Candidates

a) Fundraising Activities

My first foray into fundraising for NAD was as a teenager in 1987 for the Youth Leadership Camp. This experience was an extraordinary one and continues to motivate me to this day. I participated in extensive fundraising efforts for the NAD through receiving numerous honorarium from speaking engagements over the last two years as a part of my responsibilities as the President of the Board of Directors. Over the years, the NAD fundraising efforts that I have spearheaded include:

• Liaison – Corporate, non-profit, and individual sponsorships for various NAD events, January 2008 - present
• Committee member – Biennial NAD Conference Live Auction, July 2010 and July 2012
• Coordinator – NAD Fundraising event in Philadelphia, April 2009
• Hostess – Fundraising House Parties for NAD, February and March 2009

In addition, I have handled fundraising sponsorships for national organizations such as Deaf Women United (DWU) and National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing, now renamed Council de Manos. I also coordinated beneficiary-specific efforts such as cake auctions to raise funds for select individuals to attend biennial DWU Conferences.

b) Membership Recruitment

I have had many opportunities to meet and engage Deaf people of diverse backgrounds through my involvement in numerous organizations. In my current role as the President of the Board of Directors, I have been specifically cognizant of my unique position as a Person of Color and utilized that to enhance participation in NAD programs and activities. Previously, I was a key player as a Board Member in persuading the NAD Board to grant complimentary affiliate membership to organizations for people of color. I was given the responsibility of welcoming the affiliates and their members to NAD, a role I enjoyed as I believe NAD should reflect the actual diversity within the Deaf Community in America.

c) Service on Local, State and National Boards and Committees.

The below reflects a selection of boards and committees I have been involved with over the years that relate to the Deaf Community or the NAD and its mission:

National Association of the Deaf:
President, 2016-present
Vice-President, 2012-2016
Appointed Board Member, 2008-2012
Co-Chair, Diversity Strategy Team, 2008-2012
Committee Member, Youth Strategy Team, 2008-2012
Vice-Chair, Chief Executive Officer Search Committee, 2009-2010
Director, Miss Deaf America Program, 2007 & 2008
Artistic Director, Miss Deaf America Pageant, 2000 & 2002

Other Non-Profit Organizations:
Advisory Committee, Deaf Women United, 2015-present
Expert Member on Sign Language and Deaf Studies, World Federation of the Deaf, 2013-2015
Workshop Coordinator, National Deaf People of Color Conference, 2013
Representative on behalf of NAD, Executive Director Task Force, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 2012 -2013
Expert Member on Deaf Women, World Federation of the Deaf, 2009-2011
President, National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing (now Council de Manos), 2008-2013
Consultant, Tri-State Latino Association of the Deaf in Philadelphia, PA, 2008-2010
Executive Director, Deaf Women United, 2007-2009
President, Deaf Women United, 2005-2007
Vice-President, Deaf Women United, 2003-2005
Vice- President, DakotASLTA, Sioux Falls, SD, 2006-2007
Vice-President, San Diego Chapter- American Sign Language Teachers Association, 2003-2004

Educational Institutions:
Co-Chair, Midwest Conference on Deaf Education, Sioux Falls, SD, 2007
Panelist, Deaf Women’s Leadership Program, Gallaudet Leadership Institution, Gallaudet University, 2005

I am running for NAD President because I am passionate about advocating for the rights of deaf. I would like to expound on some of the reasons why I am a candidate. Deaf people often experience the same challenges and this causes local, state, and national discussions. NAD allows the effort to be centralized among national, state, and local organizations. The more critical issues require legislative bills to be passed at the federal and state levels for real change. After this occurs, NAD is able to disseminate information and teach the next generation about their rights and how to advocate for themselves. This is key to preventing issues from re-emerging.

I have been President the past two years and I would like to continue working on certain projects. For the next term, I want to add three goals:

1. Increase the number of donors to support programs;
2. Develop inclusive workshop, training, and dialogue not just for NAD but nationally; and
3. Emphasize the significance of exposing sign language to young children and educate parents of deaf children and people who advocate for deaf children.

My strongest leadership qualities are Commitment (I work hard!), Communication (I reach out), and Connection (I make people feel heard and included).

Those are the reasons why I am interested in the position of President of the Board of Directors.

I would like to share my experience and background that relate to my NAD candidacy. I have 27 years of experience connected to leadership. Of those years, 10 years were spent serving on the NAD Board in various capacities.

My career began as an ASL Instructor at a small college and I presently work as an administrator in the school system at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. My professional experience include working as a researcher in the field of Deaf Studies in Ireland on a Fulbright Scholarship. I have directly implemented a new sign language interpreting program. I co-chaired a conference for Deaf Education in the Midwest. Also, I chaired a Family Conference on Advocacy for hearing family members.

My leadership experience as an adult started with the San Diego Chapter of the American Sign Language Teachers' Association (ASLTA), and most recently, I served the last two years as the President of the Board of Directors of NAD. I was very involved with DWU previously, serving as their President then Executive Director. I am proud of my work during this period to collaborate with Gallaudet University to establish the Deaf Women's Leadership Seminar, a successful training program. I also served as the president for National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing (now renamed Council de Manos), from 2008 to 2013, as well as the Workshop Coordinator for the National Deaf People of Color Conference in 2013.

These years have provided me with various tasks that developed certain leadership skills such as:

• Goal Oriented (Goal Completed in ASL has the same meaning, don't worry about it)
• Strategic Planning and Problem-Solving
• Ability to Bring Diverse Personalities Together
• Building Genuine Rapport with Individuals
• Strong Team Player

I look forward to contributing the above and more in the next two years.

These are what I envision as the top areas for focus. My platform, in 2016, emphasized that NAD is 'YOUR' organization. Your ideas and concerns are brought to NAD through the Council of Representatives. This group is composed of four types of delegates: organizational affiliate, state association, individual members, and sections. As a body, they determine the priorities for NAD which the organization follows and gears its day-to-day work over the next two years.

I am determined to ensure NAD continues partnering with organizations that share the same mission of civil, human, and linguistic rights of the deaf.

I hope you have noticed that the NAD has increased use of video announcements through social media. NAD will continue to work on ways to increase information flow and sharing of ideas with state associations, organizational affiliates, sections, and individuals. The next aim is to determine the best way for NAD to maintain bi-directional communication with the community.

Sign language is a key right for the Deaf. NAD was founded in 1880 by deaf people who believed in civil, human, and linguistic rights of the deaf in face of jeopardization of sign language --- they really thought sign language would vanish. NAD has been working for 138 years and continues to work as the right to communication access in daily life has not been fully realized. Today, there remains many issues hindering an acceptable standard of living. Deaf people share many similar experiences and frustrations at various outlets such as schools, workplace, public service offices, media and technology. At the core of these is that our basic right to language is still being denied, including in education and employment settings. For this reason, NAD must continue to work and break down barriers wherever they are. And it's something worth fighting for.

I will ensure collaboration with State Associations, Organizational Affiliates, and other key stakeholders though my focus on three items:

Vision 2020 is nearly due; this will reveal what the NAD has accomplished and lay the groundwork for future goals for the organization. Every State Association and Organizational Affiliate along with key stakeholders from the community will be a part of the process determining the appropriate goals after 2020.

Secondly, NAD has been working with different organizations on different projects and we will continue doing so with clearly defined goals and measurable progress, the two allowing us to succeed in collaborations.

Thirdly, when I became President, I had an opportunity to meet most State Associations and Organizational Affiliates, and NAD members. I make a sincere effort to reach out to everyone and introduce myself at every NAD events. I strive to ascertain that I am both accessible and visible for the Deaf Community.

My availability has been and is not limited to just NAD and its partners but include smaller organizations and individuals leading activities that are geared towards improving and enhancing the preservation, protection, and promotion of civil, human, and linguistic rights of the Deaf.

I have some experiences with a few areas of focus:

1. fundraising activities: in-kind gifts, honorarium fee for workshop presentations, year-end donations, and cost-saving efficiency.
2. membership recruitment: focus on how to recruit people from different sections of the identities, diversity and emotional intelligence trainings/workshops.
3. Have been served on state and national boards: Midwest Athletic Association of the Deaf for 4 years, Nebraska Association of the Deaf for about 14 years, National Black Deaf Advocates for 2 years, National Association of the Deaf for 8 years.

I am running for the position of NAD Vice President because I have been involved with NAD for about 38 years. My first encounter with NAD was I was the convention attendee at Centennial Anniversary in Cinn, Ohio in the summer of 1980. So it is time for me to grab this opportunity.

My background and qualifications will demonstrate that my position as NAD Vice President must be a good doctor to NAD as whole. A good doctor would understand how the full anatomy of human body works. I give you the examples: the brain represents the NAD Board; the heart do for the NAD Home Office; the blood represents State associations, Organizational Affiliates, and NAD members. My goal is to see that all parts of NAD to get along as well as the parts of human body are coordinating each other.

You have to understand that one of the NAD Vice President's duties is to look at the communication structures inside NAD and fix whatever seems problem. It is like that I believe that the dialogues between NAD Board and State Association officers/Affiliates members should be open effectively. That is No.1 priority for NAD Vice President. No. 2 priority is that NAD should recognize and be aware that some deaf people are marginalized and devalued in the NAD and state associations so NAD must promote every NAD member and even every member of every state association to be valued equally. The 3rd priority is to provide emotional intelligence training to all state associations so that they can be lead into being the hostile-free organization.

NAD must listen to the basic needs and desires of ALL deaf and hard of hearing people of ALL ages first and then NAD can establish the right direction to maintain or improve NAD's mission. Another thing is transparency. NAD must work with state associations on the same page as they preserve, protect, and promote the best welfare for the deaf and hard of hearing people.

If we understand precisely what emotional intelligence is and how it works, I can assure that the collaboration will be successful.

As an appointed board member in my fourth year with the NAD, I worked with the outreach committee, including a development consultant, on fundraising and membership benefit recommendations. NAD is now in the process of implementing these recommendations. An example is better membership and fundraising tracking in the database, to measure what works well for fundraising. Those database improvements will also eventually enable NAD to offer more members-only benefits. As a business owner, I also provided guidance on membership infrastructure to several national nonprofits. On the state level, I served on the board and as president for three years with the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens. I've served as a judge on numerous panels, such as a Deaf artists program here in Minnesota, the only one in the US. I also served as a judge for NAD's Youth Ambassador Program competition and NTID's business competition, "The Next Big Idea."

Many years ago, when I graduated from college, I moved to Minnesota and didn't know many people. I wanted to meet more people my age. At that time, all the way back in the 90s, the Internet was just getting started. When I did a search, I was excited to see that a new website had been set up listing Deaf events, by a local Deaf man who was active with the Deaf club. I was not yet involved with the Deaf club, or the state association, or the NAD. But I was impressed that he'd taken the initiative to set up this community resource, so I wrote him and thanked him.

Some time later, he contacted me and said he'd become overwhelmed with keeping the website updated, and that he'd reached out to the state association for help. Would I be interested in joining the committee?

Sure! I went to the meeting not knowing what to expect, and ended up being appointed leader of the committee. We then built the website up into an even bigger and better resource that was heavily used by the community.

Just imagine, one simple nudge became a relationship, which then led me to more connections, and here I am today. That's the power of relationships.

That's why I want to run for VP. A big part of a vice president's responsibilities is to help connect committees, make sure they have the resources they need. Many of our community's best and brighest are already involved with NAD. Connect them, and we'll be even stronger.

With that strength, it becomes difficult for the hearing systems to ignore us, and we can better fight for our rights.

I grew up mainstreamed with interpreters, in Texas and Georgia. Now I live in Minnesota. I've lived in a total of six states, which happen to be in all four NAD regions!

After graduating college, I became involved with the Deaf community here in Minnesota, learning from the great Deaf leaders here. I helped set up new bilingual high school for Deaf students, developed materials and strategy to recruit families. That high school merged with Metro Deaf School, and I frequently attend events there.

I also served as a board member and president for three years on the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens. For NAD, I'm currently in my fourth year on board as appointed board member, working with the outreach committee and headquarters staff. Because of the variety of experiences I've had with NAD and state associations, I bring a big picture perspective of NAD's operations.

As a business owner, I've worked with many kinds of clients, including large corporations, nonprofits, universities, K-12 schools, government agencies. NAD partners and consults with a large variety of organizations, so my business experience helps me more easily navigate challenges NAD may face. As vice president, I will apply my business management experience to support the important work our committees are doing.

I'm also proud of my work on implementing accessibility standards, both as a developer and as a policy consultant. A few years ago, Minnesota passed a law that requires a higher level of accessibility for all state websites, and I guided the state's developer workgroup in determining which level to implement. These issues are increasingly important on the federal level as well.

1) Wrap up Vision 20/20 strategic plan, analyze how we did. Begin preparations for the next strategic plan. 2) Protect accessibility laws on federal level, collaborate with affilates and state associations to build a stronger legislative presence on federal and state levels. 3) Work to ensure all Deaf people regardless of age have access to sign language. This will require building relationships with more stakeholders such as families of Deaf children. Connections = strength!

This is my fourth year of serving as the board liaison for the outreach committee. One of the things the Outreach committee and I did this past term was analyze the flow of information from the community to the board, staff, and headquarters, and inside NAD. We discovered that board liaisons were invaluable resources in helping committees collaborate and forward with their goals. We are continuing to develop workflows that promote not only internal collaboration but also external collaboration.

As a small business owner, I worked with large corporations, and we had to develop tools to manage the large and complex workflows of those corporations. We got so good at it that clients were often surprised when they later found out how small our team was. They'd gotten the impression that we were a larger team, when in reality we simply had the right tools, innovative solutions to increase our efficiency. This is the kind of experience I want to bring to the NAD board.

As a passionate member of the deaf community, I believe in advocating for the civil rights that we so much deserve. I have years of experience in serving on local, state, and national boards and committees.

The following are the organizations I have participated in, along with position(s) held:

• The National Association of the Deaf – Region Board member (2013-2016), State Association and Affiliate Committee Chair (2010-2014)
• Wisconsin Association of the Deaf – President (2009-2013), Conference Chair (2009), Fundraising Chair (2013-2014)
• Deaf Unity – President (2015-2016) and various committees (2014-2016)
• Madison Association of the Deaf – committees (2011-2014)
• Wisconsin School for the Deaf Alumni Association Hall of Fame – Service Award Committee (2013-present)

While I was president for the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf, the board was able to recruit its membership from 79 members to over 300 in just 4 years. The board also raised funds, from a small budget to a larger budget, due to partnerships and grants. That continued to grow after I had completed my term.

With Deaf Unity, I participated in the fall fundraiser committee, which is its major annual fundraising activity. For the first two years of my participation, I was responsible for seeking sponsors and donors to support the event, and was able to generate a profit. I also co-chaired a performance, the Vagina Monologues in ASL and was able to raise a generous amount of profit in which was given to Deaf Unity through sponsorships, auction and ticket sales.

Through my time in serving on various boards and committees, I have always valued the importance of information-sharing, to ensure people are aware of what’s happening within the organization and how it benefits them. This has been one of the best methods in membership recruitment, because through those conversations, people get a better understanding of what the organization does for them.

I have a wealth of experience in serving for non-profit organizations through committees as well as board positions, fundraising, and membership recruitment.

I believe that the position of secretary serves a crucial role in the board of directors by recording minutes of every meeting that takes place. Over the last two years, I have taken my role as secretary seriously and have recorded minutes for each board meeting as we met in person, as well as take notes for meetings held via video, so that the board members can reflect on what was discussed in that meeting. The key is communication as secretary is to ensure that information is being recorded appropriately for the members to review and keep up with the board meetings. I hope to be able to continue to serve the NAD and its members as secretary.

As mentioned in my experience, I have participated in various organizations through committees or serving on the board, I have a wealth of information and knowledge on how non-profit organizations are run, as well as the values of our community. I recognize the issues that are important to our community, and have been a long-time advocate within the community. With that, my experience and knowledge can continue to be an asset to the NAD Board of Directors in the position of secretary.

I believe that the top priorities of the NAD are as follows: deaf education, language deprivation, and mental health. Those three items have been brought up in the last few NAD conferences as a hot topic, and have been voted on as a priority. Vision 2020, Goal 1 talks about deaf education, and every child has the opportunity to learn both ASL and English. The NAD will, no doubt, work on this through the Board of Directors, as well as through committees.

In order to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people, the NAD needs to continue to maintain its relationship and collaboration with its membership, affiliates, as well as other organizations and government agencies. Through collaborating with organizations and government agencies, the NAD has been, and will continue to be relied upon as an expert on the needs of the deaf community. As always, the NAD will need to continue to advocate for policy change, to ensure that our civil, human, and linguistic rights are protected. Collaboration and advocacy are key to the success of the mission statement of the NAD.

The role of secretary is to ensure that the minutes are documented for each board meeting, as well as NAD Conference meetings. By getting those minutes posted in a timely fashion, State Associations, and Organization Affiliates will be aware of what the NAD Board of Directors are working on. The key is communication, and as secretary, I would ensure that information is being communicated to State Associations, Organizational Affiliates and key stakeholders.

I currently serve as Region 1 representative to the National Association of the Deaf since July 2014. I have also served on the New Jersey Association of the Deaf. With both organizations being membership driven, the focus has always been on “friend”-raising and new membership recruitment and retention. Working on a local level it is easy to connect and show results of the value of being a member of a state association. As a region 1 board member – the challenge is due to the regional area that we serve. However at every function or event held by NAD, discussing what NAD does for the individual and systemically – we encourage donations and membership for all.

I have had the pleasure to serve on the following boards (local, state, and national) and various of committees

• NAD Region 1 2014-2018
• NJAD Past President 2015-2017
• NJAD President 2011-2015
• Alpha Sigma Theta, Inc. 1994-2014 (in several capacities)
• NJADARA President 2001-2005
• Union County College ASL Program 2013-2016
• NJ Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council 2011-2017
• and many more.

As a NAD treasurer it outlines that the Treasurer is in charge of the vested funds of Association and to serve as chair of Finance Committee – with that being said finances are a big part the organization. I will outline below my background and qualifications for this position. There is a need to really stress the importance of sustainability, finding income sources, and communicating the need of ongoing fundraising

Through my employment, I have had the opportunity to work with budgets of two different organizations and this allowed me to learn and understand how to work within the budget of our programs. Additionally, through my involvement with an establishment of a deaf domestic violence program, I’ve been in part of the discussion of budget proposal for grant application. I hope to bring insight and be able to work with the organization to identify ways to improve funds for the sustainability of the organization as well as communicate with the community the fiduciary responsibility that the board upholds.

NAD has done great steps addressing many issues in the past. Those issues are jobs, mental health, access, interpreting, and so forth. However there are many position papers and white papers that are just there. I’d like to see the put in action and become something than just a paper. Would like to see more of legislative or legal action as a result of these efforts from those committee who have put in hard work.

Three areas of concerns I see are 1) Leadership and how we can work to improve tools and resources for those to become leaders in the future. I’d like to see utilization of collective and servant leadership to help put forth the agenda as a whole to benefit the whole instead to be in for the self-interest of one person. 2) Deaf eco-system. As a marginalized group, we often are not seen as a powerful group, but if we tap into the eco-system we can use our money and political clout in the society as a whole and 3) addressing systemic audism. We need to have a formal response in ways we can address ongoing audism within our community and how we can put an end to that.

We need to continue to fight for the right to access all areas of life as bestowed by our founding fathers. The right to have a education, jobs, as well communication access. NAD has done well in terms of breaking down barriers – such as access to captioning on streaming videos, but we cannot participate in movie theatre to get the same access when we want it. There are some legislation are taking places locally, regionally or on a state level regarding captioning in movie theatres. I’d like this type of effort to utilize the momentum and encourage on a national scale.

In terms of jobs – one should be able to get a job they have interest and abilities. One shouldn’t be told they can’t or shouldn’t apply for a job in an area that they’re interested in. Access to jobs in all types of industries must be expected and not limited to areas such as retail, or low-return jobs.

Access to education – children should not experience language deprivation and have equal footing in terms of accessing education and having equitable education across the board from time enter educational system until graduation and beyond, including college.

We currently have structure in place with State Association and I’ve had the pleasure of working with Region 1 for the past 4 years. I’d like to really bridge to Organizational affiliates and build on that relationship along with different stakeholders. Stakeholders in this situation should be groups such as those involved with Deaf Grassroots Movement and other community members who are not affiliated with these other groups. By bridging local individuals with the group in local, regional as well as State association will strengthen the issue on hand on the national scale.

As President of the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf (PSAD), I preside over one of the largest and oldest state association in the country. We have over 2000 members, own land, and manage investments.

In addition to what is a full-time job as President of PSAD, I also currently serve on a number of local and state committees:

• The Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, February 2016-present
• Pennsylvania Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Council, June 2017-present
• Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, April 2018-present
• Pennsylvania Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, June 2018-present
• Disability Rights Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Advisory Council, March 2016-present

I also am a Region 1 representative for the NAD State Association and Affiliate Committee. In the past, I served on national committees for NAD, ADARA, and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

I have long been involved with NAD and have a passion to contribute my skills and energy to national issues that impact us. As President of the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf (PSAD), I understand that each state association is different with unique needs. If I am chosen for this position, I will make sure that Region 1’s needs are heard and that there is an understanding that our Region is unique. Our systems, our politics, and “on the ground” needs are perhaps different from other regions. I want for Region 1 to have a strong collaboration with the NAD board.

I have approximately 19 years of experience in advocating for deaf and hard of hearing people’s rights. In addition to serving on numerous local and state committees, I also have experience serving on the boards of several state associations of the deaf. As President of the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf (PSAD), I preside over one of the largest and oldest state association in the country. We have over 2000 members, own land, and manage investments. In addition to what is a full-time job as President of PSAD, I also currently serve on a number of local and state committees:

• The Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, February 2016-present
• Pennsylvania Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Council, June 2017-present
• Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, April 2018-present
• Pennsylvania Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, June 2018-present
• Disability Rights Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Advisory Council, March 2016-present

I also am a Region 1 representative for the NAD State Association and Affiliate Committee. In the past, I served on national committees for NAD, ADARA, and the Registry of Interpreters. My strength is working with different states on their issues and providing support. Listening to each state’s needs is so important even if it is different from our own state. Recently, I attended NJAD’s conference to provide support and offer collaboration with them. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Government and a Master’s in Social Work from Gallaudet University. I currently work as a school social worker at The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.

Top three priorities: 1) early exposure to language for deaf babies, 2) mental health, and 3) sign language interpreter licensure laws as well as code of ethics. These are particularly “hot” issues for Region 1.

NAD must continue to work in collaboration with state associations and affiliates to ensure our rights are protected everywhere. NAD also must continue the great work of the Law & Advocacy Center as it is a key part of preserving our rights and breaking new ground. Together, we can do so much!

It is my strong belief that NAD board members must show respect for the hard work that State Association Presidents do on behalf of their states. Also, to be attuned to what’s happening on the ground level as that often has a ripple effect for the region and nation. Key stakeholders can work with NAD as long as we take the time to listen. Listening is so very important to effective collaboration.

Fundraising Activities

I have volunteered at several fundraising events for several organizations such as Deaf Youth USA (DYUSA) in 2011 when we held a gay pride event. We raised funds to send our DYUSA representatives to the World Federation for the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS) Camp. When I was involved with Jr. NAD and my high school class and my class at Gallaudet, we also did a lot of fundraising to support the club.

Membership Recruitment

I have experience with membership recruitment with the Employees with Disabilities group at my Agency when we re-vamped the group. I was able to recruit around 50 new members. I talked with people, introduced them to the group and illustrated how they can contribute to the group and how they can benefit from the group. When I was the Secretary and President of Jr. NAD at my school, I was able to recruit several members and empowered them to do the necessary work. I try to make every person feel like they are able to contribute something and I consequently mentor and support them.

Service on local, state, national board and committees

I have served on several Boards and committees on various levels. I served on the Board of Deaf Youth USA as Vice President and Interim President from 2010-2012. I was on the board with Federal Employees with Disabilities (FEDs) as their liaison between the Hill and the organization from 2012-2014. I also served on the following NAD Committees: Employment Taskforce (2012-2014), Outreach (2014-2016), National Employment Resource Center (2016-2018), and Governance (2016-2018). I also was Chair of my Agency’s Employee Resource Group – Employees with Disabilities from 2012-2017, focusing on recruitment, policy change, and any topic that affected employees with disabilities. I also was the Vice President of Deaf/DOT (Department of Transportation) from 2011-2012. I left Department of Transportation to work in my current agency. I was active in advocacy efforts with the Empire State Association for the Deaf and local Buffalo Club. During my high school years, I served as Secretary and President of Jr. NAD and Class President from 2002-2006. During my Gallaudet years, 2006-2010, I was involved with Student Body Government in different capacities and served on several committees. I also was the Class Secretary from 2006-2008.

When I became aware that Region 1 Representative was available, I thought to myself, “I want to contribute more to NAD and make a difference in my community.” I have a passion for NAD to help them to make a stronger organization and I believe that I can bring a different perspective to the table, especially youth. That’s why I decided to run for the Board. I believe that I can help the Region 1 to be stronger and the best Region that NAD has. I also want State Associations and Affiliates to work together toward a goal to achieve for the community.

I grew up in the State of New York and then moved to Gallaudet University, and now in Maryland. I have been in Region 1 my whole life. I have been an advocate since I was born. I have advocated on many different levels to ensure that we have equal access. I have a strong understanding of legislation and how politics work as I have a degree in Government, and Masters in Public Administration from Gallaudet University. I have experience as a liaison because it is my role at work and my role when I served on the board. I also have strength in communication, team work, and collaboration with people and community. I believe that everyone has something to contribute that we all can benefit from. I also can bring the youth perspective to the table as we need more youths to be active and participate. With my experience in leadership, non-profit organizations, advocacy organizations, and “thinking outside of the box,” I can bring this experience to the table as a Region 1 Representative.

There are so many important issues that are very concerned to me and to the community. I believe that top 3 important issues that NAD should focus on during the next two years are: Access, Language Deprivation, and Organization Leadership. Access – NAD should ensure that prisoners are getting equal access with videophone, qualified interpreters, and more. Every state should have qualified interpreters and advocate and push for the interpreter licensure bill. VRI/Interpreters at the hospital need to be ensured as well. Language Deprivation – We need to promote and expose ASL to several places and access to language. We also need to address the audism in the system. Organization Leadership – We need to have tools and resources how to help leaders to become stronger and to lead an organization. Improving the communication and collaboration between NAD, State Associations, Affiliates, and Members needs to be a priority. However, Delegates at the Council of Representatives will determine the top priorities for NAD for the next two years.

NAD has been working to achieve the mission of preserving, protecting, and promoting the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people since 1880. But what we can instill more is to rally to involve Members, hear their feedback, empower them to help and volunteer with NAD, and work with State Associations and Affiliates closely on issues. NAD also needs to continue to build on the relationship with State Associations, organizational Affiliates, Government Agencies, and Members and communicate with them. With that relationship, NAD/State Associations can have a seat at the table and advocate for our mission as well. Our basic rights to sign language are denied time to time with employment, hospital, doctors, education, and other places… because of that, NAD must continue to work and fight for our rights.

Collaboration needs to happen between State Associations, Affiliates and other key stakeholders to achieve goals and mission. If I am elected as a Region 1 Representative, I am committed to working with everyone and communicate with others as well as share information on the best use or tool to achieve goals we all strive for. I would encourage State Associations and Affiliates to stay in touch and share best practices, resources, and tools that worked for them. Communication method can be used in many ways such as eblast, vlogs, conference calls, and more. I also want to explore opportunities for Members to get involved and encourage State Associations and Affiliates to communicate with them on NAD’s efforts.

I have been New Hampshire Association of the Deaf President for 5 years now, I was also a secretary for NHAD as well for 2 years. When I became president, my first goal was to increase membership so the idea that we used was to change the format of membership from month of renewal to the dates of Jan 1st and ends on Dec. 31st. Also made a special deal where members who pay for their membership between July and November, gets those months free and automatic membership for the following year.I have been involved in fundraising events that was hosted by us, I also work at New England Homes for the Deaf as their community outreach coordinator. I did a couple of fundraising for them as well, with the most recent one is Deaf Artifact Night which was met with success. I also am on Governors Commission on Deafness and Hearing Loss for last 4 years. I am currently serving on New Hampshire Interpreter Licensure Board for almost a year now. I am currently State Association and Affiliate Committee as Co-chair for the last 2 years.

I feel that I can bring more energy and my wealth of knowledge of being in the State Association level, also being involved in other State Association and Deaf community all over New England.

Current President of NHAD for 5 years, Current Co-Chair for SAAC for 2 years, Worked in Mental Health field for 12 years, also work with elderly and the Deaf senior citizens though my current job which I am employed at New England Homes for the Deaf as their community outreach coordinator. YLC Alumni - 1996

The top 3 issues that NAD need to work with is to improve the connection between the board and the state association, improve on how to develop a better collaboration and how each other can benefit from others. 2. The issue that is currently facing with the state associations is lack of membership and funds, need to improve the system of how to support the state association to ensure they have healthy future. 3rd, Need to recognize the affiliates and make sure they are involved in all decision making that will impact them.

All it starts is by working together with the State association and the affiliates to ensure the message is being sent across the country and use the social media to promote our mission. To gain more foothold in the country, NAD must begin to work close with its stakeholders and members to empower them to make the changes that will ripple the impacts to the rest of the country.

By using the region representatives to facilitate the connections between NAD and the state association, organization affiliates, and other key stakeholders to ensure that their opinion and suggestions will be heard. By working together, we can build a stronger platform and use that as a jump start to future where there is a stronger collaboration with everyone. That will feed the success of the NAD to the next level.

Vice President 2 Nd term, chairperson conference 2017 in Naperville. Youth leadership camp 4 times staff in 1987, 1989, 1995 and 1996.

I believe in to support in Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to make successful thier needs to the law. I have be in NAD and Illinois Aaosciation of the Deaf over 30 years members. Which make me ready to be on NAD board to make a change.

Due. I am leader for many years in different clubs, sports and politics level. I want to give back more to community to use my skills leadership.

Improving communication access to public for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Support states bill in their states to become a Law.

Deaf school system need improving with language access.

I believe in work with all local community, states level and national level as one team make it happens successful. We need to sharing their concern and give feedback and support.

As a President and Secretary of WAD (Wisconsin), I have an experience in various fundraising drives, using different strategies including donations, fundraising activities and bequests. WAD membership when I was on the board continued to multiple due to implementation of various initiatives for individuals to become a member. I have also served on Governance Committee the past two years, and Mental Health Expert Group from 2014-2016 for NAD as well of Mental Health Committee for WAD since 2010.

I feel through my experience on both state level and being on committee for NAD and participating in monthly SA's meeting that my experience can be an asset for my region.

My background in Social Services and Mental Health as well of being knowledgeable of interpreting issues can be a great asset to the NAD. My continued commitment to the betterment of the state association is something that I hold closely to my heart.

Addressing Interpreting issues and education standard should be the NAD priorities.

The NAD can achieve its mission through continued policy advocacy, continued education and training, and legal actions.

I will ensure that the communication channels will be open between the board and the state associations. State Associations are the backbone of NAD and a greater collaboration should be encouraged.

My background includes several activities that directly bear on what is expected of an NAD board member. This includes being Past President of ADARA and National ADARA board member for 14 years. I am a Past President of the New Mexico Association of the Deaf.

Being a member of the NAD Board is a way to give back to the deaf community in general and NAD in particular for a long and fruitful career.

I have administered a statewide program for over 25 years. I understand budgeting and program development. I held elective office in statewide and national deafness related organizations including a state chapter presidency.

Mental health issues remain a top priority.

The over use of VRI by healthcare providers continues to put deaf people's lives in danger.

Addressing language deprivation by promoting language access will greatly help with mental health issues.

NAD will need to continue to maintain and expand its membership base. Involvement in political activism and litigation of civil rights cases should continue to be central to its mission.

I have maintained close ties to state associations in every state I have worked which gives me a broad network of contacts. I have had 30+ years of working collaboratively with various grassroots organizations in Kansas, New Mexico, Missouri and Alabama, not to mention that I have received awards from other states for my work with them.

• Delegate, OGG Representative @ NAD Conference, Hartford, Connecticut, 2018
• Pageant Director, Rainbow Association of the Deaf, 2018-2019
• Central Region Board Member, Gallaudet University Alumni Association, 2016-2020
• Professional Development Chair, American Sign Language Teacher Association, 2018
• Moderator, Midwest Regional @ Iowa School for the Deaf, 2018
• Banquet Chairperson, Houston Association for the Deaf’s 75th Anniversary, 2018
• Committee, South Texas Curriculum Project, 2017-2018
• Committee, NAD Youth Strategy Team, 2017-2018
• Volunteer Coordinator, Deaf Hurricane Harvey Survivor, 2017-2018
• Treasurer, Gallaudet University Alumni Association – Greater Houston Chapter, 2015-2018
• Advisory Board, Lone Star College – NHC, Houston, Texas, 2013-2018
• Moderator/Proctor/Door Monitor, Midwest Regional @ Indiana School for the Deaf, 2017
• Vice President, Texas Association of the Deaf, 2015-2017
• Delegate, Texas Association of the Deaf representative @ NAD Conference, Phoenix, Arizona, 2016
• Committee, National Association of the Deaf Outreach Committee, 2015-2016
• At-Large Board Member, Gallaudet University Alumni Association, 2012-2016
• Host and Fundraiser, Deaf Awareness Day @ Wet ‘n’ Wild - SplashTown, Spring, Texas, 2013-2016
• Adviser, ASL Club, Sam Houston State University, 2011-2016
• Proctor, Academic Bowl – Gallaudet University, Rocky Mountains Deaf School, 2016
• Membership Coordinator, Texas Association of the Deaf, 2014-2015
• Parliamentarian, Houston Association for the Deaf, Houston, Texas, 2014
• Delegate, Texas Association of the Deaf representative @ NAD Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, 2014
• ASL Mentor, ASL Immersion, SWCID – Big Spring, Texas, 2013-2014
• Treasurer, National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 2012-2014
• Moderator, ASL Curriculum, Houston, Texas, 2013
• Secretary, Greater Houston American Sign Language Teachers Association, 2012-2013
• Membership Chair, Texas Association of the Deaf, 2009-2013

In a long time ago, I always want to be NAD Officer when I am ready. I am still Texas Association for the Deaf member since 1997. I help them in many different tasks. In the past, I attended to National Association for the Deaf Conference as a delegate. I must admit I had no idea what it is going on. I just wanted to come to NAD and see my old friends. I was thrilled that Melissa is Latino on the board. I decide to come and learn so much from NAD. I don’t feel any better. I decided to join Outreach Committee. I learned a lot from them. It really hit me so hard. YES, NAD really need plenty of volunteers but we don’t have enough. I understand NAD better. I want to help NAD. I am not ready to run NAD Officer but Region III Board would be nice for me.

Applying to my previous job to bring my enormous experience and share my knowledgement

• Southwest Center for the Hearing Impaired – worked with vocational clients and learn to live independently
• Pitney Bowes Management Services – worked as Assistant Administrative and work huge responsibility
• Office of Development at Gallaudet University – worked as Office Assistant and understood how to recruit.
• ZVRS – worked as Outreach Specialist and enjoy to work with network a lot.
• Calk Elementary – worked as a teacher and could see students are passion for Deaf teacher.
• Sam Houston State University – worked as ASL Lecturer and make me realize we need more interpreters in America.
• Texas Association for the Deaf – Vice President, Board Member, Membership Coordinator, Book Program Chair, Volunteer Coordinator, Miss Deaf Texas Co-Director, Emcee, Judge, more duties – they help me to prepare for national level.
• All different skills I had experienced and I am able to help NAD.

Goal 1. NAD will ensure ASL is a birthright of every deaf and hard of hearing person.

Tawny Holmes and I went to Gallaudet and happened we are Class for 2004. I know she is strong leader and NAD really can’t afford to lose. I definitely know she will be NAD President in someday. She is working as Education Advocates. My degree is Deaf Education with Master’s. I am able to provide my support to her whenever she needs.

Goal 2. NAD’s structure will value and incorporate community views as the community’s leading advocacy organization.

I believe this task should not be hard for every organization but my question is: Will NAD be able to keep in their mind that focus on this goal. After I read static of survey last fall, there are highest rank: Women, Educators, Age 55-75, Have graduate degree, and Anglo-Americans. I am sure that we can change this. Hope I am one of good example that I am Latino, youth, and grassroot. People may be more comfortable to talk or discuss with me. My goal is they trust and love NAD.

Goal 3. NAD will be a leading engine for social organization and mobilization.

Since I involve Outreach Committee with Corey Axelrod, I see many topics for this Goal 3. I asked myself many times if anyone there at NAD is handling to this responsibility to communicate with all state association affiliates. I keep hearing from my president and they did get together once a month via zoom. He did not share information to his officers. I don’t know if it must be confident for himself. Something we really can do better. Maybe Region Director should send an agenda to all State Association Affiliates officers, they aware that a director will have a meeting with all State Association Affiliates presidents. I really want to work this task. I am current involving NAD Youth Section Committee.

Write a grant letter and hire a staff for 24/7 to call toll free for Deaf residents and Hearing organizations/companies. Provide that NAD is here for Deaf American. We care to every Deaf person.

I always follow what the organization expects for me. I am not here for a title and have it on my resume. No, I accept to hold my title and I must show my performance. I will work with State Associations, Organization Affiliates, and other key stakeholders. I must avoid that I am educators and smart because you never know who State Associations might not have high leadership skill enough. Make sure to be there for them.

Fundraising activities

Community Outreach Program for the Deaf-NM Isotopes Annual Event:
For the past 5 years, I’ve been involved with planning this annual event which takes place at our minor league baseball park. I’ve worked with ticket sales, public relations which involves developing flyers and vlogs, as well as ensuring that the event is planned out appropriately.

NMHC Wine & Cheese Event:
For the past 2 years, I’ve been involved with planning this annual event. I was responsible for ticket sales, as well as running admission at the event. I also assisted with writing letters for donations of food for the event.

Membership recruitment:
I do not have direct experience with membership recruitment. However, I do have experience with developing public relations and relationships with the community members that have attracted the them to show up at various events.

Service on local, state, and national board/committees

New Mexico Association of the Deaf (3 years)
I started as a secretary for 2 years and was recently elected for President. In my time with the board, I’ve developed a website for NMAD where our members have better access to the information that is distributed by NMAD.

New Mexico Hispanic Council of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (4 years)
I started as Director of Social Media and Web, and then was elected Vice President, my position for the past 2 years. I’ve participated with events, as well as giving out scholarships for Latinx students. I was also chosen to represent the organization at the recent Council de Manos conference.

New Mexico School for the Deaf Alumni Association (3 years)
I’m currently the Chairperson for the Reunion that is occurring in 2020. I’ve worked with my committee in developing a website for the event, as well as an outline plan of what will occur during the Reunion.

As an individual who grew up in New Mexico, which is within the boundaries of Region IV, I recognize that there is a large population that is not well represented or served. The region serves a large population that is very diverse, but not evenly represented. Through my involvement in discussions with other state associations and organizational affiliates, I also noticed that many of us suffer from a shortage of available resources, whether because they do not know who to turn to or there just isn’t sufficient resources or available information for them to gather what they need. It is a goal of mine to solidify the affiliates’ relationship with each other, and create a better method for them to connect with NAD as individual organizations and as a region.

I’m a proud young female, Latinx, and native New Mexican who was born into a Deaf family. I’m an alumnus of NM School for the Deaf. I received my B.S. at RIT. I currently work for the Community Outreach Program for the Deaf-NM, as the Program Director of Vocational Services. I also currently serve on the New Mexico Association of the Deaf board as President and previously as Secretary. I’ve been serving on board for 3 years. I also am involved with the New Mexico Hispanic Council of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, serving as Vice President. I am also in the process of planning a reunion for our NMSD Alumni Association, where I serve as Reunion Chair. My background makes me a great candidate for contribution to NAD, where there needs to be more youths involved, more persons of color, and people who represent the community as a whole. My constant involvement with various organizations in New Mexico makes for a great qualification, as I understand how non profit organizations are run but of course, there’s a lot to learn and where better than to learn from than NAD?

Mental Health--Language Disfluency

Prison Systems--Communication Accessibility

Early Childhood Intervention--Acquisition of various languages

More Representation from POC community, cultures, and diverse minority group

NAD can achieve its mission by continuing to do what they’re doing, but with more feedback and involvement from the POC community. Their struggles deserve to be acknowledged and efforts should be made to work to preserve, protect, and promote that part of culture as well. There are many individuals who are fluent in ASL but their written language is not English. They are not often acknowledged. This results in their needs not being met. The deaf and hard of hearing community is a beautiful mix that ought to be brought together as one.

Collaboration needs to happen by ensuring that all three are in constant touch with NAD’s regional representatives. With NAD’s regional representatives’ involvement with the three groups, they would feel appreciated and recognized. This means monthly email blasts, monthly conference calls, monthly pulse checks to see if there’s anything that needs attention, and showing up to various events that may be hosted by these groups. For example, based on my experience, when the NAD board came to New Mexico for their board meeting, it truly invigorated the community to become more involved with NMAD. Presence really makes a difference in the community.