Working Together, Not Against Each other

Day: Friday

Time: 5:30pm - 7pm MDT

Presenter(s): BJ Wood, Kevin Barber, Rhonda Jennings-Arey, Stephanie Hakulin, Mingchen Yang, Roberto Cabrera

Abstract:

If you feel you stumble as a new nonprofit board member due to less than smooth transition from the old board - or - you plan to be a nonprofit board member someday, you are in the right place to learn how to bring a great leadership transition to your new/future board from this sure-to-be dynamic discussion. The skills needed and perspectives provided by our four great panelists will share their actionable, tangible strategies to boost success, providing takeaways that will help you to step into your new leadership role as a nonprofit board member.


Presenter(s) Information

BJ Wood

BJWood

Barbara Jean ‘BJ’ Wood is always on a mission to ensure that Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals have equal and effective access to services and communication. Best known for her work at three state commissions serving the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in Massachusetts, Colorado, and New Mexico, BJ speaks up and fights for improved access for all members of the Community. In addition to her state agency work, she is a strong and popular leader who serves, and has served, on a number of committees such as the National Association of the Deaf and currently the Massachusetts Attorney General Advisory on Disabilities Policy. She always encourages organizations and individuals to plan for future growth and recognition of human rights. On a personal note, BJ is also a storyteller who sparks laughter and ‘AHA’ moments about life and the Deaf Community.


Dr. Rhonda Jennings-Arey

Dr. Rhonda Jennings-Arey

Dr. Rhonda Jennings-Arey has degrees in Deaf Education, Sign Language Education, Literacy Specialization, and Administration and Supervision. She obtained her doctorate degree in Post-Secondary and Adult Education. Rhonda is a Certified Deaf Interpreter as well. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia.


Mingchen Yang

Mingchen Yang

Mingchen, Taiwanese-American, currently teaches math and science courses at high school. She has been teaching for 15 years. She is also an Academic Bowl coach and Husky Signers Club advisor. Beside the school, she also loves to participate in a deaf community. She is a member of two organizations: Southern California Asian Deaf Association (SCADA) and California Deaf Association (CAD). She believes in empowering young people to be positive youth leaders.


Kevin Barber

Kevin Barber

Kevin Barber is the co-owner of B-Hands, LLC, a consulting and ASL teaching firm that helps variety of companies and organizations in communication access services and technologies. Throughout his 25+ year career, Kevin has developed an intense understanding of operating video contact centers, sign language interpreting, and related support programs that directly serve the deaf and hard of hearing. He carries significant experience in building up and out a variety of buildings especially with the contact centers. Most notably, Kevin spearheaded the initial launch of CSD Relay, which involved building and provisioning CSD’s first contact center, operational strategies, and overall branding of CSD Relay. CSD’s relay service has continued to expand as a significant part of CSD’s offerings. Kevin is intimately involved with organizations in the State of South Dakota, having being born and raised in the state. He has been a member of South Dakota Association of the Deaf for 35 years and he is currently positioned as re-elected President on second term. Kevin earned his BS in Business Administration from Gallaudet University and studied Management in Non-Profit Organization at Cornell University. Kevin is happiest with his wife Colleen raising two older sons Kyle and Bryan.


Roberto Cabrera

Roberto Cabrera