About Shakira

Shakira Smalls is a progressive thinker that has devoted most of her professional life to public service. She is guided by the belief that the greatest gift a person can provide is community service and illustrates this  commitment through working with individuals who have been marginalized because of social injustices and economic inequalities. Shakira is currently the Executive Director of the Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center in Corona, New York . She holds both a Masters in Library Science from Queens College and a Masters in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  For much of her career, Shakira spearheaded workforce development projects and is most proud of her work that resulted in the formal training and job placement of more than 2500 NYC residents.