Glendale Community College

Connecting with...Jennie Quinonez-Skinner

Jennifer Quinonez-Skinner, Outreach and Student Engagement Librarian, is a Southern California native who was born in Long Beach and grew up in San Clemente. She studied at the University of California, San Diego for her Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies, and at UCLA for her Master of Library and Information Studies degree. Her mother is third generation Mexican American, born and raised in Pasadena, and her father’s family hails from the East Coast. Her parents met at Pasadena City College in a chemistry class. Jennie identifies as a fourth generation Chicana from a mixed-race heritage.  Her mom, Linda, is now a neighbor in Glendale and was able to retire close by after a decade living on the East Coast. Her father currently resides in Japan with his wife, Yoko and she is hoping to make a trip to visit them in Yokohama. As a proud tía, she enjoys being an aunt of two who live in Northern California with her brother and his wife. She has dog Lulu, who mostly runs the show at home. Growing up, her family instilled in her a deep appreciation for different cultures and the importance of inclusivity.
 
Why did you choose to work at GCC?

Connecting people and resources is how I bring my academic librarian skills from the stacks and into the community so a position as the Outreach and Student Engagement Librarian at GCC was a great fit!

For nearly two decades, I have called Glendale my home, and for 15 years, I dedicated my time to working at CSUN as the Chicana/o Studies and Central American Studies Librarian. However, it was in 2016 that I began to immerse myself more deeply in the fabric of my city, transforming it from merely a place I crashed after my commute. I took on a pivotal role in spearheading the inaugural Día de los Muertos celebration in the City of Glendale, aiming to foster civic engagement and strengthen our community ties. I actively participated in organizations as a board member: Glendale Latino Association, the Glendale Library Arts and Culture Trust, and The Character and Ethics Project. Through these engagements, my network expanded, and I seized opportunities to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students at GCC. Witnessing the sense of community and shared vision for student success, I embraced the chance to make a change when a library position opened. Without hesitation, I applied and made the leap from CSUN, a wonderful institution in its own right. Now, I am thrilled to shift my focus towards outreach, hoping to raise awareness about the invaluable services our library offers, and leave a lasting impact, the library belongs to the community.

Do you have a favorite memory working at GCC?

It had to be 2017, there was a maker fair at GCC where students shared projects. Our volunteer Día de los Muertos committee with the city stopped by to table and recruit volunteers for the second annual event that was going to be outside and larger than the previous year. I crossed paths with Andrea Dominguez, a talented GCC student (now alum), who showcased an impressive Arduino-programmed light fixture. Intrigued by her skills, I approached her about volunteering for our city project. With her invaluable contributions, she not only aided in designing the lighting but also recruited volunteers and led craft workshops through her student club. She became a part of the team that started the event in the city with the Clerk’s office and the public library.

What about your job makes you proud?

 Ta-Nehisi Coates once eloquently expressed his affinity for libraries with the quote, "I was made for the library, not the classroom. The classroom was a jail of other people's interests. The library was open, unending, free." While the comparison of the classroom to a literal jail may be metaphorical, as a librarian, I appreciate the freedom and boundless opportunities for learning that the library offers. It is within this transformative space that we have the privilege to empower individuals to shape their own learning experiences, whether it is discovering primary sources for a research paper, exploring new career paths, finding enticing recipes, or even accessing devices that facilitate resource accessibility. The library serves as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and exploration. It’s one of the last spaces where we aren’t asking you to buy something to participate.

One thing about you that might surprise your co-workers. 

During my time at CSUN, I had the opportunity to work closely with Eva Longoria, who was a graduate student in the Chicana/o Studies Department. I remember how dedicated she was as a student and even wanted to come in person for research consultations at my office. I should have asked for a photo, but I was playing it cool like all of us do when we are star struck.

Other interests, hobbies, career achievements?

During the pandemic, I rediscovered my passion for music and resumed practicing piano regularly, diving back into the familiar pages of my old music books. Playing an instrument now holds a newfound appreciation for me as it demands a level of focus and concentration that I value more than ever in a world of constant notifications and distractions.

I actively engage in our Glendale community, constantly attending various events and embodying the 'start local' motto to foster change and forge connections. While the larger, intimidating news stories may seem beyond immediate control, I firmly believe that by reaching out to neighbors and contributing in small but meaningful ways, we can collectively build a stronger community, one step at a time.

I am proud of the work with organizations during the pandemic that we were able to sustain and thrive. Glendale Latino Association supported over 60 students from 2020-2022 and raised over 60,000 dollars during that three-year pandemic to support scholarships for local high school and Glendale Community College students. In 2022, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce recognized GLA as Organization of the Year. During the first year of the pandemic, I was honored to be recognized as one of the Business Life Magazine’s Woman Achiever Honorees for 2020.

One of the most significant experiences as a mid-career professional was being accepted into Southern California’s Coro LeadLA program where I was able to meet folks from non-profit to private sector also doing purpose driven work and dig in and explore my leadership strengths and areas for growth. At a time when the world feels very politically divided it was even more meaningful to work with a team within LeadLA with very diverse political beliefs, we all learned from each other and remain close today.  There is power in listening.

In terms of career achievements, the work I did while at CSUN on the 2014 American Library Association and National Endowment for the Humanities programming grant, Latino Americans, is a point of pride. I was able to work with a great team and connect programming at libraries and community spaces from Glendale to the West Valley.

At GCC, I think it’s been the passive programming at the library that I have spearheaded with my awesome colleagues. From Blind Date with a Book to Finals Study Breaks, I look forward to finding ways to help our library visitors engage with each other and take ownership of their library space.

Person who inspires you.

Students. The world is an even more complicated place and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the future. I am always more hopeful when I think about the world the next generation will build.

Favorite movies/TV Shows?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Clueless, and Boulevard Nights (because my uncle is in it).

Favorite magazine/book?

While I don't have specific favorite books, I believe that books have a remarkable way of connecting with us at different points in our lives. Each book holds the potential to resonate with our emotions, experiences, and personal growth, serving as a guiding light or a comforting companion during specific chapters of our journey.

Here are a few titles: How to Be a Chicana Role Model by Michele Serros, Animal Farm by George Orwell, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me by Sherman Alexie, The Ship of Fools (La Nave de los Locos) by Peri Rossi, Passing by Nella Larsen, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, The Gangster We Are All Looking For by Lê Thị Diễm Thúy, The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze by William Saroyan, What Drowns the Flowers in Your Mouth: a Memoir of Brotherhood by Rigoberto González, and The People of Paper by Salvador Plascencia. My childhood favorite: The Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume, a classic for any dueling set of siblings. Also, don’t ask a librarian their favorite book without a word limit. 

Favorite food?

I love all food and I will always sway for savory vs. sweet. Here are a few favorites: seafood paella, birria mulitas, ceviche, ramen, murgh makhana (butter chicken), crispy brussel sprouts, manti (dumplings), and of course ELOTES.

Favorite sport to watch or play? 

 You can find me cheering on my favorite sports teams, particularly the Lakers, Dodgers, and UCLA. I also have a soft spot for my grandfather's college, Clemson, during March Madness and college bowl season. I love an underdog so don’t be mad if I switch jerseys for another team who I think needs a win.

I started rowing a few years back and attempting to take that skill into actual bodies of water, which is fun and terrifying. During spring break, I kayaked in the La Jolla coves.

Describe your perfect day off?

A day off is not merely a break from work; it's a chance to pursue my passions, connect with loved ones, and embrace the beauty that surrounds us. It's a reminder of the importance of self-care and finding balance in a busy world. It could be a hike, a day driving adventure, trip to the dog beach, spa day, an incredibly long walk (I love just walking really far, checkout The Great Los Angeles Walk), reading, attempting to cook (or burn something) new, and yes cleaning or organizing. Never underestimate the joy of a label maker and freshly organized cabinet, I know, I am wild.