History.
When
I
was
given
the
position
of
Director
of
Marketing,
I
certainly
had
no
idea
what
to
expect
in
my
new
role.
My
first
project
was
to
help
design
a
logo
as
we
were
in
the
process
of
renaming
our
organization.
This
vital
task
required
much
brainstorming
from
our
board
members
because
we
wanted
to
incorporate
the
rich
history
of
Latin
America.
During
the
process,
I
became
reacquainted
with
the
people,
the
culture,
the
language,
and
especially
the
history
of
our
Indigenous
land.
Then
it
was
time
for
me
to
undertake
the
next
project….an
online
magazine.
With
the
consensus
of
the
board,
the
online
magazine
was
created
as
a
vehicle
to
reach
out
to
our
community
members
and
strengthen
our
allies.
The
Board
of
Directors
agreed
our
inaugural
edition
should
pay
tribute
to
our
founding
and
past
board
members
as
they
paved
the
way
for
Council
de
Manos.
Our
tag
line
is,
“Know
Your
Story.”
In
this
issue,
the
narratives
of
past
Council
de
Manos
board
members
is
celebrated
as
they
share
their
experiences
being
in
the
organization
as
well
as
their
cultural
identity.
The
task
of
contacting
past
board
members
to
get
their
stories
gave
me
newfound
appreciation
for
our
organizational
history.
Without
documenting
our
stories,
our
cherished
history
will
be
left
unacknowledged.
It
is
my
hope
that
our
readers
will
learn
about
the
history
of
our
people
and
the
journey
they
travelled
to
get
to
where
we
are
today.
Hope
that
we
can
empower
ourselves
as
we
work
together
through
Council
de
Manos.
Carlos
Aponte,
Jr.
2
Editor-‐In-‐Chief
Original documents
21
Robert Davila Robert Davila
Years
Involved
with
NCHDHH:
1991-‐1994
Founding
Board
Member
Question
1:
Why
did
you
become
involved
with
the
It
was
not
until
President
George
H.
W.
Bush
appointed
me
organization?
Assistant
Secretary
for
Special
Education
and
Rehabilitative
Services
in
1988
that
I
finally
had
an
opportunity
to
assist
Throughout
my
life,
from
the
time
I
entered
the
directly
with
the
idea
of
establishing
a
national
organization
California
School
for
the
Deaf
at
Berkeley
and
my
for
deaf
and
hard
of
hearing
Hispanics.
We
had
a
great
group
subsequent
years
as
a
student
at
Gallaudet
College
and
of
committed
volunteers
meeting
and
working
continuing
well
into
my
professional
career,
I
was
collaboratively,
such
as
Angel
Ramos,
John
Lopez,
Cecilia
either
the
only
Hispanic
involved
or
one
of
a
very
few
Madan,
Tim
Medina,
Ralph
Sedano,
Ramon
Rodriguez
and
Hispanics
involved.
I
entered
the
California
School
for
Gilbert
Delgado,
and
others,
to
work
on
the
idea
throughout
the
Deaf
at
age
10
and
without
testing
or
assessment
of
the
early
1990’s.
During
this
time,
the
African
American
deaf
my
academic
ability,
I
was
placed
in
a
class
of
all
community
was
already
deeply
involved
in
its
efforts
to
Hispanics
who
were
on
the
vocational
track
and
were
strengthen
and
expand
its
National
Black
Deaf
Advocates
much
older
than
me.
In
those
years
residential
schools
organization.
for
the
deaf
had
a
two-‐track
system,
a
vocational
track
for
those
who
were
expected
to
enter
the
job
market
In
1990,
my
office
awarded
50
thousand
dollar
grants
to
upon
graduation
and
an
academic
track
for
those
with
sponsoring
agencies
in
San
Antonio
and
Atlanta
to
hold
capable
academic
ability
who
were
given
a
chance
to
national
conferences
to
address
the
issues
facing
Hispanic
compete
for
admission
to
Gallaudet
College
(Gallaudet
deaf
and
hard
of
hearing
persons
and
their
African
American
did
not
become
a
university
until
about
35
years
later).
counterparts.
It
was
a
matter
of
great
pride
that
I
was
the
Gallaudet
was
a
very
small
college
with
an
enrollment
keynote
speaker
at
both
conferences.
The
historic
event
in
of
200-‐225
and
all
students
applying
for
admission
had
San
Antonio
paved
the
way
for
the
establishment
of
the
to
pass
an
examination.
I
became
the
first
Hispanic,
in
NHCDHH.
The
progress
that
so
many
dedicated
and
active
fact,
the
first
minority
student,
to
qualify
for
admission
volunteers
have
worked
to
create
in
the
ensuing
years
has
to
Gallaudet.
The
college
was
approaching
90
years
of
been
great
testimony
to
their
commitment
for
such
an
service
when
I
was
admitted.
The
first
African-‐ organization.
American
student
at
Gallaudet
followed
me
by
two
years.
By
the
time
I
was
a
senior
there
were
four
Question
2:
How
would
you
describe
the
goals
of
the
Hispanics,
myself,
Ramon
Rodriguez,
Arturo
Montoya
organization,
and
how
did
the
organization
achieve
and
Dolores
Ramirez.
And
by
that
time
also,
there
were
these
goals?
five
African-‐Americans.
Today,
there
are
146
Hispanics
and
117
African
Americans
among
Gallaudet’s
The
goals
of
the
organization
have
largely
centered
on
giving
undergraduate
enrollment
of
1,053.
the
Hispanic
deaf
community
a
voice
and
role
at
the
conference
table
when
all
representative
factions
of
the
deaf
During
the
1940’s,
1950’s
and
well
into
the
1960’s,
community
convene.
In
the
past
many
such
conferences
and
deaf
Hispanics
were
conspicuous
by
their
absence
at
meetings
have
taken
place
without
the
views
and
needs
of
most
events
and
programs
serving
deaf
and
hard
of
Hispanic
deaf
persons
being
considered
or
included.
It
is
hearing
persons.
The
very
few
of
us
who
were
involved
vital
that
the
organization
continue
to
function
and
remain
had
to
speak
and
act
for
ourselves
because
there
were
visible.
Past
Presidents,
such
as
John
Lopez
and
Ivy
Velez,
no
organizations
devoted
to
opening
doors
to
were
visible
as
representatives
of
the
Hispanic
deaf
opportunities
for
Hispanics.
community.
The
agenda
and
goals
of
the
NHCDHH
need
to
be
shared
and
advocated
among
all
factions
of
the
national
deaf
community.
Who
speaks
for
the
NHCDHH?
Obviously,
the
elected
members
of
the
officer
brigade
and
the
board
of
directors
have
the
authority
to
determine
how
an
issue
or
need
will
to
be
addressed
and
who
will
have
a
role
in
responding
or
advocating,
etc.
But,
in
order
to
be
effective
as
the
leading
advocate
organization,
the
NHCDHH
has
to
work
hard
to
establish
the
membership
base
necessary
to
assume
and
carry
out
its
speak-‐with-‐one-‐voice
advocacy
role.
This
will
be
the
biggest
issue
the
officers
and
board
will
have
to
resolve.
How
can
the
organization
earn
the
right
to
represent
all
Hispanics?
Continued…
43
Question
3:
What
do
you
think
are
the
funds
to
pay
for
travel,
materials
and
mailings.
We
had
to
chip
Robert Davila
characteristics
of
a
great
board
member?
in
to
make
good.
I
awarded
a
computer
with
printer
to
the
organization
after
our
2006
re-‐organization
meeting
in
Santa
Assuming
an
appointed
or
elected
role
as
an
officer
or
Fe
because
the
organization
could
not
use
NMSD
resources.
board
member
is
a
tremendous
and
serious
That’s
pretty
much
what
some
officers
had
to
do
over
the
years
responsibility.
Although
attending
meetings
provide
to
keep
things
going
well.
visibility,
much
work
and
detail
takes
place
between
meetings.
An
ideal
volunteer
is
a
person
with
a
strong
Question
5:
What
are
some
things
that
make
your
heritage
commitment
to
the
goals
and
purpose
of
the
special?
organization.
Officers
and
board
members
do
not
speak
for
themselves.
They
speak
for
the
organization.
As
an
I
was
fortunate
to
be
in
the
founders’
group
and
to
be
able
to
officer
or
board
member,
you
have
to
have
good
people
make
a
number
of
direct
contributions
to
getting
the
skills,
be
a
good
listener
and
be
patient
and
forthright.
organization
off
the
ground.
It
took
hard
work.
It
was
not
the
work
of
one
person,
but
the
concerted
effort
of
a
group
with
Question
4:
What’s
the
hardest
thing
you’ve
ever
members
who
supported
each
other
and
worked
well
together.
done
for
our
organization?
No
organization
can
succeed
without
everyone
pulling
the
same
oars.
I
have
aged
and
am
retired
now
so
I
have
less
I
think
the
hardest
thing
I
had
to
do
was
energy
and
passion
than
I
used
to
have.
But,
I
think
getting
our
getting
authority
and
support
from
the
Secretary
of
organization
off
the
ground
and
deaf
Hispanics
recognized
and
Education
to
fund
the
San
Antonio
and
Atlanta
meetings
successful
is
a
goal
that
would
fulfill
anyone’s
desire
for
good.
in
1992.
At
the
federal
level,
everyone
watches
what
you
do
and
when
others
see
something
they
like,
they
want
Additional
Information:
some
of
the
same.
I
got
a
number
of
requests
to
fund
organizations
or
conferences
throughout
the
disability
Roberto
R.
Davila
was
born
to
a
Spanish-‐speaking
migrant
field
and
in
deafness,
too.
Everyone
wanted
a
grant.
It
family
of
ten
who
traveled
north
and
south
harvesting
fruit
and
was
a
hard
decision
to
make,
but
one
which
I
knew
vegetable
crops
in
California.
At
age
10,
he
lost
his
hearing
and
would
open
the
future
for
all
of
us.
began
his
formal
education
at
the
California
School
for
the
Deaf
at
Berkeley.
He
was
the
first
minority
student
to
enroll
at
Working
and
supporting
NHCDHH
events
and
activities
Gallaudet
two
years
before
the
first
African-‐American.
He
during
the
early
years
after
our
organization
had
been
became
a
good
student
and
in
later
years
earned
a
Master's
operating
for
a
while
was
hard
work.
There
were
no
degree
in
Special
Education
from
Hunter
College
in
NYC
and
a
Ph.D.
in
Educational
Technology
from
Syracuse
University.
This
was
at
a
time
when
interpreters
and
support
services
were
not
available.
He
worked
hard
to
achieve
historic
success
as
an
educator.
He
was
the
first
deaf
person
to
serve
as
president
of
the
top
three
national
organizations
for
teachers
and
administrators
working
with
the
deaf,
the
Convention
of
American
Instructors
of
the
Deaf,
the
Conference
of
Educational
Administrators
Serving
the
Deaf
and
the
Council
on
Education
of
the
Deaf.
He
was
also
the
first
deaf
person
to
become
head
of
the
National
Technical
Institute
for
the
Deaf
at
the
Rochester
Institute
of
Technology
and
was
the
ninth
president
of
Gallaudet
University.
He
was
additionally
the
highest
level
deaf
employee
to
ever
work
in
the
U.S.
government
when
he
served
in
the
highest
level
of
the
Senior
Executive
Service.
Dr.
Davila
has
traveled
throughout
the
world
and
has
keynoted
a
number
of
national
and
international
conferences,
including
the
World
Federation
of
the
Deaf,
National
Association
of
the
Deaf
and
the
national
associations
of
the
deaf
of
a
number
of
countries.
He
has
been
the
recipient
of
numerous
awards,
including
four
honorary
degrees
from
colleges
and
universities.
Dr.
Davila
is
a
strong
believer
and
supporter
of
the
Latino/Hispanic
community
of
deaf
persons
in
the
U.S.
and
has
always
endeavored
to
assist
and
support
their
well
being
and
progress
in
achieving
all
that
is
promised
by
our
nation's
constitution.
21
Lele Dominguez-Ruiz Lele Dominguez-Ruiz
Years
Involved
with
NCHDHH:
2005-‐2010
Position
Held:
Board
Member
Question
2:
How
would
you
describe
the
goals
of
the
organization,
and
how
did
the
organization
achieve
these
goals?
At
the
time
I
was
involved,
NCHDHH
was
very
new
to
the
nation.
We
focused
our
time
creating
our
bylaws
and
completing
many
projects.
I
cannot
remember
many
projects
that
we
completed
back
then
but
it
clearly
shows
that
this
organization
is
still
carrying
on
presently,
which
is
great
news.
Question
3:
What
do
you
think
are
the
characteristics
of
a
great
board
member?
Commitment,
focus
and
teamwork-‐
these
are
important
to
succeed.
To
be
a
good
leader
and
role
model
for
the
next
generation.
Question
1:
Why
did
you
become
involved
Question
4:
What's
the
hardest
thing
you've
ever
with
the
organization?
done
for
our
organization?
I
was
asked
to
join
this
organization-‐
NCHDHH.
We
were
working
very
hard
to
make
this
In
the
past
I
was
involved
with
California
organization
successful
by
training
young
leaders,
Latino
Council
for
the
DHH
(CLC)
for
few
years.
encouraged
more
local
chapters
to
become
Then
I
moved
out
of
state,
to
pursue
my
affiliated,
and
to
revised
some
bylaws
and
many
graduate
degree.
After
I
completed
my
master
more.
It
was
challenging
experience
for
me
while
degree,
I
joined
National
Deaf
Latino
serving
on
the
board.
Conference
(NDLC),
which
was
not
an
organization
or
agency
but
its
mission
is
to
Question
5:
What
are
some
things
that
make
host
conferences
for
our
Deaf
Latino
your
heritage
special?
communities.
After
NCHDHH
was
established,
then
I
was
invited
to
be
on
the
board
for
about
I
was
raised
with
8
sisters
and
3
brothers,
I
have
a
four
years.
big
family.
I
am
10th
child
and
fourth
Deaf
in
the
family
(just
4
of
us).
I
grew
up
believing
to
bring
LOVE
to
our
table,
not
money.
I've
learned
so
much
from
my
big
family
and
they
taught
me
to
be
who
I
am
today.
So
family
values
is
more
important
to
me,
I
am
proud
to
be
Latina
just
because
of
my
family,
I
love
them!
12
Lorraine Flores Lorranie Flores
Years
Involved
with
NCHDHH:
1991-‐1994
Founding
Board
Member
news for national level of the organization is
that membership numbers are increasing
again which led to having more conferences
during the 2000s.
Question 3: What do you think are the
characteristics of a great board member?
I believe all board members should have a
strong background in Social Justice. A great
board member would be involved in Social
Justice issues and would have the
characteristics of confidence, integrity,
courage and motivation. All board members
should exhibit a commitment to professional
and ethical behavior at all times. There
should be zero tolerance for unethical
behavior among the board members.
Question 1: Why did you become involved Question 4: What's the hardest thing
with the organization? you've ever done for our organization?
This was an easy question! In the 1990s there Back in 1994, the hardest thing I’ve ever
was no formal organization for our group. During done was to make the time to meet four
that time it was critical that we establish an times a year for our board meetings which
organization for our people. The number of were held at various locations. Oftentimes I
Hispanic people (remember, this is the word that had to use my personal money to pay for
we used to describe ourselves in this time frame) travel and hotel expenses!
was growing to the point that we were being
recognized as a rather impressive and important The second hardest thing that I have had to
minority group. There was a great need to get do was to recruit people to join NHC as a
ourselves organized in order to face the multiple member. Many people resisted the idea for
challenges that were in front of us. I took on the a number of different reasons. I wish I had
role of secretary for the organization and soon some information as to why people resisted
the National Hispanic Council (NHC) for the Deaf becoming members of NHC. One way to
and Hard of Hearing was born! determine this would be to create a survey
that would focus on asking people what it is
Question 2: How would you describe the that they would like to see NHC focus on.
This survey should be written in Spanish
goals of the organization, and how did the and English, along with video presentations
organization achieve these goals? in ASL and LMS.
When we began, our goals were rather vague. I The third hardest thing I did as Secretary
involved saving all of the organization's files
recall that one of our goals was to host a on a hark diskette - which has since become
obsolete! These days, the organization and
successful conference in San Antonio in 1994. it's members have access to modern
technology, such as being able to save files
This was our first attempt at hosting a on Google drive, or using video phones for
teleconferences in an effort to save on travel
conference and we set up several workshops for expenses. The only records that have
survives in tact from the 1990s were our
this 3-4 day event. The main topic we focused on group photos!
was trying to establish leadership training for our
youth. The conference was a huge hit! The
number of people in attendance was
approximately 400! The next following
conference was held in Boston and the
registration was approximately 300!
Unfortunately, the conferences stopped after we
met in Boston. I am please to hear that the latest
12
Carla García-Fernández Carla García-Fernández
Years
Involved
with
NCHDHH:
2005-‐2007
Position(s)
held:
Board
Member
Question
2:
How
would
you
describe
the
goals
of
the
organization,
and
how
did
the
organization
achieve
these
goals?
In
2005,
we,
the
NCHDHH
board
of
directors,
proposed
a
list
of
priorities
to
achieve
as
an
organization.
We
came
up
with
these
top
four
priorities:
1)
public
relations:
press
releases,
newspaper
articles,
website
links,
publishing
a
story
about
our
leadership
retreat,
developing
an
organization
newsletter,
creating
a
new
website,
publishing
a
PEPNET
catalog;
2)
expansion
of
membership:
developing
a
database
of
all
Deaf
and
hard
of
hearing
Hispano
members,
a
new
state
chapter
affiliation,
pursuing
an
affiliation
with
Mano
a
Mano
and
other
organizations,
increasing
parental
involvement,
and
involving
residential
schools;
3)
establishing
the
NHCDHH
archives,
and
4)
expanding
NCHDHH’s
role
as
a
conduit
for
information
and
referral:
developing
categories
of
employment
for
members
of
the
network
(mental
health,
education,
interpreter,
etc.).
The
other
priorities
were
to
create
a
scholarship
for
high
school
Deaf
Hispano
students,
conduct
a
Hispano
leadership
retreat
every
or
two
years,
and
establish
a
Hispano
leadership
camp
for
Deaf
Hispano
youth.
As
a
board
of
director
in
2005,
some
goals
were
accomplished:
Question
1:
Why
did
you
become
involved
with
• Public
relations-‐
The
NCHDHH
came
up
the
organization?
with
a
press
release,
implemented
a
new
organization
website,
and
presented
As
a
Multicultural
Specialist
at
the
New
Mexico
information
about
the
organization
at
the
School
for
the
Deaf
(NMSD),
I
oversaw,
sponsored,
National
Association
of
the
Deaf
and
promoted
self-‐advocacy
and
empowerment
conference
in
Palm
Springs,
CA.
for
two
clubs:
the
Hispanic
Club,
and
the
Strong
Silent
Council
(Native
American).
As
a
believer
in
• Expansion
of
membership-‐
A
database
of
community
work,
I
was
eager
when
there
was
a
all
Deaf
and
hard
of
hearing
Hispano
Deaf
discussion
about
the
possibility
of
re-‐establishing
members
was
compiled.
the
national
Latinx-‐Deaf
organization.
As
a
superintendent
during
that
time,
Ronald
Stern
• Establish
NCHDHH
archives-‐
As
the
home
approved
Gilbert
Delgado’s
request
to
use
a
small
office
was
created,
we
gathered
and
room
as
a
new
home
office
for
the
national
stored
hard
copy
files
from
former
board
organization.
I
encouraged
the
student
members
members.
of
the
Hispanic
Club
to
come
up
with
ideas
for
renovating
our
office.
Student
members
invested
I
was
assigned
to
explore
scholarships
and
create
many
hours
painting
and
decorating
the
new
office
a
list
of
websites
to
access
scholarships.
I
was
also
and
it
turned
out
beautifully.
When
I
was
offered
a
asked
to
compile
a
list
of
known
Hispano-‐Deaf
position
as
a
board
member
of
the
organization,
I
individuals
across
the
nation,
and
recruited
ten
jumped
on
that
opportunity
since
I
wanted
to
individuals
to
attend
the
Hispano-‐Deaf
Leadership
learn
more
about
my
Deaf-‐Latinx
identity
-‐
retreat
in
Albuquerque,
New
Mexico
before
the
learning
I
missed
out
on
during
my
childhood. National
Deaf
Latino
Conference.
Of
the
ten
selected,
six
were
from
the
state
of
New
Mexico:
Continued…
43
Juan
Diego
Gonzales,
Sonia
Garcia,
Delia
Lozano,
Raul
Question
4:
What's
the
hardest
thing
Carla García-Fernández
Lozano,
and
myself;
and
five
were
from
other
states:
you've
ever
done
for
our
organization?
Leticia
Arellano
(DC),
Elvia
Guillermo
(DC),
Rogelio
Fernández
Jr.
(TX),
Franklin
Torres
(DC),
Marta
Ordaz
I
have
tried
to
support
the
board
members
(CA),
and
Ivelisse
Velez
(CT).
The
retreat
was
a
huge
ever
since
the
re-‐establishment
of
the
success!
We
discussed
both
our
individual
and
group
organization
in
2005.
I
have
watched
the
goals.
As
a
group
goal,
we
came
up
with
a
video
where
NCHDHH
blossom
through
both
pain
and
joy.
we
introduced
ourselves
and
discussed
our
heritage.
The
conference
topic
also
expanded
and
The
video
was
shown
at
our
booth
at
the
conferences. diversified
over
the
years
where
Deaf-‐Latinx
members
can
find
topics
that
specifically
After
the
retreat,
we
attempted
to
accomplish
our
interest
them,
which
is
very
exciting.
individual
goals.
One
of
the
participants,
Franklin
Torres
established
a
chapter-‐
Latino
Deaf
and
Hard
of
Hearing
Question
5:
What
are
some
things
that
organization
in
the
Metro
DC
area
which
continues
to
make
your
heritage
special?
stand
today!
This
chapter,
and
the
NCHDHH,
hosted
a
conference
in
Washington
DC
for
the
new,
revived
Tracing
my
roots
has
been
such
an
emotional
organization
which
attracted
over
300
participants,
and
journey!
However,
it
helps
me
know
where
I
was
a
huge
hit.
come
from,
and
therefore
enables
me
to
understand
more
about
myself.
My
heritage
Question
3:
What
do
you
think
are
the
makes
me
who
I
am
today!
Therefore,
I
thank
characteristics
of
a
great
board
member? all
my
ancestors
and
all
the
many
activists,
named
and
un-‐named,
for
sacrificing
their
A
board
member
who
is
committed
to
recognize
her/his
lives
for
me.
dominant
privileges
and
biases
is
an
individual
who
possesses
characteristics
that
will
make
an
outstanding
board
member.
This
capability
enables
a
board
member
to
recognize
and
validate
multiple
issues
in
terms
of
not
just
Deaf
identity,
but
multiple
intersectional
identities
of
Deaf-‐Latinx
members.
Once
all
board
members
are
committed
to
monitor
their
position(s)
at
all
the
times,
then
they
are
prepared
to
work
with
Deaf-‐Latinx
from
different
backgrounds,
regardless
of
deaf
status,
class,
gender,
disability,
ethnicity,
language,
national
origin,
race,
religion,
sexual
orientation,
or
any
of
a
multitude
of
identities.
With
a
safe
space
for
all
Deaf-‐Latinx
individuals
with
multiple
intersecting
identities,
board
members
will
be
able
to
make
a
greater
contribution
to
social
justice
work.
The
terminology,
“social
justice,”
is
often
as
associated
with
violence,
trouble-‐makers,
radicals,
or
many
types
of
negative
labels.
But,
on
a
much
broader
scale,
social
justice
addresses
social
problems
to
raise
the
consciousness
of
Deaf-‐Latinx
individuals,
and
gives
them
an
appropriate
channel
for
real
change
in
multiple
areas
of
oppression,
in
both
hearing
and
Deaf
communities.
12
Cecilia Madan Cecilia Madan
Years
Involved
with
NCHDHH:
1991-‐1994
Position(s)
held:
Founding
Board
Member,
Secretary
(2
terms),
Vice
President
(1
term)
Question
3:
What
do
you
think
are
the
characteristics
of
a
great
board
member?
Being
a
visionary!
Courage
to
embrace
diversity
within
the
group
but
also
outside!
Embracing
challenges
and
defeating
apathy.
And
most
importantly
always
recruiting!
Not
sure
about
the
hardest,
but
it
was
the
most
constant
challenge
of
bearing
the
burden
of
always
having
the
responsibility
to
teach
and
breaking
down
stereotypes
and
apathy.
Always
advocating
24/7.
Question
4:
What's
the
hardest
thing
you've
ever
done
for
our
organization?
Question
1:
Why
did
you
become
involved
Not
sure
about
the
hardest,
but
it
was
the
most
with
the
organization?
constant
challenge
of
bearing
the
burden
of
always
having
the
responsibility
to
teach
and
breaking
I
became
involved
because
I
felt
very
strongly
down
stereotypes
and
apathy.
Always
advocating
that
the
Hispanic
community
needed
to
be
24/7.
heard,
seen
and
increase
our
presence
with
a
voice
that
was
unique
within
each
of
our
Question
5:
What
are
some
things
that
make
Spanish
culture.
Whether
it
was
a
Cuban,
your
heritage
special?
Mexican,
Argentina,
Puerto
Rico
etc.
nationality.
So
much
work
needed
to
be
done!
I
love
my
home
country,
as
a
6th
generation
Cuban,
We
recognized
that
the
Spanish
population
who
became
an
American-‐-‐my
heritage
serves
as
a
would
explode
and
we
wanted
to
be
ready! reminder
to
always
value
my
freedom
and
be
grateful
for
it.
This
is
the
home
of
wonderful
music,
Question
2:
How
would
you
describe
the
dances
that
can
shakes
our
hips,
and
fantastic
goals
of
the
organization,
and
how
did
the
mojitos
which
would
be
lost
without
the
infamous
organization
achieve
these
goals? cigars!
Oh!
Espresso!!
I
long
for
the
freedom
as
we
remain
in
exile
to
go
back
home
and
kiss
the
ground
that
my
family
walked
on.
Spanish
is
still
spoken
at
home
although
I
must
admit
looking
more
like
"Spanglish".
Our
goals
as
being
one
of
the
founding
members,
was
community
outreach,
education,
and
advocacy.
We
achieved
many
aspects
of
this
by
linking
up
with
other
Hispanic
groups
within
the
community
across
the
country.
This
was
all
in
attempt
to
gain
a
foothold
our
presence.
A
tremendous
challenge!
John
Lopez
was
a
consummate
politician
and
understood
the
power
behind
advocacy
groups,
such
as
La
Raza,
Hispanics
in
Higher
education,
Hispanic
parents
who
lacked
the
English
skills
also
lacked
ASL
within
the
education
mainstream.
It
was
all
about
building
bridges
and
once
made
was
to
keep
it
open,
through
trainings
and
outreaches-‐-‐
many
of
them!!
12
Angel Ramos Angel Ramos
Years Involved with NCHDHH: 1991-1994
Position held: Founding Board Member
Question
1:
Why
did
you
become
Question
2:
How
would
you
describe
the
involved
with
the
organization?
goals
of
the
organization,
and
how
did
the
organization
achieve
these
goals?
The
seeds
of
the
NHC
started
at
Gallaudet
University
when
I
was
studying
for
my
NHCDHH
was
officially
formed
at
the
Hispanic
doctorate
degree.
I
had
several
social
Deaf
Experience:
Excellence
&
Equity
-‐
San
gatherings
of
Deaf
Latinos
at
my
home
in
Antonio,
TX,
(photos
attached)
where
I
was
Maryland
and
it
became
obvious
we
needed
voted
to
the
position
of
President
of
the
an
organization
to
support
each
other
and
organization.
One
of
the
big
issues
we
discussed
focus
on
our
needs
which
Gallaudet
nor
was
the
name
of
the
organization
-‐
whether
we
NAD
were
doing.
From
these
meetings
should
call
ourselves
Latinos
or
Hispanics.
The
grew
the
idea
of
a
national
organization.
votes
for
Hispanics
won
and
thus
the
name
John
Lopez
and
I
got
together
and
NHCDHH.
One
of
the
major
goals
was
to
help
brainstormed
on
who
would
be
a
good
our
community
create
their
own
organizations
board
member
and
invited
them
to
an
in
their
communities.
During
the
first
two
years
organizational
meeting
in
1992
at
the
NHC
succeeded
in
helping
to
create
similar
Hispanic
conference
in
San
Antonio.
Since
organizations
in
Dallas
and
Philadelphia.
We
the
Hispanic/Latino
community
is
actually
also
succeeded
in
hosting
a
successful
NHC
a
community
of
over
20
Spanish
speaking
conference
in
Boston
in
1993.
countries,
John
and
I
opted
to
have
at
least
one
representative
from
the
major
Spanish
Question
3:
What
do
you
think
are
the
speaking
countries
on
the
board.
For
this
characteristics
of
a
great
board
member?
reason,
the
initial
NHC
board
had
almost
20
members,
both
hearing
and
Deaf/hard
of
A
board
member
needs
to
put
the
community
hearing
(D/HH),
with
the
majority
being
first
and
themselves
second.
A
board
member
D/HH
(photo
of
original
Board
members
needs
to
understand
that
a
leader
does
what
the
attached).
John
and
I
developed
the
By-‐laws
membership
wants
-‐
not
what
the
board
together
and
had
it
approved
at
the
first
member
wants.
The
board
member
should
NHC
meeting.
Continued…
43
certainly
try
to
convince
others
to
his/her
Question
5:
What
are
some
things
that
Angel Ramos
thinking
or
desires
but
once
a
decision
is
made
make
your
heritage
special?
he/she
must
follow
the
decision
of
the
group.
Another
characteristic
of
a
great
board
member
FAMILY.
I
find
it
so
ironic
that
in
one
breath
is
dedication
to
the
organization.
It
is
not
enough
politicians
talk
about
the
importance
of
the
to
be
on
the
board
and
say
"I
am
a
NCHDHH
family
and
in
the
other
breath
they
talk
board
member."
You
have
to
prove
it
by
your
about
deporting
Latinos/Hispanics.
Really,
actions,
and
that
means
devoting
time
and
when
it
comes
to
discussing
the
role
of
energy
to
the
success
of
NCHDHH.
If
an
family
it
has
to
start
with
the
individual
cannot
do
this
they
should
not
be
on
Latino/Hispanic
community
-‐
we
are
second
the
board. to
none.
Then
there
is
the
culture
-‐
the
music,
the
food,
our
language.
Ok,
I
have
to
include
Question
4:
What's
the
hardest
thing
you've
the
margaritas,
the
pina
coladas,
the
ropa
ever
done
for
our
organization? vieja,
the
tostones,
the
pico
de
gallo,
la
The
hardest
thing
was
letting
go
of
NHC.
I
put
my
musica,
cha
cha
cha,
meringue...our
culture
is
heart
and
soul
into
creating
and
making
NHC
a
FUN.
Life
is
to
be
enjoyed
and
who
does
it
success.
Unfortunately,
any
time
you
take
a
better
than
us
Latinos/Hispanics?
I
leadership
role
you
have
to
expect
people
to
remember
my
first
visit
to
Colombia,
South
start
taking
shots
at
you.
As
I
said,
I
created
NHC
America,
where
I
met
so
many
Colombians
and
was
their
first
and
only
president.
I
wrote
who
had
two
jobs
to
support
their
families.
the
by-‐laws
in
such
a
way
that
the
board
could
They
worked
so
hard,
took
a
taxi
or
bus
to
remove
me
as
president
if
they
were
not
work,
and
never
complained.
They
were
satisfied
with
my
leadership.
In
1994
the
board
actually
happy
-‐
they
had
a
family,
a
roof
met
and
abolished
the
position
of
president.
I
did
over
their
heads
and
food
on
the
table.
That's
not
fight
this
decision
as
the
board
had
every
all
they
needed
to
be
happy.
I
grew
up
dirt
right
to
do
so
according
to
the
by-‐laws
I
poor
in
the
slums
of
NYC
with
my
mother,
wrote.
When
they
voted
to
reduce
the
board
to
4
grandmother,
grandfather,
and
sister
in
a
people,
something
which
I
totally
disagreed
with,
small
two
bedroom
apartment
(along
with
I
also
did
not
fight
it
even
though
it
meant
I
was
plenty
of
cockroaches
and
rats).
My
mother
also
no
longer
on
the
board.
I
knew
that
reducing
worked
in
the
garment
district
sewing
the
board
to
4
people
would
put
too
much
buttons
and
sleeves
on
shirts
for
5
cents
a
responsibility
in
the
hands
of
a
few
people
and
piece.
We
were
dirt
poor
but
we
never
we
were
not
ready
for
that.
Sure
enough,
a
short
complained.
We
took
care
of
each
other
and
while
later
NHC
became
inactive.
I
continued
to
there
was
plenty
of
love
going
around
in
our
be
involved
in
Deaf
Hispanic/Latino
issues
just
family.
When
life
gave
us
lemons
we
made
not
as
a
member
of
NHC.
lemonade
and
it
was
good.
This
is
what
is
so
special
about
my
heritage.
21
Rosie Serna Rosie Serna
Years
Involved
with
NCHDHH:
1991-‐1994
Founding
Board
Member
Question
1:
Why
did
you
become
involved
Question
5:
What
are
some
things
that
make
your
with
the
organization?
heritage
special?
Because
of
the
excitement
and
making
history
I'm
a
sixth
generation
Tejana,
which
I
am
proud
of.
My
and
being
honored
as
one
of
the
first
Deaf
late
parents
taught
me
how
to
cook
genuine
Mexican
Hispanic
woman
to
serve
on
the
original
board
in
food
and
how
to
make
the
"perfect"
round
tortilla.
They
1992
(?). also
taught
me
to
love
the
Catholic
faith;
as
a
result
I
have
taught
Sunday
school
for
40
years.
Families
Question
2:
How
would
you
describe
the
goals
always
get
together
faithfully
after
church
in
the
olden
of
the
organization,
and
how
did
the
days.
Unfortunately,
today's
generation
of
Mexican-‐
organization
achieve
these
goals? Americans
do
not
always
cherish
that
tradition.
Seven
Sisters
is
the
name
of
a
town
in
South
Texas.
They
were
If
you
are
referring
to
the
goals
in
the
early
my
aunts
and
their
brother
is
my
late
father.
One
of
the
1990s,
our
goals
were
simple,
clear
and
7
sisters
is
still
alive!
The
aunts
were
"pure"
Tejanas
reasonable.
Then
we
lost
sight
of
the
goals.
and
always
wore
Mexican
attire.
All
spoke
Castilian
Leaders
changed,
first
few
years
were
good,
then
Spanish
fluently.
Their
love
for
music
and
dance
a
kind
of
decline
took
place.
Different
officers,
influenced
me
to
became
a
professional
dancer.
Here's
high
turnover
and
declining
number
of
the
link
about
the
town's
history
and
a
photo
of
the
conference
attendees
and
members
probably
led
founder
(Refugio
Serna,
owner
of
an
original
Spanish
to
apathy. land
grant)
with
my
two
of
the
seven
aunts,
dated
about
1900.
Question
3:
What
do
you
think
are
the
characteristics
of
a
great
board
member? Additional
Information:
From
1967
to
present:
Texas
Association
of
the
Deaf,
Catholic
organizations,
Austin
Honesty,
focus,
teamwork
believer,
fairness,
Deaf
Abused
Children
and
Women,
TSD
alumni,
dance
open-‐minded,
and
friendly
to
all
races
and
age
companies,
Deaf
Hispanic
Women
and
NCHDHH.
TAD
is
groups.
more
diversified
than
before
and
they
represent
me
as
a
Deaf
Texan.
Question
4:
What's
the
hardest
thing
you've
ever
done
for
our
organization?
Being
accepted
as
equal
before
most
"macho"
men.
The
hardest
thing
as
a
deaf
Hispanic
woman
from
Texas
was
accepting
the
word
"Latino"
instead
of
"Hispanic"
or
even
the
sign
for
both
words.
21
Ronald Stern Ronald Stern
Years
Involved
with
NCHDHH:
2005-‐2008
Position
Held:
Treasurer
Question
1:
Why
did
you
become
involved
Question
5:
What
are
some
things
that
make
your
with
the
organization?
heritage
special?
Because
NMSD
and
New
Mexico
are
at
least
It
was
not
until
after
I
moved
to
New
Mexico
that
I
50%
Hispanic
and
the
growing
nature
of
the
fully
understood
the
special
tug
I
have
felt
to
the
population,
I
very
much
recognized
the
need
to
Hispanic
population
and
its
cultures
and
have
a
vibrant
national
organization
of,
by
and
languages.
From
my
mother,
I
learned
that
family
on
for
Hispanic
Deaf. my
mother’s
side
was
originally
from
Spain
during
Inquisition
and
that
it
was
because
of
it
that
they
had
Question
2:
How
would
you
describe
the
immigrated
to
Germany.
So
in
addition
to
being
goals
of
the
organization,
and
how
did
the
Jewish
and
a
member
of
a
minority
that
has
been
organization
achieve
these
goals?
oppressed
and
discriminated
against
for
many,
many
years,
I
now
know
I
also
have
Hispanic
blood.
I
am
While
the
goals
of
the
organization
are
multi-‐ now
more
convinced
than
ever
that
I
understand
why
faceted
impacting
the
lives
of
Hispanic
Deaf
in
I
am
passionate
about
social
justice
and
cultural
many
different
ways,
there
is
a
distinct
sensitivity.
common
thread.
And
this
is
to
enhance
the
quality
of
life
of
today
and
tomorrow’s
Hispanic
Additional
information:
Deaf
via
empowerment
and
advocating
for
the
My
involvement
started
along
with
the
other
charter
unique
and
common
needs
and
issues
of
this
members
of
the
current
NHC
organization
from
the
Hispanic
but
also
diverse
population. get-‐go
in
the
early
2000’s.
I
was
also
treasurer
at
first.
Question
3:
What
do
you
think
are
the
characteristics
of
a
great
board
member?
One
who
is
passionate,
committed,
sensitive,
a
team
player,
a
great
listener
and
has
integrity
and
humility.
Question
4:
What's
the
hardest
thing
you've
ever
done
for
our
organization?
To
be
a
part
of
the
group
that
was
trying
to
bring
people
back
on
board
and
raise
interest
nationally
in
the
resurrection
of
having
a
national
organization
12
Angelina Tejeda Ortiz Angelina Tejeda Ortiz
Years
Involved
with
NCHDHH:
2005-‐2009
Position
held:
Board
Member
and
Secretary
“Deaf”
person
just
because
I
didn’t
attend
a
Deaf
school.
I
had
little
influence
in
Deaf
communities
at
that
time,
other
than
my
own.
I
had
to
resign
to
help
raise
my
Deaf
grandson
who
was
born
dead
but
resuscitated
and
was
left
with
hearing
loss.
I
have
since
become
his
role
model,
homeschooling
him.
Question
5:
What
are
some
things
that
make
your
heritage
special?
Its
language,
culture
and
customs
(traditions)
that
differentiate
it
from
other
cultures
yet
at
the
same
time
it
participates
in
it.
I
taught
Mexican
folklorico
for
40
years
to
many
hearing
children
(no
Deaf
children
registered),
retiring
some
8
years
ago.
I
have
loved
teaching
dancing
and
miss
it
so
very
much….
Additional
Information:
Question
1:
Why
did
you
become
involved
with
the
Born
in
Arturo
Martinez
Adame,
Durango,
Mexico
organization?
I
had
just
been
appointed
by
Governor
Janet
Present
Residence:
Lake
Havasu
City,
Arizona
Napolitano
to
the
Arizona
Commission
for
the
Deaf
and
Hard
of
Hearing
(ACDHH)
when
I
was
requested
Father
Deaf,
Aztec
Indian.
Mother
Hearing,
Tarahumara
to
attend
the
NCHDHH
conference
in
Washington,
D.C.
Indian
without
understanding
what
was
going
on.
I
did
not
expect
to
be
appointed
Secretary
but
accepted
it
with
Oral
Schooling,
Avondale
School
district/Agua
Fria
Union
grace.
As
I
became
involved
I
felt
honored,
humbled
High
School
(one
older
Deaf
sister
orally
schooled
with
me,
and
fortunate
to
join
such
a
stellar
organization
whose
younger
Deaf
sister
attended
Arizona
State
School
for
the
goals
matched
mine
but
on
a
national
scale.
Deaf
at
Tucson,
Arizona).
Older
sister
and
I
were
refused
entrance
to
ASDB
since
we
already
spoke
three
(3)
Question
2:
How
would
you
describe
the
goals
of
languages:
Nahuatl,
Raramuri
and
Spanish
the
organization,
and
how
did
the
organization
achieve
these
goals?
Deaf
Advocate
in
Lake
Havasu
City,
Mohave
County,
Az
Reach
out
to
all
Deaf
Latinos
and
invite
them
to
Member
of
non-‐profit
Boards:
become
participatory
in
the
national
group
to
achieve
national
goals.
Goals
achieved
state
wide
impact
the
Colorado
River
Association
of
the
Deaf
and
Hard
of
group
nationally.
At
that
time
we
tried
to
raise
funds
Hearing
(CRADHH),
President
2005-‐2009
state
by
state,
by
holding
fundraisers
and
exposing
the
public
to
the
customs,
traditions
and
different
Latino
Americans
with
Disabilities
Act
Advisory
Board,
Board
signed
languages.
Member,
2005-‐2010
Question
3:
What
do
you
think
are
the
Arizona
Commission
for
the
Deaf
and
Hard
of
Hearing,
characteristics
of
a
great
board
member?
Board
member
and
Interpreter
Review
Committee,
2005-‐
2009
One
who
is
willing
to
work
to
unify
all
Deaf
Latinos,
who
is
skilled
in
public
speaking,
fundraising
and
National
Council
of
Hispano
Deaf
and
Hard
of
Hearing,
advocacy,
one
who
is
skilled
in
leadership
and
Board
member/Secretary,
2005-‐2009
negotiations.
Intertribal
Deaf
Council,
Board
member/Secretary,
2005-‐
Question
4:
What's
the
hardest
thing
you've
ever
2009
done
for
our
organization?
Mohave
Community
College,
ASL
Instructor/Language
Raising
funds
in
Arizona
because
I
did
not
reside
in
Articulation
Task
Force
ASL/Spanish
Language
Special
any
of
the
big
metropolitan
areas
but
rather
a
small
Events
presenter,
1998-‐present
out
of
the
way
town.
I
wasn’t
locally
known
as
a
21
Franklin C. Torres, Ph.D. Franklin C. Torres
Years
Involved
with
NCHDHH:
2006-‐2013
Position
Held:
Board
Member
(2006-‐2008),
Treasurer
(2008-‐2013)
Question
3:
What
do
you
think
are
the
characteristics
of
a
great
board
member?
I
think
a
great
board
member
should
include:
understands
and
is
committed
to
the
organization's
mission,
acts
as
a
advocate
for
the
organization
and
its
members,
respects
the
opinions
of
others,
contributes
knowledge,
approaches
responsibilities,
and
avoids
any
possibility
of
conflict
of
interest.
Question
1:
Why
did
you
become
involved
Question
4:
What's
the
hardest
thing
you've
with
the
organization?
ever
done
for
our
organization?
When
I
was
invited
to
a
special
farewell
party
As
a
chairperson
for
the
first
national
conference,
I
for
Mr.
John
Lopez
who
passed
away
in
the
past
started
to
set
up
the
national
conference
in
of
6
years,
I
met
some
significant
Latino.
They
Washington,
DC.
I
had
a
few
volunteers
who
were
found
me
that
I
was
able
to
contribute
to
deaf
NCH
board
members
to
help
out.
From
there,
we
Latino
community.
They
invited
me
to
attend
a
built
a
better
relationship
to
understand
the
leadership
training
in
Albuquerque,
New
importance
of
responsibilities
and
Mexico
in
2005.
After
the
training
session,
I
commitments.
As
a
treasurer,
I
had
a
watchdog
was
appointed
as
a
member
at
large
for
this
role
over
all
aspects
of
financial
management.
I
organization.
That's
why
I
involved
with
this
ensured
effective
monitoring
and
reporting
from
since
2005. all
board
members
to
do
some
fundraisers
but
it's
not
easy
to
do
that
part.
Question
2:
How
would
you
describe
the
goals
of
the
organization,
and
how
did
the
Question
5:
What
are
some
things
that
make
organization
achieve
these
goals? your
heritage
special?
The
organization's
goals
to
increase
access
to
My
family
comes
from
Peru.
I
enjoy
celebrating
general
information
through
national
Incan
ancestry
especially
traditional
dances
and
conference,
websites,
and
social
media. food.
Loud
colors
in
Incan's
dresses.
The
organization
has
achieved
their
goals
are
Additional
information:
the
national
biennial
conference
in
different
I
established
an
organization
in
Latino
Deaf
and
HH
regional
states.
We
did
accomplish
four
times
of
Metro
DC
Area
in
2005
and
served
as
president
for
the
national
conference
since
2007.
The
for
two
terms
(2005-‐2008,
2008-‐2010).
organization
also
has
increased
and
grown
to
reach
out
more
unique
deaf
Latino
individuals
to
get
involved
with.
Past NCHDHH Conferences
1st National Conference (Washington, D.C.)
2nd National Conference (Chicago)
3rd National Conference (Austin)
4th National Conference (Albuquerque, NM)
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer
Rogelio Fernández, Jr. Milmaglyn "Milly" Morales Roberto Sandoval Paolina Ramirez
Executive Director Director of Marketing Director of Fundraising
Director of Public Policy
Mark Apodaca Carlos Aponte, Jr. Corina Gutiérrez
Director of Membership Director of Community Director of Continuing
Outreach Education
Socorro Moore Jim Vigil Elvia Guillermo
www.councildemanos.org