About Sarah Okner

​Speaking experience

• Freelance speaker (see past appearances)
• Illinois Library Association statewide conference
• American Library Association national conference

References
“One of the best presentations we have ever hosted. Her material is well researched and well organized, her PowerPoint was beautifully designed, clear, easy to read... it incorporated compelling photographs, clear maps, great video... she spoke at a perfect cadence, and used engaging, lively language. I genuinely cannot say enough good things here. It would have been an impressive program just from an academic standpoint. That it was also a deeply personal story made it doubly compelling. Our program was filled to capacity. 70 adults sat at tables with food in front of them and not a one of them moved for a full hour. No one snacked. No one fidgeted. They were riveted, as was I.” — Catherine Savage, Vernon Area Public Library

“Sarah's info was fascinating, especially her family connection. I've taken many classes [about] this time period but Sarah's talk brought a different and enlightening perspective.” - Patron, Arlington Heights Public Library

 “One of the best ever! Could listen to Sarah all day! Very interesting and well organized. Great information and slides!” - Patron, Mount Prospect Public Library

Education & professional experience

• Professional librarian, 2009-present
• Masters of Science in Library Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Graduate School of Library and Information Science
• Bachelor of Arts, History / Minors in Sociology and Asian American Studies, 
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Robert W. Johannsen Scholar, Awarded for Outstanding Honor Thesis Proposal       
• Management of after-school tutoring program (S.O.A.R.) for grades K-5, Champaign, IL, 
• Asian American Cultural Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate Assistant