Belen Fernandez serves as the Collection Strategist Librarian for the University of California, Davis. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University, a Master of Arts from The Ohio State University, and her Master’s in Library Science from Kent State University.  Her career in Librarianship spans 36 years, including directorships at the Lincoln Public Library in Lincoln, CA, and the Capital University and Franklin University academic libraries in Columbus, OH. Throughout her career, student success has been her focus, and she successfully secured funding for innovative programming and services

 A first-generation university student of immigrant parents, Belen learned to speak English in kindergarten, having spoken only Spanish at home with her family.   Belen was born in San Francisco, California, and her parents are the largest influence in her life, stressing the value of education and its power to transform lives.

Belen has lived in Mankato since 2021 and volunteers at the Minnesota State University Mankato, supporting student success efforts and enjoying the cultural and athletic events on campus. 

Belen was appointed to the Mankato Area Foundation Board of Directors in 2023.