The member diversity in the WNBA makes our goal of connecting, educating, advocating, and leading possible. As bookwomen, we believe “Books Have Power.” The Bookwoman welcomes Laurel Stokes (New York City), WNBA-New York City‘s president, to the “Power behind the WNBA” interview series!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m the president of the WNBA’s New York City chapter and a Sales Operations Manager for HarperCollins. I work closely with the adult imprints to resolve any operational or product issues with Amazon. I also manage the sales of paperback, mass market, and Harlequin titles to Amazon. Previously, I was a Client Support Associate Manager for Penguin Random House Publisher Services. During my time there, I was responsible for supporting several Client Publishers and specialized in project management and solving operational issues. I have a Masters in Library and Information Studies from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College. I live in New York City and enjoy reading, cooking, cuddling with my cat, and exploring the city on foot.
Why did you join the WNBA?
I originally joined the WNBA because I wanted to connect with professionals that had more experience and could provide advice, support, and inspiration for what a career in the literary field could be. After attending a few WNBA-NYC events, I felt that the members and programs offered were what I was looking for. I found the members to be friendly and approachable, and the programs were educational and entertaining.
After a year, I decided I wanted to participate with the organization further. I was interested in working with the board members who have years of experience as professors, publishers, and authors, as well as in adding another dimension to my resume. Fortunately, there was an opening for Co-Vice President of Programming at the time, and soon I was working on creating exciting events and reaching out to potential panelists. One of the events that I was particularly proud of is the Time’s Up panel that we put together, featuring perspectives from legal, human resources, and journalists.
Photo Credit: Hannah Bennett
After a little less than two years as a Co-VP of Programming, I began a new role as Sales Operations Manager at HarperCollins, and I was asked to be the president of WNBA-NYC. Both opportunities I can credit to my time as a member and as a Co-VP of Programming. Through my time with the WNBA, I was able to build connections, gain confidence, and learn how to articulate the skills and knowledge that I offer.
What value does the promotion of books bring to your community?
I grew up visiting the library a few times per week and reading a few books per week as well. Between the pages of those books, I learned about history, art, philosophy, math, science, and politics. Through books, I also traveled the world, visited the past, explored the future, experienced marriage, divorce, motherhood, fatherhood, mourned the loss of some, and found joy in others.
Books not only provide us with the ability to educate ourselves and, therefore, be independent in our thoughts and decisions, but also they teach us empathy and provide us the opportunity to explore being someone, something, or somewhere else. An integral part of the WNBA is our support of books and literacy in our communities and our celebration of readers, writers, and bookmakers who continue to expand our world.
Share a book that has had a lasting impression on you and why?
There are so many wonderful books that have had a meaningful impact on my life. While the concepts in this book aren’t what we would consider advanced, the essential life lessons of Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White have remained constant to me. They speak to the respect that should be afforded to both humans and animals, the value of friendship, the constant changes both physical and emotional that we experience throughout life, the grief that comes with loss, and of course, the miracle of nature.
Interview compiled by assistant editor Pam Ebel (New Orleans).
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