AC26 | Session 13
You Belong Here: Building a Culture of Belonging and Resilience for First Generation Information Management Professionals
Target: Federal, Tribal, State, Local, Public Institutions of Higher Learning
Focus: Archives, Records Management
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
GARA: "Program Establishment & Administration" OR "Training, Advocacy & Outreach" 
Overview

As the field of Information Management (IM) evolves, a new generation of professionals is entering the workforce, many of whom are the first in their families or organizations to pursue careers in this discipline. These “first-generation” IM professionals often navigate complex environments without established networks, mentors, or clear pathways for advancement.

This session explores how organizations and leaders can foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, and professional identity among first-generation practitioners. Drawing on insights from organizational development, equity in professional learning, and real-world examples, this presentation highlights strategies to create mentorship pipelines, inclusive onboarding, and professional cultures that empower diverse IM talent. Participants will gain practical tools to strengthen engagement, retention, and innovation within their teams and institutions.

This session directly supports NAGARA’s mission to advance the professional practice of information management by addressing the human dimension of our work. As IM becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, the profession must attract and retain diverse talent with varied academic and cultural backgrounds. By spotlighting first-generation professionals, this session helps organizations align their culture with innovation, inclusion, and long-term sustainability.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Define what it means to be a “first-generation” professional in the field of Information Management.
  2. Recognize the challenges and strengths first-generation professionals bring to IM workplaces.
  3. Apply practical strategies to build inclusive learning, mentorship, and leadership pipelines.
  4. Design cultural practices that foster psychological safety and belonging across IM teams.
Presenter
Manager, Records Management & Imaging Services, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Dr. Julia Mewbourne is an accomplished information governance and public administration leader with expertise in records management, organizational strategy, and transformational project delivery. She oversees digital and physical information assets, archive and library services, reprographics operations, and enterprise-wide data governance initiatives.
Julia is both a practitioner and a scholar. She holds a Doctor of Public Administration (her dissertation focused on creating cultures of belonging to support first-generation graduate students), a Master of Education in Human Resource Development, and is a certified Information Governance Professional (IGP). She also teaches public policy and urban studies courses as an adjunct faculty member.
Her work centers on designing and implementing solutions that balance compliance, efficiency, and innovation. She has led enterprise records conversion efforts and launched new technology platforms to improve information access, reduce operational risk, and integrate sustainable service models.
Julia frequently presents on topics at the intersection of governance, leadership, and information strategy and has been featured at national conferences including ARMA, MER, and InfoGovCon.