Josephine Forman Scholarship: Federica Alesiani

Federica Alesiani, who is pursuing a master’s degree in library and information science at the University of Washington, is the 2024 recipient of the Josephine Forman Scholarship, sponsored by the General Commission on Archives and History of the United Methodist Church in cooperation with the Society of American Archivists (SAA). The $10,000 scholarship provides financial support to students of color pursuing graduate education in archival science, encourages students to pursue careers as archivists, and promotes the diversification of the American archives profession.

Through her work, Alesiani has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to accessibility and diversity in archives. In 2021, she participated in a six-month Climate Exchange Program at the Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul in Brazil, where she submitted a data report on climate resources that were unavailable to students with disabilities in marginalized communities in São Paulo, Brazil. Alesiani then created a well-crafted video translating the report into American Sign Language (ASL). Their work as an ASL interpreter is also evident at the Jacobus tenBroek Library, where they provide access to archival records for individuals with hearing impairments.

Ultimately, Alesiani aspires to become a Digital Archives Specialist. She plans on pursuing a graduate internship at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, where she aims to refine digital design patterns for the collections. As one supporter notes, “Federica has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within digital archival spaces to serve disabled students and youth.” Another supporter adds, “Federica’s methods of quick learning are significant, but their research acumen and practical contributions to the archives profession promise to inject innovation into the field while enriching their own learning journey.”