The NAD bids farewell to Chanel Bonheyo who as our Director of Youth Programs supervised and managed all of our youth programs since 2017. Chanel brought her innovative spirit to the NAD Youth Programs and revitalized its programming and events. To continue providing opportunities for deaf youth during the pandemic, Chanel pivoted the Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) program to go virtual. To reach even more deaf youth during this challenging time, Chanel initiated the Jr. NAD Advisors Academy webinar series.
In Chanel’s farewell message, she shares, “I cannot thank the NAD enough for the experience and growth it has given me. The NAD is truly a special place to work. The impact the NAD makes as a community is what drives me to show up for our deaf youth everyday.”
Starting June 1st, Claudia Giordano will join the NAD as our new Director of Youth Programs which will oversee Youth Leadership Camp, Jr. NAD, College Bowl, Pitch Competition, and National Deaf Youth Day. Claudia has a strong background in working with families and deaf youth. We look forward to Claudia’s leadership and continue the development of our future deaf leaders through our programs.
Claudia is a dedicated and passionate professional who is driven by unwavering enthusiasm and a strong commitment to positively impacting the lives of young individuals. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in Family and Child Studies from Gallaudet University, Claudia’s journey began with an internship working with the Educational Policy Counsel at the NAD, where her passion for volunteering and community service took root. She coordinated conferences such as the National Deaf Education Conference and the National Deaf People of Color Conference while advocating for deaf students in K-12 and Higher Education. Claudia’s dedication to making a difference led her to earn a Master’s degree in Early Language Advocacy. Beyond her professional pursuits, Claudia finds joy in watching TV shows, bouldering, trying new recipes, and caring for her plants. She also cherishes the company of her beloved cat, Theon. Claudia eagerly looks forward to collaborating with everyone involved in the NAD Youth Programs, empowering deaf youth leaders, and leveraging her diverse experiences and dedicated passion to create a lasting impact.
Incoming Director of Youth Programs, Claudia, is excited to start, “I’m forever incredibly grateful for the NAD entrusting me with this significant role. I’m ready to create meaningful experiences and uplight the future generation of deaf leaders. Together, let’s foster their growth as they thrive and embrace their limitless potential!”
Howard A. Rosenblum, NAD CEO comments, “The NAD is indebted to Chanel for her amazing energy and efforts that enhanced all of our youth programs. Our future is bright with the deaf youth who benefited from Chanel’s leadership. We are thrilled to have Claudia join as our new Director of Youth Programs to carry on the torch passed by Chanel.”
Claudia’s first order of business will be to join the YLC Administration Team this summer in Stayton, Oregon while planning for the Jr. NAD’s National Conference with the Maryland School for the Deaf to happen this Fall. Please join us in welcoming Claudia to the NAD Team!
The NAD Youth Programs prepare young deaf and hard of hearing Americans to become future leaders and advocates by increasing their self-determination, sense of community, and thirst for knowledge. These programs include the annual National Deaf Youth Day, the Jr. National Association of the Deaf (Jr. NAD) chapter network and biennial conferences, the annual NAD Youth Leadership Camp (YLC), the biennial Pitch Competition, and the biennial College Bowl competition.
The NAD was established in 1880 by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. As a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more.