Leadership. Accountability.

Nicholas Lalanne is an educator whose work focuses on American Sign Language education, Deaf studies, and community engagement. He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer of American Sign Language at the University of Vermont, where he also coordinates the ASL Minor program. He has been a member of the university faculty since 2018.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Arts in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University. His professional background includes teaching ASL and Deaf Studies at multiple postsecondary institutions, as well as prior work at the Austine School for the Deaf.

At the University of Vermont, he teaches a range of undergraduate ASL and Deaf Studies courses and is involved in curriculum development and student mentoring. His teaching emphasizes language access, Deaf cultural knowledge, and inclusive educational practices.

In addition to his academic work, Nicholas serves as Co-Director of the Association of Sign Language Vermonters, supporting community education and awareness of sign language as a linguistic human right. His work reflects a commitment to education, access, and connection between academic and community spaces.

Jacob Leffler is a public service professional with experience in federal government, public administration, and Deaf community advocacy. He currently works as an Executive Writer in the Office of the Executive Secretary at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he supports executive-level communications and coordination.

He is originally from Buffalo, New York, and is a graduate of St. Mary’s School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. His academic background reflects a strong foundation in public service, policy, and governance.

Prior to his current role, he served for more than nine years as a Legislative Liaison Officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), working with congressional offices and senior leadership on legislative and public affairs matters.

Jacob has been actively involved in Deaf organizations, including the Maryland Association of the Deaf, the Baltimore City Association of the Deaf, and Deaf in Government, serving in various capacities. He was also involved with Junior NAD during his student years, reflecting an early commitment to advocacy and civic engagement.

Kevin Ryan is a business owner with long-standing involvement in Deaf community organizations. He is the owner of CR Construction Inc., a company he has owned and operated for more than 20 years. His professional background also includes 11 years of experience at Lucent Technologies, formerly AT&T Bell Labs, where he worked in data processing and technical operations.

He is a graduate of the Wisconsin School for the Deaf and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Data Processing from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. His education and professional experience reflect a background in technical skills and business operations.

He has been involved in Deaf community organizations for many years. He currently serves as President of the Wisconsin School for the Deaf Alumni Association, a role he has held for ten years. His prior involvement includes service as an officer of the National Softball Association of the Deaf and as a former board member of the Illinois Association of the Deaf.

Kevin has a history of involvement in Deaf community organizations and activities and continues to maintain connections within the community.

Katy Hagmeyer is a Deaf leader and advocate with extensive experience in mental health services, public policy engagement, and Deaf community leadership in Wisconsin. She is recognized for her commitment to advancing culturally and linguistically accessible services and increasing Deaf representation in decision-making spaces.

She previously served as President and Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf (WAD), as well as Chair and member of the Governor’s Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where she provided leadership to expand statewide collaboration, increase civic engagement, and strengthen legislative advocacy. During her tenure, WAD established Deaf and Hard of Hearing Legislative Day, creating opportunities for community members to engage directly with state leaders on issues affecting accessibility, equity, and linguistic rights.

Currently, she serves as Chair of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Interpreter Licensure Committee, providing leadership and oversight related to interpreter licensure, professional standards, and accountability across Wisconsin.

Katy is the founder of Deaf Inspire, LLC, a Deaf-owned entity focused on Deaf-centered mental health services. A proud RIT alumni, Katy also holds dual Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Educational Psychology from the Alverno College, and brings a background in governance, policy-informed advocacy, and community engagement.

DeAnna Swope works as a Direct Service Manager at Activating Change and is the founder and CEO of Diamond Speaks LLC. Her professional work centers on social justice, survivor advocacy, and community education within Deaf communities, with a focus on culturally responsive and community-driven approaches.

Prior to her current role, she served as Program Director at BRIDGES, a Deaf-led domestic violence program in Georgia. In that role, she supported survivor services, strengthened advocacy programs, and worked closely with community partners to improve access to resources for Deaf survivors. Her work emphasized safety, accountability, and survivor-centered practices.

She has also contributed to public dialogue and community education through her role as host of Sign Your Truth, a platform dedicated to elevating marginalized voices and encouraging open conversations on issues impacting Deaf communities. She serves as a Governor appointed for the Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

DeAnna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Public Administration.

Ari Latino is a local community advocate committed to service, leadership, and advancing Deaf advocacy. He began working with nonprofit organizations at the age of 15, where he developed a strong foundation in community engagement, collaboration, and service-driven leadership. These early experiences shaped his long-term dedication to supporting Deaf-led initiatives and strengthening access within the Deaf community.

Ari was actively involved in the National Association of the Deaf Youth Section, where he worked closely with Deaf youth to better understand their needs, amplify their thoughts, and help shape the future of Deaf advocacy, community, and culture. Through this work, he gained valuable insight into the importance of inclusive leadership, mentorship, and youth empowerment.

Currently, Ari works in media services and collaborates with a wide range of nonprofit organizations to support their missions through effective communication, outreach, and storytelling. His focus is on helping organizations strengthen their connection with the communities they serve while remaining aligned with their core values and goals. Ari looks forward to sharing his perspectives and contributing thoughtfully to NAD’s work to help address gaps, expand access, and strengthen the Deaf community.

Joseph “JoJo” Lopez III works as a Developmental Specialist in Early Intervention at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, where he supports young children and families during critical stages of language and developmental growth. He also serves as an adjunct instructor of American Sign Language at New Mexico State University, teaching ASL Levels I and II.

He is an alumnus of the California School for the Deaf, Riverside, and Gallaudet University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a Master of Arts in Sign Language Education. His professional work reflects a strong commitment to education, early language access, and culturally responsive practice.

In addition to his professional roles, he is actively involved in community leadership and advocacy. He serves on the boards of Raíces del Rio Grande, New Mexico Mano A Mano, Council de Manos, and the National Association of the Deaf, contributing to initiatives that support community engagement, leadership development, and access across diverse Deaf communities.

JoJo’s work reflects a dedication to strengthening early intervention systems, expanding educational access, and supporting collaborative, community-based advocacy.

Laura Kim is a Deaf educator with over 16 years of experience in Deaf Education. She currently serves as a Teacher of the Deaf with the San Diego Unified School District, supporting middle school students. As a Deaf professional, Laura brings strong expertise in language access, culturally responsive teaching, and effective instructional practices.

She specializes in teaching mathematics to middle school Deaf students, with a focus on conceptual understanding and academic growth. Her teaching approach emphasizes visual learning, student-centered instruction, and the intentional use of STEM-related ASL to create accessible and engaging learning experiences.

She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications and Graphic Design from Gallaudet University and completed her graduate training in ASL–English Bilingual Education at the University of California, San Diego.

Beyond her professional role, Laura supports local Asian Deaf organizations and is a member of CAAPLE (California Association of Asian Pasifika Leaders in Education), where she has served in leadership roles advancing multicultural engagement and education-focused advocacy through the Deaf Asians Special Interest Group (SIG).