EXECUTIVE BOARD
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President: Vice Pres.: Vice Pres.: Secretary: Treasurer: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: |
Karen Wilson Kristi Merriweather Sheri Farinha Lindsay Dunn Mike Baer Thuan Nguyen John Wilson Glenn Anderson Mike Byrd Cesar L Chavez |
MAILING LIST
DEAFUSION HISTORY
Deafusion Executive Board
The Executive Board is comprised of a unique mix of races and Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing Members.⇓ Please select the name to read more about the members. ⇓
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⇓ Karen Wilson - President |
Ethnicity: Asian
Status: Deaf
Other Positions: President - National Asian Deaf Congress
Background:
Raised in a family with 3 brothers whose father is German-Russian and mother is Chinese has experienced discrimination based on gender, race and disability.
Her family never learned to communicate through signing and this has had some impact in how they communicated with each other.
Karen refused to allow discrimination to set limits on her potential to be successful in the Deaf and Hearing world.
Upon graduating from SDSU with a MS in Rehabilitation Counseling With the Deaf, Karen started her own paralegal services 'Harmony Paralegal'.
Karen then founded the San Diego Chapter of Deaf Women United and is currently in her 2nd term as President of the National Asian Deaf Congress.
Together with her husband, John Wilson - both had established Deafusion and its entity, DeafFusion whose goal is to:
Bridge the cultural gap among the ethnic minorities of the Deaf population and the Hearing world by creating more equal opportunities enhanced by advanced training, mentoring and resource sharing.
Status: Deaf
Other Positions: President - National Asian Deaf Congress
Background:
Raised in a family with 3 brothers whose father is German-Russian and mother is Chinese has experienced discrimination based on gender, race and disability.
Her family never learned to communicate through signing and this has had some impact in how they communicated with each other.
Karen refused to allow discrimination to set limits on her potential to be successful in the Deaf and Hearing world.
Upon graduating from SDSU with a MS in Rehabilitation Counseling With the Deaf, Karen started her own paralegal services 'Harmony Paralegal'.
Karen then founded the San Diego Chapter of Deaf Women United and is currently in her 2nd term as President of the National Asian Deaf Congress.
Together with her husband, John Wilson - both had established Deafusion and its entity, DeafFusion whose goal is to:
Bridge the cultural gap among the ethnic minorities of the Deaf population and the Hearing world by creating more equal opportunities enhanced by advanced training, mentoring and resource sharing.
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⇓
Sheri Farinha - Vice President
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Ethnicity: Latino
Status: Deaf
Other Positions: CEO, NorCal Center on Deafness
Background:
Ms. Farinha is nationally well-known as a long-time strong and visible civil rights activist on numerous deaf-related issues concerning access and quality lobbying for systematic changes locally, statewide, and nationally.
Sheri has served on numerous boards and committees. Most current she works with parents, educators, and members of California's deaf and hard of hearing community involved with a grassroots movement on education reform to mandate regionalization of public schools; appointed by the Governor of California to serve on two committees: Strategic Planning and Interoperability, Governor's Office of Emergency Services; Chair, National E911 Stakeholder Council, TDI; is a Board Member, Telecommunications Administrative Deaf & Disabled Advisory Board (TADDAC) California Public Utilities Commission; Vice Chair; Board of Directors, California Coalition of Agencies Serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Member of two NAD Committees: Diversity Strategic Team, and Technology Committee; Presenter on numerous topics most notably are in the areas of Leadership and Management Workshops, Telecommunications, and Diversity issues; Past accomplishments include: Chair, California Department of Education, Superintendent's Task Force to restructure Deaf/HH Programs in California; Chair, Deaf Education Coalition - California 26 member organization affiliates statewide; Chair, NAD's Education Section; State of California Judicial Council Advisory Board, Sign Language Interpreters; President, California Association of the Deaf, Inc., and chaired the California Coalition board for 10 years.
Sheri is proud of her 2 children, Ryan and Alexandra now in their teens.
Status: Deaf
Other Positions: CEO, NorCal Center on Deafness
Background:
Ms. Farinha is nationally well-known as a long-time strong and visible civil rights activist on numerous deaf-related issues concerning access and quality lobbying for systematic changes locally, statewide, and nationally.
Sheri has served on numerous boards and committees. Most current she works with parents, educators, and members of California's deaf and hard of hearing community involved with a grassroots movement on education reform to mandate regionalization of public schools; appointed by the Governor of California to serve on two committees: Strategic Planning and Interoperability, Governor's Office of Emergency Services; Chair, National E911 Stakeholder Council, TDI; is a Board Member, Telecommunications Administrative Deaf & Disabled Advisory Board (TADDAC) California Public Utilities Commission; Vice Chair; Board of Directors, California Coalition of Agencies Serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Member of two NAD Committees: Diversity Strategic Team, and Technology Committee; Presenter on numerous topics most notably are in the areas of Leadership and Management Workshops, Telecommunications, and Diversity issues; Past accomplishments include: Chair, California Department of Education, Superintendent's Task Force to restructure Deaf/HH Programs in California; Chair, Deaf Education Coalition - California 26 member organization affiliates statewide; Chair, NAD's Education Section; State of California Judicial Council Advisory Board, Sign Language Interpreters; President, California Association of the Deaf, Inc., and chaired the California Coalition board for 10 years.
Sheri is proud of her 2 children, Ryan and Alexandra now in their teens.
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⇓ Kristi Merriweather - Vice President |
Ethnicity: African-American
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
Kristi Merriweather is a deaf high school History / Geography teacher for the deaf in Atlanta.
She is also a co-owner of a new emerging enterprise called Kiziwi Rising Educational Services with Reggie Bess.
She served in various roles for National Black Deaf Advocates, including a Presidency for DC NBDA and Vice Presidency of Atlanta BDA, with the most recent project as coordinating the first Southern BDA Regional Conference in Atlanta.
A graduate from Spelman College and Howard University, Kristi's master thesis was on Black Deaf Identity Development. She is currently studying Deaf Education at Georgia State University.
During the recent events at Gallaudet University, Merriweather was a frequent blog contributor pushing for greater awareness of Diversity and Racism in the deaf community.
A visitor to my abode will find a friendly tabby cat, an outdated Sorensen VP-100, antique hearing aids from the early 1980's, and too many books and shoes. She loves traveling whenever the moola is right.
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
Kristi Merriweather is a deaf high school History / Geography teacher for the deaf in Atlanta.
She is also a co-owner of a new emerging enterprise called Kiziwi Rising Educational Services with Reggie Bess.
She served in various roles for National Black Deaf Advocates, including a Presidency for DC NBDA and Vice Presidency of Atlanta BDA, with the most recent project as coordinating the first Southern BDA Regional Conference in Atlanta.
A graduate from Spelman College and Howard University, Kristi's master thesis was on Black Deaf Identity Development. She is currently studying Deaf Education at Georgia State University.
During the recent events at Gallaudet University, Merriweather was a frequent blog contributor pushing for greater awareness of Diversity and Racism in the deaf community.
A visitor to my abode will find a friendly tabby cat, an outdated Sorensen VP-100, antique hearing aids from the early 1980's, and too many books and shoes. She loves traveling whenever the moola is right.
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⇓ Mike Baer - Treasurer |
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
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⇓ Lindsay Dunn - Secretary |
Ethnicity: African-American
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
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⇓ Thuan Nguyen - Board Member |
Ethnicity: Asian
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background: Thuan Thi Nguyen earned a Bachelor's in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University and her Master's Degree in Deafness Rehabilitation Counseling from New York University (NYU).
She is currently the Mentoring and Minority Academic Support Programs and Student Services at Gallaudet University.
She has been a conference presenter; most notably she spoke at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, the largest diversity related conference of higher education in the country, on many issues with a focus on inclusion and leadership potential, at the University of Vermont, and at the National Asian Deaf Congress Conference.
Thuan has served as National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Appointed Board Member, National Deaf People of Color Conference (NDPCC) Ad Hoc Committee Member, a leadership role in the Black Deaf Students Union, and the Faculty / Staff Advisor to the Asian Pacific Association (APA) as well as advising several ethnic student organizations.
She is currently serving as the Conference Chair for the 2010 National Deaf People of Color.
She was the first woman President of the Greater Washington Asian Deaf Association (GWADA), a Chapter of the National Asian Deaf Congress where she completed two consecutive terms.
For two consecutive years, she has been the Co-Chair of the Alumni of Color Reunion, GUAA at Gallaudet.
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background: Thuan Thi Nguyen earned a Bachelor's in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University and her Master's Degree in Deafness Rehabilitation Counseling from New York University (NYU).
She is currently the Mentoring and Minority Academic Support Programs and Student Services at Gallaudet University.
She has been a conference presenter; most notably she spoke at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, the largest diversity related conference of higher education in the country, on many issues with a focus on inclusion and leadership potential, at the University of Vermont, and at the National Asian Deaf Congress Conference.
Thuan has served as National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Appointed Board Member, National Deaf People of Color Conference (NDPCC) Ad Hoc Committee Member, a leadership role in the Black Deaf Students Union, and the Faculty / Staff Advisor to the Asian Pacific Association (APA) as well as advising several ethnic student organizations.
She is currently serving as the Conference Chair for the 2010 National Deaf People of Color.
She was the first woman President of the Greater Washington Asian Deaf Association (GWADA), a Chapter of the National Asian Deaf Congress where she completed two consecutive terms.
For two consecutive years, she has been the Co-Chair of the Alumni of Color Reunion, GUAA at Gallaudet.
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⇓ John Wilson - Board Member |
Ethnicity: Asian
Status: Hearing
Other Positions: Editor In Chief; PR - National Asian Deaf Congress
Background:
Adopted at the age of 5 days old in Tachikawa, Japan to a Black family he has lived in 4 foster homes starting at the age of 13 years old - each a different nationality including:
- Hispanic
- Mother Japanese/Father Black
- Native American
- Caucasian
John retired from the U.S. Navy after serving over 20 years in 1998 and received his Degree in Social Science and Criminal Law.
Upon retiring, John established CreatechMedia (one of 3 businesses) which markets and consults with a great number of Non-Profit entities a few noteworthy clients include: the Chavez Foundation; National Farm Workers; Chinese Service Center of San Diego; Chinese Immigration Services Agency Network International, the National Asian Deaf Congress, the San Diego Deaf Mental Health Services and the San Diego Domestic Violence Council.
Due to his multi-cultural background experiences and a survivor of Child abuse, John is currently writing a book titled, 'A Rising Son'.
He has also worked with special interest groups and provided both training and lectures regarding domestic violence and racism in the U.S. Navy, campuses and Universities.
For his community support and services to his country, John has received numerous letters and citations from Congress and President Bill Clinton.
Quote:
Give until it hurts, then give a little more - only then do we truly realize our unlimited potential and unselfish willingness to provide for the welfare, peace and happiness of others.
John Wilson, Author - A Rising Son
Status: Hearing
Other Positions: Editor In Chief; PR - National Asian Deaf Congress
Background:
Adopted at the age of 5 days old in Tachikawa, Japan to a Black family he has lived in 4 foster homes starting at the age of 13 years old - each a different nationality including:
- Hispanic
- Mother Japanese/Father Black
- Native American
- Caucasian
John retired from the U.S. Navy after serving over 20 years in 1998 and received his Degree in Social Science and Criminal Law.
Upon retiring, John established CreatechMedia (one of 3 businesses) which markets and consults with a great number of Non-Profit entities a few noteworthy clients include: the Chavez Foundation; National Farm Workers; Chinese Service Center of San Diego; Chinese Immigration Services Agency Network International, the National Asian Deaf Congress, the San Diego Deaf Mental Health Services and the San Diego Domestic Violence Council.
Due to his multi-cultural background experiences and a survivor of Child abuse, John is currently writing a book titled, 'A Rising Son'.
He has also worked with special interest groups and provided both training and lectures regarding domestic violence and racism in the U.S. Navy, campuses and Universities.
For his community support and services to his country, John has received numerous letters and citations from Congress and President Bill Clinton.
Quote:
Give until it hurts, then give a little more - only then do we truly realize our unlimited potential and unselfish willingness to provide for the welfare, peace and happiness of others.
John Wilson, Author - A Rising Son
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⇓ Glenn Anderson - Board Member |
Ethnicity: African American
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
Dr. Glenn Anderson is a Professor and Director of Training at the Center.
He also serves as Coordinator of the RSA-funded Deafness Rehabilitation Counseling specialization in the Department's graduate training program.
Dr. Anderson has more than 35 publications and has conducted over 150 workshops and invited presentations.
As a professional who is deaf, he has been active for 30 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Administrator of a continuing education program for deaf adults, and as a Rehabilitation educator, researcher, and trainer.
Dr. Anderson has served as a Consultant to Educational Testing Services and the U.S. Department of Education and as a Member of the National Advisory council for the Rehabilitation Cultural Diversity Project at San Diego State University.
He served as Chair of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, Member of the National Council on Disability, and Member of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Council.
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
Dr. Glenn Anderson is a Professor and Director of Training at the Center.
He also serves as Coordinator of the RSA-funded Deafness Rehabilitation Counseling specialization in the Department's graduate training program.
Dr. Anderson has more than 35 publications and has conducted over 150 workshops and invited presentations.
As a professional who is deaf, he has been active for 30 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Administrator of a continuing education program for deaf adults, and as a Rehabilitation educator, researcher, and trainer.
Dr. Anderson has served as a Consultant to Educational Testing Services and the U.S. Department of Education and as a Member of the National Advisory council for the Rehabilitation Cultural Diversity Project at San Diego State University.
He served as Chair of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, Member of the National Council on Disability, and Member of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Council.
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⇓ Mike Byrd - Board Member |
Ethnicity: Native American
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
Status: Deaf
Other Positions:
Background:
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⇓ Cesar L Chavez - Board Member |
Ethnicity: Latino
Status: Hearing
Other Positions: Program Director: Radio Campesina Network
Background:
Cesar L Chavez is the grandson of the late activist Cesar E Chavez.
Filled with the same passion as his grandfather, Cesar contributes to the community by assuming roles in charitable organizations and is on the Speakers Bureau for the Chavez Foundation and the National Farm Workers Service Center.
Currently holding the position of Program Director for the Radio Campesina Network, Cesar is responsible for the entertainment, promotional and educational programming for 8 Campesina Network stations spanning across 3 states including Washington, California and Arizona which comprises the largest market. Additionally, the Radio Campesina Network broadcasts on KBDS 103.9FM in Bakersfield to the younger demographics prefering the Hip-Hop and Latino beat music.
Status: Hearing
Other Positions: Program Director: Radio Campesina Network
Background:Cesar L Chavez is the grandson of the late activist Cesar E Chavez.
Filled with the same passion as his grandfather, Cesar contributes to the community by assuming roles in charitable organizations and is on the Speakers Bureau for the Chavez Foundation and the National Farm Workers Service Center.
Currently holding the position of Program Director for the Radio Campesina Network, Cesar is responsible for the entertainment, promotional and educational programming for 8 Campesina Network stations spanning across 3 states including Washington, California and Arizona which comprises the largest market. Additionally, the Radio Campesina Network broadcasts on KBDS 103.9FM in Bakersfield to the younger demographics prefering the Hip-Hop and Latino beat music.