At Yale Library and beyond, Shawana Snell’s work is all about building community

Connection has always been at the center of work for Shawana Snell—both inside and outside the library. Snell, supervisor of Administrative Support at Yale Library, is known for her leadership and collaboration across departments but also for her deep commitment to fostering community at Yale and throughout New Haven.

Snell joined the university in 2015 in frontline services before moving to the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library, where she worked in special collections and later became a team leader. In July 2022, she stepped into her current role as supervisor of Administrative Support, a position created during the library-wide reorganization designed to strengthen administrative coordination and efficiency.

“My role was really about change management,” Snell explained. “This reorganization brought senior administrative assistants together under one umbrella. The goal was to make sure portfolios were balanced, everyone was working within their scope, and communication across the system improved.”

Building community, on and off campus

When Snell and her family moved to New Haven, she looked for ways to connect with her new community. “I am not originally from New Haven, and at the time my kids were just two and four,” she said. “One of the first committees I joined was the Yale University Library Work-Life Committee. I was trying to figure out what was going on in our new adoptive home—benefits, resources, everything.”

Through that experience, Snell met colleagues from across the university and connected with the Office of Employee Engagement and Workplace Culture (EEWC). “That’s when I met Debbie Stanley-McAulay and learned about the employee resource groups,” she recalled. “It really opened the door for me.”

Her involvement quickly grew. She served on what is now known as the Library Staff Advisory Committee on Workplace Culture—later becoming its co-chair—and took on leadership roles within Yale’s Working Women’s Network. Most recently, she became co-chair of the Yale Black Culture Network (YBCN), which has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Reflecting on her years of volunteer service, Snell said, “When you look at my ten years here, about seven of them have been in some kind of volunteer or committee capacity. I’ve always believed in building community and helping others navigate this space.”

A leadership philosophy rooted in empathy

Snell describes her leadership style as one shaped by experience, reflection, and a deep commitment to people. “I think being a good leader is knowing when to lead and when to step back,” she said. “Leadership is learned. It comes from experience, your background, and your willingness to listen.”

For Snell, leadership and community care are inseparable. “How can you be safe if your neighbors aren’t safe?” she said. “That mindset is what drives me. Whether it’s through the library, an employee group, or my neighborhood, I think community and advocacy are inseparable.”

Her approach is also influenced by her upbringing as the oldest grandchild on both sides of her family and by her life as a mother. “My place in the universe was kind of set,” Snell said with a laugh. “But I also think being a mother shaped me. When you have children, you realize that not only does the world have to change, but you have to help push that change.”

A lifelong connection to libraries

Snell’s relationship with libraries began long before her time at Yale. “I’ve worked in libraries since I was a student worker in college,” she said. “But even before that, I loved the public library growing up in the Bronx. It was a community space. There were events, people gathering, conversations happening—that was always inspiring to me.”

She sees that same spirit in Yale’s libraries. “We’re here to support faculty, staff, and students, but the library is also a space for those of us who work here,” she said. “There’s a place for everyone, and that’s something I’ve always valued.”

She often shares that sense of pride with her family. “The libraries here are stunning. I drive my kids past Sterling Memorial Library and Beinecke Library all the time. It’s a reminder that these spaces are more than buildings—they’re symbols of learning, community, and belonging.”

Curiosity, inspiration, and joy

Snell describes herself as a “constant self-educator.” Whether she is reading, watching a film, visiting a museum, or attending a library program, she seeks out opportunities to learn and find inspiration. “I don’t move into a conversation without thinking that I can learn something,” she said. “Building relationships is the cornerstone of not only our community but of our world.”

Her love of museums often takes her to Washington, DC—especially to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Museum of American History. She is an avid reader; Stephen King’s Dark Tower series is her favorite. Her musical tastes range from Sam Cooke and Andrea Bocelli to Mary J. Blige and Luther Vandross. “With those four,” she said with a smile, “you’ve got something for every emotion you could possibly go through. I’m one of those people who can laugh until I cry,” she said. “It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s the best feeling!”

Looking forward

As she reflects on her decade at Yale, Snell remains deeply committed to building bridges, supporting colleagues, and fostering a community where people feel seen and supported. “Community has always been at the heart of what I do,” she said. “Libraries are about access, connection, and people—and that’s what keeps me inspired every day.”

—Nicholas Wantsala

Photo by Maza Rey