Welcome and Introduction Sarah Baker – SCBWI Executive Director

It is such a treat to see newly appointed SCBWI Executive Director Sarah Baker welcoming us to this year's summer conference! Only returning to the dance/pool party/kindred kidlit-spirit-a-thon that is an in-person SCBWI conference would rival what is about to happen online this weekend — arguably one of the greatest Zoomed conferences one could hope to attend during the last few years of, as Sarah says, uncertain and frankly damaged times.

Sarah says: For those of you who are new to SCBWI, welcome! You've taken an important and courageous step into yourself and into the wider world. 

You'll also find a supportive and creative community that lifts one another up this weekend. Sarah makes a special shoutout to longtime SCBWI member and success story, our latest Newbery Award winner, Donna Barba Higuera (catch her closing keynote on Saturday 3:15 PST/6:15 PST!)

Opportunity is the word Sarah wants us to pause on. Listen for openings from agents and editors, take advantage of Q & A opportunities, buy books from the online conference bookstore recommended or made by the speakers you hear this weekend, do your best to be sociable online with your fellow conference mates and maybe you'll find a new pal to meet up with locally or at the next in-person conference in 2023!

Sarah closes by saying that the FUN PART OF THE CONFERENCE STARTS RIGHT NOW, and with that we get our excellent opening keynote, Dhonielle Clayton!!!