Who We Are

Lissa Ramirez-Stapleton is an educator, author, and founder of The Black Deaf Project. She's a passionate advocate for equity, access, and identity development, with a focus on Black Deaf communities. Lissa holds a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis on Higher Education and Social Justice. She has worked extensively with Deaf College Students of Color and is actively involved with her local Deaf community. Lissa currently serves as an Associate Professor in Student Affairs at California State University, Fullerton, and resides in Southern California with her wife, Marcela Ramirez-Stapleton, and their daughter Kalia. Learn more on her personal website.

Raynisha is a Freelance Project Manager with a Bachelor's degree in business Administration; Management, known for blending strategy, creativity, and community care. She has led diverse projects with precision and heart, creating systems that empower collaboration and impact. A published writer with works featured in e-zines, she thrives in spaces that honor culture, accessibility, and authenticity. Fluent in ASL and rooted in advocacy, Raynisha leads with vision, resilience, and a drive to build pathways for joy and liberation.

Jimel was born in Saint Ann, Jamaica and raised in Illinois.  He works as a teacher at CSDF.  He has been involved with community advocacy particularly focused on gender based violence toward women.  His experience with deaf youth consists of serving as Camp Director for Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) from 2018 - 2023.  Jimel is passionate about the work he does with the deaf youth and aspires to bring community awareness and be a positive influence.

Moni', a resilient figure from Oakland and Vallejo, California, is an ASL Professor and single mother of three. She holds a B.A. in Deaf Studies and an M.A. in Sign Language Education. Beyond teaching, she supports Black Deaf communities, and black single mothers, and promotes mental health awareness. Moni' serves as California Educator of the Deaf, Director of Equality and Inclusion, and Western Black Deaf Advocates Regional Representative, fostering unity and breaking stereotypes.

Odun is an elementary teacher at the California School for the Deaf, Fremont. He enjoys working with and is fascinated by the language development of Deaf children. Odun is passionate about representation and inclusive education, he has organized impactful cultural events and contributed to ASL literature Odun is committed to fostering safe, creative spaces where Deaf students can thrive academically and culturally.

Flo Ashlee' McHenry, a renowned American Sign Language Interpreter with impressive academic credentials, holding an M.A. in Higher Educational Leadership and a B.A. in Deaf Studies. Her research centers on the intersectionality of Deaf people of color, particularly within Black Deaf communities, and their access to higher education. McHenry's work is both inspiring and vital. Her expertise in American Sign Language interpretation, coupled with her leadership role, offers unique insights. Her commitment to improving access and equity in education for marginalized communities, including her focus on the challenges faced by Black Deaf individuals, demonstrates her dedication to driving positive change in this critical field.

Alice is a proud Black Deaf woman, born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a graduate of a mainstream school. With over 25 years of experience in education—mostly at the high school level—She teaches Art, Bilingual Language Arts, and Ethnic Studies. Her passion stands in culturally responsive teaching, uplifting Deaf and diverse students, and building community through creativity and leadership. Outside of work, She is a loyal Green Bay Packers fan who loves traveling, reading, crafting, and digging in the dirt with her green thumb.

Trinity is a Black deafdisabled disability justice advocate, critical thinker, digital organizer, and communicator, with a global perspective. She is an Masters of Public Health candidate at Brown University, graduating in December 2026. Her focus is on communities impacted by the carceral state experiencing disablement and disabling conditions, as well as neglect based on identity and geopolitical factors. Trinity is also a 2023 MediaJustice Fellow, where she researched racial disinformation and anti-disability narratives in the media. She is highly passionate about learning and community building within her communities. In her personal time, Trinity enjoys expressing herself through poetry, dancing, and cherishing moments with her dog.

Noelle are an Early Childhood Deaf Educator at California School for the Deaf, Fremont. During their time at CSDF, Noelle has taught Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in Kindergarten, Preschool, and Infant/Toddlers as well as mentored families who are navigating their child’s language journey. When Noelle is not in their classroom, they love mentoring aspiring new ASL interpreters, interpreting as a DI out in their community, and performing in musical productions with local community theaters and non-profit organizations. Noelle recently graduated with their Ed.S. from Gallaudet University and is eager to start their Ph.D. in the fall.

Bree is a Creative Producer and filmmaker with a passion for telling stories that center and celebrate marginalized voices, particularly within the Deaf and Black communities. A recent Master of Fine Arts graduate in Film & TV Production with an emphasis in Creative Producing, Bree brings a strong background in development, research, and directing. Her journey began as an aide in a Deaf and hard of hearing classroom, and she has since worked professionally as an ASL interpreter for various interpreting agencies. With years of direct experience in Deaf education and communication access, Bree approaches storytelling and advocacy with cultural fluency, community insight, and a deep commitment to authentic representation. She is drawn to character-driven narratives that explore identity, resilience, and underrepresented perspectives and is dedicated to creating spaces, both on and off screen, where those voices lead.

​Tori is a dedicated Deaf educator with over 18 years of involvement in the Deaf community and 11 years working in Deaf education. She currently teaches 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Deaf students, and her passion lies in ensuring our Deaf youth have equitable access to language, education, and cultural affirmation. She holds a B.A. in Deaf Studies from California State University Northridge, with a focus in community advocacy, and a Master of Public Administration from California State University Domingus Hills. She believes in the power of representation and culturally responsive education to transform lives. She committed to empowering Deaf youth through advocacy, access, and authentic connection.