Leadership. Accountability.

Region I Representative (2026–2030)

Bio forthcoming.

Luisa Gasco-Soboleski, M.Ed., a native of Philadelphia, PA, is a third-generation Deaf woman
whose life has been dedicated to education, leadership, advocacy, and advancing opportunities
for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Luisa began her career at the American School for the Deaf, where she served as an educator
before becoming a principal. She earned her B.A. from Chestnut Hill College, M.Ed. in Deaf
Education from Temple University, and sixth-year degree in Educational Leadership from
Central Connecticut State University.

After retiring in 2017, Luisa continued her commitment to education by teaching ASL at the
University of Connecticut and serving as a consultant with the Marie Philip School in
Framingham, Massachusetts.

Today, Luisa serves as President of the Connecticut Association of the Deaf and remains active
in advocacy. She has served on task forces and advisory boards and works with organizations
including Disability Rights Connecticut, the Connecticut Hospital Association, and Connecticut
Hands & Voices. She is Co-Chair of the State Advisory Board for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of
Hearing individuals and serves on the National Hands & Voices Board.

A passionate advocate for communication access in healthcare, Luisa continues to educate
professionals and promote access, inclusion, and opportunity for the Deaf community.

Katy Hagmeyer is a Deaf leader and advocate with extensive experience in mental health services, public policy engagement, and Deaf community leadership in Wisconsin. She is recognized for her commitment to advancing culturally and linguistically accessible services and increasing Deaf representation in decision-making spaces.

She previously served as President and Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf (WAD), as well as Chair and member of the Governor’s Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, where she provided leadership to expand statewide collaboration, increase civic engagement, and strengthen legislative advocacy. During her tenure, WAD established Deaf and Hard of Hearing Legislative Day, creating opportunities for community members to engage directly with state leaders on issues affecting accessibility, equity, and linguistic rights.

Currently, she serves as Chair of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Interpreter Licensure Committee, providing leadership and oversight related to interpreter licensure, professional standards, and accountability across Wisconsin.

Katy is the founder of Deaf Inspire, LLC, a Deaf-owned entity focused on Deaf-centered mental health services. A proud RIT alumni, Katy also holds dual Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Educational Psychology from the Alverno College, and brings a background in governance, policy-informed advocacy, and community engagement.

Christopher Samp, of Michigan, is the Director of the Office of Disability Affairs for the City of Detroit, where he leads collaborative efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion while supporting more than 127,000 Detroiters with disabilities. He is also a certified ADA Coordinator. Samp holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Public Policy from the Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Washington Tacoma.

Samp has previously served as a delegate on several occasions, representing the Empire State Association of the Deaf, Deaf in Government, and the Michigan Deaf Association at biennial conferences of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). He currently serves as a board member of the Michigan Governor’s Advisory Council on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.

Ari Latino is a local community advocate committed to service, leadership, and advancing Deaf advocacy. He began working with nonprofit organizations at the age of 15, where he developed a strong foundation in community engagement, collaboration, and service-driven leadership. These early experiences shaped his long-term dedication to supporting Deaf-led initiatives and strengthening access within the Deaf community.

Ari was actively involved in the National Association of the Deaf Youth Section, where he worked closely with Deaf youth to better understand their needs, amplify their thoughts, and help shape the future of Deaf advocacy, community, and culture. Through this work, he gained valuable insight into the importance of inclusive leadership, mentorship, and youth empowerment.

Currently, Ari works in media services and collaborates with a wide range of nonprofit organizations to support their missions through effective communication, outreach, and storytelling. His focus is on helping organizations strengthen their connection with the communities they serve while remaining aligned with their core values and goals. Ari looks forward to sharing his perspectives and contributing thoughtfully to NAD’s work to help address gaps, expand access, and strengthen the Deaf community.

DeAnna Swope works as a Direct Service Manager at Activating Change and is the founder and CEO of Diamond Speaks LLC. Her professional work centers on social justice, survivor advocacy, and community education within Deaf communities, with a focus on culturally responsive and community-driven approaches.

Prior to her current role, she served as Program Director at BRIDGES, a Deaf-led domestic violence program in Georgia. In that role, she supported survivor services, strengthened advocacy programs, and worked closely with community partners to improve access to resources for Deaf survivors. Her work emphasized safety, accountability, and survivor-centered practices.

She has also contributed to public dialogue and community education through her role as host of Sign Your Truth, a platform dedicated to elevating marginalized voices and encouraging open conversations on issues impacting Deaf communities. She serves as a Governor appointed for the Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

DeAnna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Public Administration.

Joseph “JoJo” Lopez III works as a Developmental Specialist in Early Intervention at the New Mexico School for the Deaf, where he supports young children and families during critical stages of language and developmental growth. He also serves as an adjunct instructor of American Sign Language at New Mexico State University, teaching ASL Levels I and II.

He is an alumnus of the California School for the Deaf, Riverside, and Gallaudet University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a Master of Arts in Sign Language Education. His professional work reflects a strong commitment to education, early language access, and culturally responsive practice.

In addition to his professional roles, he is actively involved in community leadership and advocacy. He serves on the boards of Raíces del Rio Grande, New Mexico Mano A Mano, Council de Manos, and the National Association of the Deaf, contributing to initiatives that support community engagement, leadership development, and access across diverse Deaf communities.

JoJo’s work reflects a dedication to strengthening early intervention systems, expanding educational access, and supporting collaborative, community-based advocacy.

Region IV Representative (2026-2030)

Bio forthcoming.