Welcome Sarah Baker, SCBWI Executive Director

HAPPY CONFERENCE WEEKEND!

After an amazing Portfolio Showcase, where there were over 200 portfolios submitted, and hundreds of industry professionals in attendance, we kicked off the 2025 SCBWI Conference with the Welcome from Sarah Baker, SCBWI’s Executive Director. The ballroom was jam packed with attendees, most who were attending the conference for the first! Whether it is an attendee’s first time or they are a veteran, Sarah wanted to welcome them wholeheartedly with open and warm arms into the community.

In an uncertain world, “it is a creative act of rebellion to gather our community together!”

Sarah took the time to introduce the SCBWI staff, faculty and sponsors, all who helped bring this conference to life. There are staff and members of leadership from all of over the world (Nigeria, Europe, Australia, etc).

Congratulations to the Tomie dePaola Mentorship Award for Illustrators!

Advice from Sarah

• Don’t hide!

        Take everything in, cross the room to do that scary networking. Dive deep into the program!

• Be yourself then you find your people!

        Find your new best friend, find your RT (Regional team) faculty, meet other professionals and embrace the business side as well as the creative.

• Take a lot of notes! 

       There will be a lot of information this weekend, so make sure you take a much notes as you can!

• Take breaks and give yourself space to absorb everything you’re learning. 

       But in the same breath, make sure to take breaks so you don’t become TOO overwhelmed. Some times it’s nice to just sit back and absorb what you’re being taught. 

• Go outside and eat some fresh air

        Those Central Park isn’t close enough to touch some grass, get outside and reenergize yourself

• Form connections. Your expanded network 

        Embrace the discomfort and connect to other children books creators. We are all here for the same reason, to create books for the next generation of readers. 

• Stay hydrated

It will be a long day, full of excitement so make sure you drink water!

“Let’s be the new generation of creators that children deserve!”

Take advantage of the STEP & REPEAT with the NEW SCBWI Logo. If you post, don’t forgot to tag us at #scbwi25

About
Sarah Baker (she/her) is the Executive Director of SCBWI, where she leads the SCBWI staff and works closely with the Board of Directors, the Advisory Council, and the official SCBWI volunteers. She joined the SCBWI staff in 2011. Sarah graduated from UCSB with a major in Studio Art and began her career in children’s book publishing at Penguin Young Readers Group, where she designed children’s books. Sarah is also a children’s book illustrator, with her debut illustrated picture book coming out in 2026: Becca and Bubbe's Bucket List, written by Laura Gehl, published by Rocky Pond Books.