Sol Cátala-Valentín is an Area Studies and Reference Librarian, under the C.T. Vivian Scholars Program. She works at the Areas Studies Research Center and Collections in Malpass Library. With a background in reference services and experience as an information specialist, she holds a Master's in Information Sciences and a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus. Previously, she was a member of the Caribbean Digital Scholarship Collective (UPR Caribe Digital), which is committed to preserving the history and culture of community-based initiatives in Puerto Rico. Her commitment to enhancing information access and education through library practice and digital technology has led her to pursue a second master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology at Western Illinois University.

Latifa Yari is a Fulbright Scholar currently pursuing a master’s degree in Quantitative Economics at Western Illinois University, Macomb. She is equipped with a strong foundation in economics and data analysis software programs like R, Python, and STATA, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a unique set of skills to her role as a Graduate Assistant at WIU library. She has previously served as a Research Officer, Economic Analysis Junior Officer, Proposal Writer, and Program Coordinator in the Central Asia region. Latifa is fluent in multiple languages and is an active member of professional societies. She hails from the region, therefore, she is well-placed to contribute to the research studies on Middle East regions and beyond in her role as a Graduate Assistant at the WIU library.

Carla Flores Garcia is a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University Libraries currently pursuing her Master's degree in Computer Science. She graduated with a double major in Engineering Technology and Computer Science at WIU as the College of Business and Technology scholar. Carla is native from Barcelona, Spain, and originally came to the United States to persue her academic and athletic careers as part of the basketball team at Western.

Damilola Oluwemimo is a graduate student and a research assistant at Western Illinois University Libraries. She has served on several advisory boards, such as the American Journal of Public Health Student Think Tank and the School of Global Governance at the Australian National University. She has a track record of working on various grant projects across Africa, including chairing the board of the Oath for Sustainability Network. Damilola is currently pursuing an MPH degree and a Business Analytics Certificate due May 2024; she also holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Nigeria.

David Ramirez is a sophomore majoring in Spanish Education. He graduated from Monmouth-Roseville High School and is a research assistant for Western Illinois University’s department of Area Studies Research Center and Collections. He has been on multiple committees and boards like the Student Advisory Council for Illinois State Board of Education and was nationally recognized at the Professional Agricultural Students national conference for his winning speech about the impact Immigrant Workers in agriculture.