A mother, librarian, DJ, MC and volunteer, Dawn Haddad just about does it all. Through her unique set of jobs and various hobbies, she is able to keep herself happy as well as use her skills to benefit the Lansing community.

Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THESE TWO VERY DIFFERENT
CAREERS?

A: I’ve always loved books and when I was little I wanted to be a teacher.
However, I also love music and ended up going to college for radio. I earned
a telecommunications degree at Michigan State University and went on to
work in radio for 10 years. During this time I also did some mobile DJ and
MC work, mostly on the Michigan Princess Riverboat, but I eventually left
radio to be a stay-at-home mom. When my kids started school I began working
in preschool libraries and helping with Scholastic book orders. Once my son
started kindergarten I volunteered at his elementary school and realized I would
love to be a children’s librarian. I’ve now been a library clerk at Horizon and
Elliot elementary schools for four years. While I haven’t gotten back into radio,
I continue to embrace my passion for music through my part-time DJ job. I still
DJ on the Princess, as well as at school events and holiday parties.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOBS?

A: Being able to do both has been so perfect because it encompasses all aspects
of my personality. I love books and working with children, so my library job
pulls all this together and feeds my creativity. On the other hand, my DJ gig
channels my love for music. I’m the person that has a song lyric to fit every
mood and who everyone comes to for music trivia, so it suits me well. I’m also
very outgoing and enjoy being around people, so my DJ job gives me a chance
to get out and have some fun.

Q: HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK TO THE LANSING COMMUNITY?

A: My thing is that I’ve always been in a position where I try to help people.
While transitioning from radio to libraries I was a wish manager for the Make
A Wish Foundation. Now, as a DJ I am able to donate my services to local
organizations and host charity events. For example, last summer I was the DJ
and MC for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Holt. It was such
a cool chance for me to help by providing music, announcements and fun in
my own community. It was amazing to see so many families from my schools
out there raising money to fight cancer, and I plan to donate my time to the
event again next June.