National Association of the Deaf

Come and watch Rachel Mazique, Miss Deaf America 2010-2012, as she relinquishes her crown and says farewell to her two years as NAD ambassador! The 40th and last-ever NAD Miss Deaf America Ambassador Program gives talented women who win the preliminary competition, the opportunity to vie for the title of Miss Deaf America in the finals!

Contestants representing their home state associations of the deaf, will showcase their self-confidence and poise, demonstrate their talents, express their opinions and share their ambitions while competing for the title to become the 2012 - 2014 Miss Deaf America. The MDA Ambassador will be a role model for deaf and hard of hearing individuals across America.

From New Mexico, Mark Ramirez, the MDA co-emcee, is looking forward to his third summer at the NAD Youth Leadership Camp as the Assistant Director. Afterward, he will begin graduate studies to obtain his Master’s in Social Work from Gallaudet University while embracing all the other opportunities in the area before he sets out to accomplish a long list of goals he is determined to achieve. Mark's main focus will be providing support and guidance to deaf youth and their family members and to be compassionate for all other individuals who are in need. Mark enjoys advocacy, traveling, staying active and fit, and spending time away from the materialistic world whenever he gets the chance.

 

Miss Deaf America 2012 Contestants

Loretta Jeanette “Jetta” Sanford – Miss Deaf Arkansas Age: 19 Graduated From: Little Rock Christian Academy Current University: University of Arkansas at Little Rock Major: Business Future Career Goals/Plans: Own a restaurant Chaperone: Debbie J. Elliott State Director: Judy “Ju-Ju” Brint-Murphy

Ka-Yun “Kai” Chan – Miss Deaf California Age: 20 Graduated From: South Hills High School Current University: California State University, Northridge Major: Journalism Future Career Goals/Plans: Utilize my journalism degree and work for a magazine company and establish a t-shirt business Chaperone: Kimberly Han State Director: Amanda Folendorf

Trisha Leigh Waddell – Miss Deaf Kansas Age: 19 Graduated From: Kansas School for the Deaf Current University: Gallaudet University Major: English Future Career Goals/Plans: Continue my educational journey in receiving Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Gothic Literature and pursue a career in teaching Chaperone: LaDonna M. Snyder State Director: Angela Arnold

Sandra Mae Frank – Miss Deaf Kentucky Age: 22 Graduated From: Kentucky School for the Deaf Current University: Gallaudet University Major: Theatre Arts under Production/Performance Future Career Goals/Plans: Continue with my acting career by pursuing in MFA at Tisch School for the Arts under New York University and do everything with theatre arts Chaperone: Ina Faye Price State Director: Holly Evans

Chanel Mandeville Gleicher – Miss Deaf Maryland Age: 20 Graduated From: Maryland School for the Deaf Current University: Gallaudet University Major: Communication Studies Future Career Goals/Plans: Travel and pursue a master’s degree in magazine journalism Chaperone: Marie Campbell State Director: Charm Smith

Jennifer Tori Little – Miss North Carolina Age: 27 Graduated From: North Carolina School for the Deaf Current University: Gallaudet University Major: Social Work Future Career Goals/Plans: Continue and enhance my work and involvement with the deaf community by providing support and encouragement to allow them to become contributing members within their communities Chaperone: Yvonnia Johnson State Director: Alicia Griffin

Kayla Elaine Head – Miss Deaf Tennessee Age: 18 Graduated From: Cannon County High School Current University: Gallaudet University Major: English/Communication Studies Future Career Goals/Plans: Work for a publishing company while pursuing my passion for writing Chaperone: Kim Dance State Director: Suzanne Russell

Kayla Lauren Stubbs – Miss Deaf Utah Age: 21 Graduated From: Pleasant Grove High School Current University: Utah Valley University Major: Social Work/Psychology Future Career Goals/Plans: Work as a social worker Chaperone: Andrea Anderson State Director: Andrea Anderson

Chelsea Michel Newberry – Miss Deaf Idaho Age: 24 Graduated From: Idaho School for the Deaf & Blind Past/Current University: College of Southern Idaho; Gallaudet University Major: Liberal Arts Future Career Goals/Plans: Business Administration/Secondary Education Chaperone: Kellsy Gallup State Director: Chelsea Paulson/Darcy Sinsley

Jenna Ann Smith – Miss Deaf Indiana Age: 18 Graduated From: Indiana School for the Deaf Current University: Gallaudet University Major: Elementary Education Future Career Goals/Plans: Become an elementary teacher and actress Chaperone: Lottie Fears State Director: Joanna Witulski

Kimberlie Nicole Bennett – Miss Deaf Alabama Age: 19 Graduated From: Alabama School for the Deaf Current University: Gallaudet University Major: Physical Therapy Future Career Goals/Plans: Receive my Ph.D. in Physical Therapy Chaperone: Debbie Cruzan State Director: Tammie Kelley

Sericia Jackerson – Miss Deaf Texas Age: 24 Graduated From: Texas School for the Deaf Current University: Gallaudet University Major: Communication Studies Future Career Goals/Plans: Graduate with two master’s degrees and get a job to help people Chaperone: Patti Fry-Hill State Director: Amanda Tuite

Sophia Stone – Miss Deaf Arizona Age: 19 Graduated From: Phoenix Day School for the Deaf Current University: Gallaudet University Major: Communication Studies and Business Future Career Goals/Plans: Become a cosmetologist Chaperone: Aimee Siegel State Director: Jenni Ewald/Lisa Hassell

Mary Rios - Miss Deaf Oklahoma Age: 24 Graduated From: University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Past/Current University: Cameron University Major: Deaf Education Future Career Goals/Plans: I am interested in pursuing a Master’s Degree in School Psychology at Rochester Institute of Technology or working under the Department of Defense Education Agency in Okinawa within two years. Chaperone: Kassandra Jones State Director: Bree Logan