iWorld is hosting a panel of professionals working in information science in an international context on January 26, 2010 at 6pm. Join them for engaging conversation, insights into working with international populations and internationally, and yummy snacks and refreshments! When: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 from 6pm-7:30pm Where: Mary Gates Hall (MGH) 420 Why: You are considering a career in an international context, either working here in the States or abroad Who is on the panel: Darren Hoerner: Darren Hoerner is a program officer in the Global Libraries (GL) initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In this role, Darren spearheads the exploration of opportunities for partnerships in Africa and the Middle East. He also manages a current grant in Botswana to improve people’s lives through increasing access to information technology in public libraries. Darren is also working on numerous grants to support and encourage young leaders, innovation, and training of librarians internationally. Darren joined the foundation in 1997 to provide research and analysis for a program that connected 11,000 public libraries in the United States to the Internet. He holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington. Ricardo Gomez: Ricardo Gomez is Assistant Professor at University of Washington's Information School. He specializes in the social impacts of communication technologies, especially in community development settings. He is also interested in qualitative research methods, and in group facilitation and process design. He seeks creative ways to communicate complex ideas and research results in everyday language. He has worked with private, public and non-profit sectors around the world, with a particular focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. Before joining the University of Washington he worked with Microsoft Community Affairs, and with the International Development Research Center in Canada. He holds an MA from Université du Québec à Montréal (1992) and a Ph.D. from Cornell University (1997). Valerie Wonder: Valerie Wonder is a librarian at The Seattle Public Library with many years of experience working with immigrants and refugees in Washington State. Valerie spent three years as Immigrant and Refugee Program Manager at the library, prior to which she worked as Community Programs Manager at the International Rescue Committee. Valerie has done capacity building and training in libraries throughout the United States and Africa, first as a trainer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, later as a volunteer for the World Library Partnership and the Peace Corps, and most recently as a consultant for U.S. Embassies in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Valerie received her masters degrees in Library and Information Science and Public Administration from the University of Washington. Questions?: Contact Melody Clark at melody.r.clark@gmail.com or 206.303.7910 What: Engaging dialogue, refreshments, and fun, interesting people!