Who is Ivanna Lopez from Jeopardy? Librarian’s Age, Job, Family & More
Ivanna Lopez, based in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, Florida, is a dedicated librarian with a passion for preserving and interpreting Florida’s unique cultural history. As a member of the Gulf Beaches Public Library team, Ivanna plays a crucial role in connecting her community to the state’s rich heritage. Her current professional focus, which revolves around Florida’s cultural and historical preservation, aligns perfectly with her academic pursuits as she works towards a Master’s degree in Florida Studies at the University of South Florida.
Ivanna’s expertise spans across various fields, including libraries, museums, education, and event management. Her career in these diverse sectors showcases her commitment to fostering education, enhancing public access to cultural knowledge, and preserving local history. Ivanna is particularly skilled at facilitating the community’s engagement with Florida’s cultural legacy, both through her work in libraries and her studies.
Academic Background and Current Studies
Ivanna’s academic journey has been a testament to her passion for Florida’s history and culture. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg in 2021, where she developed a strong foundation in historical studies. Now, as a graduate student at the University of South Florida, Ivanna is pursuing a Master’s degree in Florida Studies. This interdisciplinary program allows her to explore the intersections of history, cultural studies, economics, environmental sciences, geography, literature, and politics, all within the context of Florida’s rich heritage.
Her commitment to deepening her understanding of Florida’s diverse history and culture through higher education reflects her desire to contribute to the state’s cultural preservation and public education. This academic pursuit complements her professional role as a librarian, where she leverages her knowledge to make Florida’s history more accessible to the public.
Professional Journey: Libraries, Museums, and Event Management
Ivanna’s professional career has been shaped by her diverse experiences in academia, research, museums, libraries, and education. She currently serves as the head of the circulation department at the Gulf Beaches Public Library, where she manages a team and ensures that library operations run smoothly. Ivanna’s leadership role also includes organizing events and collaborating with external programs and businesses, helping to foster a vibrant community space for local residents. She’s instrumental in assisting library patrons with their research needs, ensuring that they have access to the resources and information they seek.
Before her library career, Ivanna worked in event management as an event assistant for Florida Destinations. In this role, she coordinated and led tours for art exhibitions and high-profile events like the Valspar Golf Championship, showcasing her organizational skills and attention to detail. Her earlier experiences also include working as a teaching assistant at Learning Empowered, where she co-taught a one-year-old/toddler classroom and promoted early literacy practices, further reflecting her dedication to education and community engagement.
Additionally, Ivanna gained valuable experience as a museum docent at Cracker Country, where she educated visitors about Florida’s rural history in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This role not only honed her storytelling and public speaking abilities but also deepened her understanding of Florida’s historical roots, which she now shares with her library patrons.
Technical Expertise and Community Engagement
Ivanna’s proficiency with library systems, including SirsiDynix Symphony WorkFlows software, further enhances her ability to manage the technical aspects of library operations. This technical expertise allows her to effectively oversee the circulation department, streamline library processes, and ensure a seamless experience for both patrons and staff.
Her role as a librarian, combined with her academic pursuits, positions Ivanna as a key figure in her community’s engagement with Florida’s heritage. Whether it’s through managing events, providing access to historical resources, or teaching others about the state’s unique cultural history, Ivanna’s work consistently focuses on making Florida’s past accessible and relevant to the present.
