As Multnomah County Library’s first equity and inclusion manager, Sonja Ervin leads efforts to ensure library services, programs, staffing, materials, and spaces are equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive. Her work involves leading staff in thoughtful discussions about equity and inclusion and outlining actionable steps to improve the library’s efforts both internally and for the community. She is also a liaison with the We Speak Your Language program and an executive sponsor of the Black Cultural Library Advocate staff.
Prior to joining the library, Sonja engaged in street and shelter outreach, working with community members experiencing houselessness, addictions, and mental illness. She brings this experience to the library with the goal of expanding the ways the library can fulfill its commitment to welcoming and serving those in the community experiencing the greatest barriers.