We are thrilled to introduce two new members of the NAD Team, Jenilee Marques and Alexander Van Hook!
JENILEE MARQUES
Jenilee joins the NAD as our Operations Manager. Jenilee will oversee and coordinate various operational activities, such as logistics, quality control, and resource management. Jenilee has a Master’s degree in International Development, specializing in Emergency Management; her mission is to break down barriers and create more inclusive environments. Her focus is on addressing the unique challenges faced by deaf communities. She is dedicated to providing the necessary support to help individuals navigate these obstacles. Beyond Jenilee’s professional commitments, she is passionate about animal welfare and regularly fosters animals in need. She also enjoys engaging in DIY projects, which allows her to exercise her creativity and problem-solving skills. Additionally, Jenilee loves spending time outdoors, reflecting her appreciation for nature and the environment.
ALEXANDER VAN HOOK, ESQ.
Alexander joins as a Staff Attorney with the Law and Advocacy Center at the NAD. Alexander will be supporting the NAD’s legal intake system and will be involved with litigation in which the NAD participates. He self-identifies as a person with cross-disabilities (Deaf wheelchair user). He was born in California and grew up in Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, in 2016; his Master of Public Administration degree at American University in Washington, District of Columbia, in 2018; and his Juris Doctor (law) degree at American University Washington College of Law in Washington, District of Columbia, in 2022. His specialized interest is disability rights as he strives to contribute to a more accessible and inclusive society for all. Alexander looks forward to supporting the NAD’s efforts in advocating for Deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. In his spare time, he loves to build LEGO models, travel and explore, play video games, go to the movie theater, visit museums, and socialize with friends. He has a corgi, golden retriever, and two cats with his parents.
Together, we’ve got our sleeves rolled up and we’re ready! Please join us in giving them a warm welcome.
The NAD was established in 1880 by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. As a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more.