Women of Westown
For Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight a dynamic woman who has played an important role in shaping Westown. Joan Johnson is the first African-American Milwaukee Public Library Director who has endlessly worked to maximize the quality of public service operation and is heavily involved in all major library projects. Joan has played a vital role in transforming the Milwaukee Public Library system. Learn more about Joan in our interview below!
Job/Title: Library Director, Milwaukee Public Library
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? I believe knowledge is power and I felt that as a librarian, I could help people learn how to use important resources to empower themselves to realize their full potential.
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement in your career? Taking a leap of faith and having the audacity to apply for the MPL Director position back in 2006. I was not selected for the top job at that time, but was asked to serve in another role on the Administrative Team at MPL, and that eventually led to me being promoted to Deputy and then Director.
Who is a woman that inspires you? Besides the highly accomplished elders in my family, I found Cicely Tyson’s biography to be the most compelling I’ve ever read.
Any advice to anyone going into your career field? Enter the field of librarianship with an open mind about how your journey and career path might unfold. The field is vast with so many specialty areas and numerous opportunities. Be willing to fully explore all avenues.
If there is anything else you would like to include about your career, Women’s History Month, etc.? It’s notable that in nearly 150 years of service by MPL to the community, I am only the 12th person to serve as its Director and the 1st African American Director. I hope I can be inspirational to others who aspire to the profession of librarianship or to be a leader in any field.
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