NEW ROCHELLE, NY (August 12, 2023) — The New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees inducted Fela Cortés and Tatiana Infante at the most recent board meeting on Thursday, July 20. Cortés and Infante were elected to the board in May filling the spots vacated by Daniel Bonnet and Sarah Langlois whose terms ended on June 30. Cortés and Infante will each serve a five year term which began on July 1, 2023 and runs through June 30, 2028.
“We are thrilled to welcome Fela Cortés and Tatiana Infante as the newest members of the New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees,” said Whitney Barrat, President, New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees. “Both Fela and Tatiana are passionate about the Library’s mission to enrich the lives of the community through knowledge, learning, and community engagement. They bring a wealth of diverse experiences and expertise to the board, and we are confident their contributions will have a positive impact on our library and the community it serves,” commented Barrat.
Fela Cortés
Fela is an executive producer at Craig Cutler Studio responsible for overseeing and managing complex high-profile photo and film shoots for over a decade. Her work has graced the covers and campaigns of prestigious publications and clients worldwide. Fela began her career as a post-production coordinator on feature films.
Beyond her professional achievements, Fela is a dedicated volunteer who has actively participated in the Daniel Webster Elementary School Parent Teacher Association in New Rochelle, and the Young Writers and Leaders program in Portland, Maine. She currently co-leads the Webster School PTA Equity Book Club, highlighting her commitment to community engagement and education. Fela holds a degree from Middlebury College and resides in New Rochelle with her husband and son.
“Education has been a driving force in my life and I’ve experienced how libraries are the great equalizer in our society,” commented Cortés. “I’ve watched how many first generation Americans like me, have embraced the power of literacy and education to realize our American dreams. I am very excited to support the staff and board in their efforts to ensure we have a vibrant library that welcomes and serves all members of our diverse New Rochelle community.”
Tatiana Infante
Tatiana is a staff accountant at Kensico Cemetery, responsible for payroll and employee benefits administration and reporting. Previously, Tatiana worked at the Greyston Foundation where she ensured that grants from federal and state funding programs met compliance requirements.
Tatiana was born in Colombia and moved to New Rochelle when she was in the sixth grade. She graduated from Isaac E Young Middle School, New Rochelle High School and Monroe College. She lives in New Rochelle with her husband and two daughters.
“As a trustee, I look forward to ensuring continued community engagement while also helping to increase access to the library for all New Rochelle residents,” said Infante. “It is my hope that children can continue to forge lasting memories and experience life-changing
moments, just as I did at the New Rochelle Public Library when I was a child.”
In addition to the induction of Cortés and Infante, the Board appointed Corey Galloway as Vice President, and Lucille Renwick as Secretary. Whitney Barrat will continue as President.