On September 26, 2023, the University of New Mexico (UNM) announced that Nadia Orozco-Sahi, the Library Services Coordinator at University Libraries, had received the 2023 Career LIFT Award. The award, sponsored by OCLC and Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures, includes a $1,500 grant to support attendance at an ALA conference, the Core Forum, or participation in a continuing education course aimed at enhancing the recipient's professional skills and advancing their careers, according to a press release.
UNM stated, "University Libraries staff named 2023 Core Career LIFT Award recipient."
Nadia Orozco-Sahi's active involvement as a chapter councilor in the New Mexico Library Association and their dedication to advocacy, notably their initiative to establish a local mentorship program inspired by their participation as a mentee in Core's mentorship program, impressed the LIFT Awards Committee, according to a press release.
"Core has been an invaluable resource during my time at ALA so far, connecting me with people who have changed the trajectory of my professional career, as well as my personal growth. To be honored with this LIFT Award means being able to continue to engage meaningfully with library professionals, to be a voice in the room working towards the ideals of libraries and librarianship. I am grateful for the support and recognition," said Nadia Orozco-Sahi, as stated in the press release.
Orozco-Sahi joined University Libraries in 2021 as a Library Information Specialist 3 and has since progressed to the role of Library Services Coordinator, as announced in a recent press release.
"It is difficult to think of a more fitting recipient for this award. Nadia is working on so many levels to strengthen librarianship, both here in New Mexico as well and in their national professional work. They will benefit from the opportunities for learning, networking, and leadership that this award facilitates. Librarianship will benefit from Nadia's passion and great ideas," said Cindy Pierard, University Libraries director of access services and undergraduate engagement, according to a press release.