 Hello, my name is Ariel Lomax. I am the recipient of the 2022 Directors Award for Excellence in Innovation. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Mary Ann Harlin, Dr. Mary K. Bolin, and the Student Awards and Scholarships Committee for selecting me as the recipient of this award. I am thankful to the faculty as well because my exposure to innovation in library and information science is due to them. San Jose State University's MLIS program has given me the opportunity to explore these new territories with courses that stirred my interest in new and future technologies. The San Jose State University iSchool has given me opportunities to interact and glean from some of the most innovative leaders in our profession today, especially now as we come out of the pandemic. We have seen the importance of technology and libraries to connect people with resources and information. We help maintain the access and archiving of information despite lockdowns or wars. And through global digitization efforts, we help nations preserve their cultural heritage. The future of libraries is exciting and I plan to continue to be a part of this transformation. Once again, I am honored and inspired to receive this award as I start my new career. Thank you.