LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Gema Gonzalez was nominated by Osbaldo Jimenez.

"Ms. Gema is a school library aide with a unique ability to contribute positively to developing the school's atmosphere. She fosters a love of reading, embraces differences, and spreads sympathy, compassion, and awareness among students while exposing them to 21st-century skills," said Jimenez.

"Ms. Gema celebrates a monthly theme to teach students about important topics such as Women's Month, Ramadan, and Black History Month. The library is beautifully decorated according to the monthly theme, promoting learning, awareness, and the love of reading. As students enter the library, they engage in inclusion activities and participate in a read-aloud based on the theme. This provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate students who can relate to the theme," said Jimenez.

Ms. Gema's innovative use of technology is transforming how students access books. She records read-alouds using the latest technology, allowing students to listen to them during library visits. Recently, she has opened the library after school, using iPads to encourage more students to read digital books on a specific app.

"Ms. Gema plays a significant role in the weekly college presentation by helping streamline the performances so teachers can watch them in their classrooms. Additionally, she promotes the love of reading among students by hosting book fairs in the library where families can buy books and get free books that Ms. Gema has available for them. Through the book fair, Ms. Gema also ensures that every class gets monthly subscriptions to student publications to infuse the love of reading with writing," said Jiminez.

"Ms. Gema strongly advocates for providing quality and relevant literature to students. She frequently collaborates with the principal to find new funding for buying book titles, updating book sets, and buying books in Spanish to serve the influx of South American newcomer families we experienced,' said Jiminez.

"When she is not at the library reading to children, Ms. Gema often supports staff events that promote the school's positive atmosphere. She helps with tasks such as decorating, making posters, setting up gatherings, and even supervising dismissal gates to ensure everyone gets home safely," said Jimenez.

"Ms. Gema's daughter attends the school and is highly invested in our school's culture. Daily, Ms. Gema elevates our school climate and atmosphere to ensure everyone is accepting of differences and empathetic towards all cultures while fostering a love of reading," said Jimenez.