The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is excited to announce this month’s #NADHandwave! The monthly #NADHandwave recognition program is an opportunity for everyone to meet an individual who has contributed greatly to the betterment of the deaf community. This month’s #NADHandwave goes to Mayra Castro, another fantastic individual for us all to meet!
Mayra Castro is a proud Cuban-American born to emigrant Cuban parents. In 2012, she received her Certificate in Event Planning Management from Bergen County Community College. Prior to her certificate studies, Mayra received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Gallaudet University in 1996. While at Gallaudet University, Mayra was involved with the Hispanic Student Organization from 1992-1996 and received the “Youth Leadership Award” from the National Hispanic Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She is one of the founding members of the Tri-State Deaf Latino Association serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Currently, she works as a Logistic Coordinator for the My Heart Glow Tour and with the Financial Strategies Academy.
She is known for her quick “YES” to help, support, or to take on a task. As a committed loyal community member, she’s not one to turn down an opportunity. Her past activities include the National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing Conference, Deaf Women of Color Conference, Academic Bowl at the New Jersey School for the Deaf, National Association of the Deaf Conferences, 15th Reunion Coordinator for the Gallaudet University Class of 1997, and she was the Gala Coordinator, for the New Jersey Association of the Deaf biennial conference. Her most recent accomplishment is receiving the Humanitarian Award from the New Jersey Association of the Deaf in November 2013.
The NAD is the nation’s premier civil rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. Established in 1880, the NAD was shaped 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. These beliefs remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more – improving the lives of millions of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. The NAD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by the generosity of individual and organizational donors, including corporations and foundations.
From the NAD, we thank you Mayra for your loyal commitment to our community!