Latinxperience: Meet María Estorino

What is your role at Carolina?

I am the Associate University Librarian for Special Collections. This means I oversee all the collections, services, and programs at Wilson Special Collections Library. Starting in June, I will be interim Vice Provost for University Libraries and University Librarian. Although this is a temporary appointment, I will be the first Latinx person to take on these responsibilities at UNC.

What does “pa’lante” mean to you?

“Pa’lante” recalls for me the song by the same name by Hurray for the Riff Raff, whose frontwoman is Alynda Lee Segarra. That song draws on the work of the Young Lords – it was the title of their newspaper – and conveys a sense of what the word means to me: solidarity, perseverance, cooperation. Pa’lante references the past from which we emerge and points towards the possibilities of the future we are trying to create.

How has being at Carolina impacted you?

Carolina is constantly offering up opportunities to learn and grow, academically, professionally, and personally, and that is one of the rewards of being here. While I have worked in higher education for many years, this is my first time at a public university. UNC’s commitments to the residents of the state of North Carolina are really inspiring.

What is your hidden talent?

I’m a pretty good dancer! Even though I don’t do a lot of it anymore.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t measure yourself against what other people think. You are worth more than your achievements.