Shanika Heyward, the Indianapolis Public Library’s Fort Benjamin Harrison and East 38th Street Regional Manager, was raised in the community she now diligently serves. Shanika earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science in 2010 from Indiana University’s School of Library & Information Science where she excelled as an Indiana Librarian Leading in Diversity fellow. Shanika received the prestigious Library Journal’s 2016 “Movers & Shakers” recognition for her innovative community efforts dedicated to “giving others the chance to succeed”. Her leadership initiatives focus on providing impactful services and programs, along shaping the future of libraries. Shanika has strengthened her community by establishing partnerships with more than forty non-profit businesses, city officials, businesses, churches and universities to benefit the city’s Eastside residents and those who travel from beyond. In 2015, Shanika received the United North East Community Development Corporation Award for involvement in the community’s improvement efforts. In 2014, Shanika received three awards focused on community engagement, impact, philanthropy and outstanding library services which included the Forest Manor’s Community Service Champion Award, the Faith-based Love Community Award and the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation- Beth Tindel Award. In addition to her strong history of community engagement, Shanika was recently appointed Vice President- President Elect for the Indiana Black Librarians Network an affiliate chapter of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.