Mikaela Selley
Mikaela Selley is a dedicated archivist, curator, and public history consultant with over a decade of professional experience preserving the historical and cultural legacy of Houston’s Hispanic and Latina/o communities. A native Houstonian, Mikaela currently serves as the Program Manager and Archivist for the Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Project at Arte Público Press, where she manages digitization and access efforts for a significant collection of Spanish, English, and bilingual periodicals. In addition to her role at Arte Público, she operates as an independent consultant, offering research, strategic planning, archival organization, and exhibit design services for personal, business, and cultural heritage initiatives.
Prior to her current roles, Mikaela served as the Hispanic Collections Archivist at the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, where she led collection development, community engagement, and curated several public exhibits. Her contributions have not only preserved invaluable historical materials but have also amplified the voices and stories of underrepresented communities. Holding a Master’s degree in Public History from the University of Houston and a certification in Archival Management from the University of North Texas, Mikaela is also a Certified Archivist. Her work continues to shape how Latino histories are documented, interpreted, and shared with the public.
• Certified Archivist
• University of Houston- B.A.
• University of Houston- M.A.
• University of North Texas
• Society of American Archivists
• Society of SW Archivists
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible mentors I had during my work/study program—especially Robert Marlin, who recognized my potential early on and set me on the path that led to where I am today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to ask a lot of questions, stay open-minded, and seek out mentors with different perspectives—they will help you grow in ways you never expected.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are securing consistent funding and effectively marketing the value of archival work to broader audiences.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I value balance and curiosity—I find joy in hiking, walking, and reading, which help me stay grounded, inspired, and connected to the world around me.