. 

In addition to a strong academic record, Alaniz has demonstrated her commitment to diversity in archives, both as an undergraduate conducting original research in an independent study course and as a volunteer at the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, where she catalogued, researched, and described a donated collection. Uncovering these marginalized histories persuaded her “to pursue social justice work in archives through the critical diversification of the historical record.” Alaniz also previously served as a program representative at the UCLA Undergraduate Research Center, where she promoted, developed, and celebrated undergraduate student research.

One of Alaniz’s supporters noted that “she is someone who will go above and beyond to provide services to those in need. [Alaniz] is compassionate, intelligent, and has what it takes to succeed at whatever she puts her mind to.” Another wrote that she “has managed to merge her commitments to social justice with an admirable career track.”

First awarded in 2009, the Mosaic Scholarship also provides recipients with a one-year membership in the Society of American Archivists and a complimentary registration to the 2015 SAA Annual Meeting.