The Women Archivists Section (WArS) will hold its 2026 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 19th from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT. Following a short business meeting, WArS will facilitate a panel discussion, "What I Wish I Knew When I Started Archiving."
In this lively panel discussion, experienced archivists will share the lessons that they wish they had known when they first entered the profession. Panelists from varied backgrounds will reflect on their strategies for balancing the demands of stewardship with other responsibilities such as outreach, instruction, donor relations, and more. Attendees will gain practical advice and a clearer understanding of how to thrive in an archival career.
Be sure to register below to join the discussion!
Women Archivists Section 2026 Annual Meeting
Featured Speakers:
Jennifer Brcka is the Lead for Archival Collections at the University of Notre Dame where she heads the team responsible for collections management across three repositories. Jennifer holds a BS in History from Ball State University and MLIS with a concentration in Archives from Wayne State.
Samantha Throgmorton is the first Corporate Archivist for Southwest Airlines, a role she has held since 2022. She is a Certified Archivist with academic credentials from the University of Nevada, Reno and Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. Samantha brings extensive experience in archival management, having previously served as a staff archivist at History Factory, where she worked with multiple clients-including Southwest Airlines-on preserving and organizing their historical records. Her expertise ensures the stewardship of Southwest's corporate heritage and supports initiatives that connect the company's rich history to its future.
Mona Vance-Ali has been the Archivist for the Local History Department at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System since 2005. She received her MA in History/Public History from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and her MLIS from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has held numerous leadership positions with the Society of American Archivists, Society of Mississippi Archivists, and the Mississippi Historical Society. Currently, she serves as a member of the steering committee for the Women Archivists Section of SAA.
Please note that the business portion of this meeting will be recorded. The panel discussion will not be recorded.
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Carrie P. Mastley
cmastley@library.msstate.eduAssistant Professor/Director of Historical Manuscripts
Mississippi State University Libraries
Mississippi State, MS
she/her
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