Women Archivists Section Elections 2024

Co-Chair (3 candidates)

Alphabetical Order

Mary Grace Kosta

Archival Consultant

Bio

Mary Grace Kosta obtained her MA in linguistics from the University of Calgary, and worked for 25 years as a linguist, museum registrar, government manager, and teacher. She then obtained her MLIS with a specialization in archives from the University of Western Ontario. She worked as an archivist for 13 years before retiring and now serves as an archival consultant. She currently co-chairs the Joint US-Canada AtoM Users Group, the Archives Canada Working Group, and serves on the NDSA Communications and Publications Working Group, the AtoM Foundation Communications Committee, and the SAA Models and Resources Committee which organizes training webinars for archivists. 

Statement of Interest

She is a feminist who has worked in a women’s archive and who has worked to encourage other women in the profession. She wants to serve the Women Archivists Section in order to raise the profile of women archivists and help the support and strengthen its role.

Carrie Mastley

Curator of Material Culture, Mississippi State University Libraries Division of Archives & Special Collections

Bio

For the past five years, I have served as an Assistant Professor for Mississippi State University Libraries’ Division of Archives & Special Collections. As the Curator of Material Culture, I am responsible for making the Division’s rare and unique artifacts assessable and discoverable to patrons. Prior to this appointment, I served as the Project Archivist for the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana, where I was charged with the cataloging of approximately 10,000 cultural objects related to President Abraham Lincoln. I hold a BA in English from Mississippi University for Women, a MA in English from Mississippi State University, and a MLIS with a Graduate Certificate in Archives & Special Collections from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Statement of Interest

In the context of SAA leadership, I have served as an elected Steering Committee member for the SNAP section from 2020 to 2021. During this time, I was able to make invaluable connections with other section members, learn about our community needs, and develop programming that would support those needs during such an uncertain time. In addition, I have served as an appointed member of the Spotlight Award Subcommittee from 2020 to 2023 and chaired the subcommittee in my third year. Serving in this capacity enabled me to learn more about the invaluable work our colleagues are undertaking across the nation. This appointment has inspired me not only to think about the ways in which I can serve more selflessly but also how I might go about calling positive attention to the hard work of my colleagues.

If elected to the Women’s Archivist Section’s steering committee, my central goal will be to advocate for woman archival workers with a strong focus on issues unique to our gender. Issues that I feel especially pertinent include the practice of inclusion in hiring practices, collection development, and archival description;  advocacy for the value of archival labor and salary transparency; and parental support. Ultimately, I am invested in learning more about the experiences of others, especially those who have different cultural, racial, institutional, etc. backgrounds than me to serve the archival community at large. It would be an honor and a privilege to serve in this capacity.

If you wish to learn more about me, my research interests, and more, please visit https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0916-8363.

Jennie Rankin

Acting Records Manager at the Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections

Bio

I am the current Acting Records Manager at the Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections (UAHC). Even though I work with records management, I still perform archival duties such as processing, reference, and outreach. I attended Central Michigan University (BS) and Wayne State University (MLIS) before joining UAHC in 2011. I have served in a variety of professional capacities with service to ARMA International, the Mid-Michigan ARMA chapter, and the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administration. My position as Acting Records Manager is transitioning this year back to an archivist role.

Statement of Interest

Even though my position has mostly focused on records management, I have observed the same challenges that women face in both records management and the archives profession. Loss of positions without replacing increases already strained workloads, salaries that need to catch up with the cost of living, and minimal leadership positions for advancement are just a few examples. As a vice-chair/chair elect, it will allow me the opportunity to collaborate with other women to address these issues for current and upcoming archivists in the profession. As I transition back to an archivist position, I want to be more involved with SAA, and I believe I can contribute to the Women Archivists Section. 

Steering Committee (1 candidate)

Alphabetical Order

Mary Katherine Kerns

Assistant Certified Archivist, Nicholls State University Archives and Special Collections

Bio

My name is Mary Katherine Kearns, and I work as an Assistant Certified Archivist at Nicholls State University Archives and Special Collections. I have a Master's in Library and Information Science with a certificate in Archival Studies and a dual emphasis in cultural heritage. Additionally, I have a Bachelor's in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Art History.

Statement of Interest

I am interested in joining the Women Archivist Steering Committee as a steering committee member. My goal is to expand my knowledge and gain experience to further develop as an archivist and support my colleagues. I recognize that historically, women's voices, particularly those of minorities, have often been overlooked in the narratives of history. I believe that to truly understand a subject, we need to consider all perspectives and work on building collections that offer a more comprehensive view from all angles. I am hoping to contribute my time and dedication to the archives so I can learn how to become a better archivist and assist collections and narratives in having the full story.