Cardyn Brooks

I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my parents, who always encouraged me to explore my interests, and to the deep respect I hold for the historical struggles and sacrifices of my ancestors. My great-grandfather, who was born free, is a constant reminder of the opportunities I have today and the responsibility to make the most of them. Recognizing the privilege I hold as a U.S. citizen and the resources that my ancestors fought to secure for future generations motivates me to give my very best in everything I do.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my parents, who are both artists. They always told me to pursue what I love, no matter how hard it might be or what others think about my choices. One thing they said has always stuck with me: “If you don’t die in that bed, you don’t have to stay in it.” To me, that means I’m never stuck—I can always pivot, change directions, and choose a new path if something isn’t serving me. That freedom has guided every big decision I’ve made in my career.

The advice I would give to young women is this: if you ever find yourself feeling worn down in a relationship or situation, don’t be afraid to have an honest conversation with the people you love. The ones who truly care about you will support you through change, even if it’s hard. And when it comes to your dreams, if people tell you they’re outrageous, that’s a good sign — it means they’re big enough to be worth chasing. I also tell young women to find balance: having a stable paycheck can take away some of the financial stress and give you the freedom to pursue your creative passions without fear.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in this industry is balancing the workload that comes from wearing multiple hats in both professional and domestic roles. Like many women, I’ve often found myself managing a career while also handling responsibilities at home, and it can be exhausting when those efforts aren’t always recognized. Over the years, I’ve learned how vital it is to find spaces where women support each other, like book festivals and creative gatherings, which recharge my energy and remind me why I do this work. Those experiences have taught me the importance of advocating for myself and encouraging other women to do the same so that our contributions are seen and valued.

One of my core values is my passion for libraries. I partnered with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System for the Wright Women Book Fest because I believe libraries are so much more than books — they’re vital community hubs. They provide access to technology, streaming services, even passport applications, and they offer safe, air‑conditioned spaces during extreme weather. I love that libraries create programming for all ages and welcome every question, helping people find the information they need. As a voracious reader, compulsive writer, swim enthusiast, chocoholic, and oddball who appreciates all things bookish, libraries feel like home to me and reflect everything I value about learning and community.