Jami Yazdani is a management consultant known for helping mission-driven organizations lead more impactful projects, teams, and planning. Jami began her library career in circulation roles before earning a library degree and has been a reference librarian, technology librarian, library manager, and library director. She founded Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation in 2018, turning her passion for supporting the development of leaders at all levels and her experience leading projects, planning, teams, and training into a solutions-focused approach to management consulting. Jami holds an MLIS and a master's degree in Technology Management and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM). She is also the founder of Consultants for Libraries, a community directory of consultants working in libraries, museums, and archives.

• Q: Who should apply for NELLS?
• A: The 2023 NELLS II program (previously known as NELLS I) is designed for library professionals in mid-career (3-15 years experience in or with libraries). The program focuses on the application of leadership theory to real-world library issues. Participants will focus on topics such as creating equitable workplaces/public spaces, leading through change, self-care, mentoring talent, developing a strong vision, building strong communities, resilience, and other topics that will nurture and mentor attendees as they prepare for senior leadership roles.
• Q: What requirements/materials do I need to apply?
• A: Applicants must have your resume and a letter of recommendation, and must be NELA members in order to be considered for this program.
• Q: Will applications be anonymized?
• A: Yes, applications will be kept anonymous during the review process. Please keep this in mind when formatting your resume and asking for a letter of recommendation. Avoid using the name of your current institution wherever possible. You can replace the institution name with a general description, such as “academic library in a private university” or “mid-size public library.” Other than in Section One, and at the top of your resume, please avoid using your name. When asking for a letter of reference, please encourage contacts to use your name and institution once, in the first paragraph.  We realize that this may feel a bit awkward when writing, but it will be an enormous time saver for the committee.
• Q: Where and when will NELLS be held?
• A: This symposium will be held entirely in person at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. The symposium will begin on Monday, April 24th and conclude on Thursday, April 27th. All participants are expected to attend the full symposium and lodge at the hotel.
• Q: What is the cost of NELLS?
• A: The cost of the program is $875 and includes lodging and meals for the duration of the program. This cost is based on a double occupancy room. Upgrades to a single occupancy room are subject to hotel availability at an additional $315, plus tax.