She has been instrumental in developing and managing programs that generate excitement around books for at-risk populations.
CHICAGO, IL, October 28, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ — Maria Hayley has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Hayley has dedicated her life to breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration through literacy and education. As the founder and president of The Freadom® Road Foundation since 1995, she has been instrumental in developing and managing programs that generate excitement around books for at-risk populations. With an emphasis on early intervention, prevention, and recognition of the inter-sectionality among populations affected, her work involves live programming, as well as selecting, delivering, customizing and curating various book collections aligned with these programs. Additionally, Ms. Hayley is deeply involved in ongoing research, fundraising, recruiting people for the foundation, and finding partners to support the organization.
Inspired by her former role as director of library services at the Cook County Department of Corrections (Cook County Jail) through the Chicago Public Library’s Clarence Darrow Library from 1982-1993 and as a consultant for the education department at the Metropolitan Correctional Center from 1993 to 2012, Ms. Hayley worked closely with incarcerated individuals, providing educational resources and support to help them break free from the cycle of incarceration. In addition to her specialization in correctional librarianship, her career at the Chicago Public Library, where she held various positions between 1974 and 2008, included specializations in community outreach, children’s and young adult services, and programming. During her tenure there, she made significant, innovative contributions in each of the foregoing areas of service.
Ms. Hayley is highly educated, receiving an undergraduate degree and a Master of Arts in Library Science (M.A.L.S.) from Dominican University (formerly Rosary College). In 2005, she furthered her expertise by obtaining a certification in infant studies from the Erikson Institute of Advanced Study in Child Development. These academic accomplishments, in combination with her unique cluster of experiences, skills, and independent research, have shaped her approach to literacy and education.
Throughout her career, Ms. Hayley has received numerous accolades for her contributions to library science and community service. She was named Librarian of the Year by the Chicago Public Library and received awards from Malcolm X College, the Sulzer Regional Library, the Gateway Foundation, and various other agencies. Among other accolades, the Chicago Library Heritage Society honored Ms. Hayley with the Chicago Torch of Service Award, and the City Council of Chicago presented her with a proclamation.
Ms. Hayley attributes her success to her parents. Her Polish father, survivor of a WW II prison camp, and her German mother immigrated from Germany with their four young children to escape poverty and discrimination, and to pursue a better life for their family in America. There they dedicated their lives to educating their children. Inspired by their courage, vision, and resilience, Ms. Hayley has likewise dedicated her life and career to helping others achieve a better life through education. Ms. Hayley’s passion for breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration led her to research and discover that literacy and education can be powerful tools in achieving this goal.
In the future, Ms. Hayley plans to continue working with The Freadom® Road Foundation to ensure that others, especially children, have access to a good life away from suffering. She is developing an online book collection to be accessible worldwide, is working on a flagship book featuring inspirational stories, and is engaged in philanthropic efforts to secure paid staff and expand the reach of the foundation.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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