DeafNation Expo Presenters

Andy Lange is the Communication Access Analyst for sComm.

Briana Johnson, known by her stage name “Beautiful,” is a deaf performer and advocate from Atlanta, Georgia. Diagnosed as deaf at age four, Briana was inspired by her mother, who taught her to see deafness as a gift and a source of strength—an outlook that inspired her stage name and continues to guide her life.

Her passion for music and performance began early through her mother’s gospel group, Dear Children, where she helped choreograph and perform. Despite facing bullying as the only deaf student in her class, Briana excelled academically and socially—becoming an honor roll student, cheer captain, and dance team member. She later earned a full academic scholarship to Gallaudet University, where she received her BA in Government/Law.

Crowned Miss Black Deaf America (2009–2011), Briana has used her platform to advocate for the Deaf community. She has performed nationwide at events including DeafNation Expo and the Apollo Theater in NYC.

In 2018, she founded Signdance, a dance company dedicated to bridging the gap between Deaf and hearing communities through music and sign language, guided by the motto: “Let’s groove to the beat and learn sign language.”

Brad is a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). He performs comedy in both English and American Sign Language (ASL), all about growing up in both the Deaf & Hearing communities. Brad has performed all over the world, including Laugh Factory, Comix Roadhouse, and the Floodwater Comedy Festival. His funny videos with his Deaf parents have generated millions of views online. Fun fact, Brad’s childhood dream was to own a s’mores factory so he could eat them whenever he wanted.

I love playing video games and staying active. I enjoy fun challenges and thrive on creativity, whether it’s design, art, or building things. I’m passionate about creating and remodeling projects, experimenting with 3D printing, and bringing new ideas to life that inspire happiness and positive energy.

Connecting communities by delivering innovative communications solutions for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals. Stop by our booth to learn more about Sorenson.

Hello I’m Carolyn Stem, a lifetime ASL instructor.

When I was transferred to a public elementary school with no program setup for Deaf children. In trying to be inclusive in various activities with hearing, non-signers. To the chagrin of the teachers, I started teaching signs to my classmates and quickly we were able to sign-talk or whisper with each other, even during classes. The eager interest of students toward signing set me for a lifetime of teaching ASL

Academically I’ve taught at various colleges and universities in north Illinois and Chicago areas, the San Francisco Bay and Monterey coastal areas, and the Austin and DFW areas

Carol Stem discovered sign language early by observing classmates and creating her own “home signs,” which sparked a lifelong passion for American Sign Language. After moving to a public school with no signing environment, she began teaching signs to her peers—an experience that shaped her future as an ASL educator. She has taught ASL across colleges and universities in Illinois, California, Texas, and the DFW area, focusing on linguistic, social, and cultural aspects, along with workshops and community events. Carol has presented at DeafNation Expo multiple times, sharing key aspects of ASL to inspire greater public interest and support for the Deaf community. Her current work includes developing online courses and supporting ASL teachers, and she even showcases how her dog responds to and creates signs for communication.

HOTWORX is my go-to escape during work breaks, and I love unwinding by binge-watching The Vampire Diaries.

Connecting communities by delivering innovative communications solutions for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals. Stop by our booth to learn more about Sorenson.

We are a food and catering business focused on fresh, creative meals and inclusive experiences. As a Deaf-friendly brand, we value visual communication and use social media to share recipes, connect with our community, and make food accessible for everyone.

14 years at Sorenson | When I’m not working, you can usually find me on the golf course | Avid Skier and traveler

Connecting communities by delivering innovative communications solutions for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals. Stop by our booth to learn more about Sorenson.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Daymond began performing at the young age of 5. He earned a college degree in Psychology, and continued his college education completing acting courses at Tyler Junior College. Pursuing his dream of being able to perform on stage, sign sing, direct, and create his own show, he became a professional performing artist and an ASL consultant for theatre in 2016. He has spent many years working as a mentor for interpreters and supporting theatres as an ASL consultant. In his spare time, Daymond also works as a freelance photographer and creator and producer of the Youtube show “Click Click Crop,” a photography competition for the Deaf and Hard of hearing.

He laughs, signs, listens, and connects in a way only someone who has lived the Deaf experience can. For many children, he is the first Santa Claus they can truly communicate with. For parents, it becomes a moment they will never forget.

Dekisha is an Access Specialist at Deaf Action Center who focuses on advocacy, civil rights education, and empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to navigate systems and remove barriers. Born and raised in Dallas in a large Deaf family, she brings lived experience and a strong commitment to equity, cultural diversity, and language access. A graduate of Gallaudet University with a degree in International Studies and minors in Education, English, and Spanish, Dekisha is passionate about community-driven advocacy and ensuring Deaf individuals have the knowledge and tools to exercise their rights. She is proud to serve the community through education, outreach, and meaningful support.

I enjoy spending time in the garden, nurturing my green thumb. I also love exploring the history of classic cars and the ways they’ve shaped modern automotive design.

Connecting communities by delivering innovative communications solutions for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals. Stop by our booth to learn more about Sorenson.

Salman Eraj is a radiation oncologist at City of Hope Atlanta treating all types of cancer. He has been passionate about science from a young age and was drawn to oncology after losing his father in college. He is particularly fascinated by the power and precision of modern radiation therapies, which allow physicians to treat cancer in ways that are both highly targeted and noninvasive. Guided early in his career by mentors at M.D. Anderson and training at leading institutions including the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Eraj is motivated by the belief that collaborative, integrative cancer care can make a meaningful difference in patients’ outcomes and experiences. His passion extends beyond the clinic through research, education, and innovation in radiotherapy, all rooted in his commitment to advancing cancer treatment and providing hope to the patients and families he serves.

Being a deaf consumer himself and directly involved in serving deaf and hard of hearing community for the past 12 years with a specialty in ADA and accessibility law from his Deafness Resource Specialist days, Eric has developed a strong understanding and perspective of the cultural and language barriers often experienced by the community. This experience has given Eric the unique opportunity as Deaf Action Center’s Director of Interpreting services to develop a new standard for the quality of services that the community should expect from interpreting agencies through direct feedback and collaboration of the community. He also works to advise and educate interpreters, service providers, as well as interpreting training programs on what potential gaps are prevalent that may prevent the community from having quality services and how they may be corrected. He graduated from Midwestern State University with a degree in Psychology, is a BEI certified deaf interpreter, and has written notable articles and blogs on interpreting.

The Deaf Music Ensemble consists of Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists who create, perform, and interpret music using American Sign Language (ASL), dance, and visual movement. Founded by Gregory Watkins, the ensemble aims to promote Deaf culture, improve accessibility in the arts, and challenge traditional views of performance. They are known for their lively performances at events like the Florida ASL Festival and Deafstock, where they showcase visually engaging, Deaf-centric artistry.

Regarding the ensemble:
Performance Style: The group utilizes ASL, dance, and facial expressions to interpret music, offering a visual experience.
Mission: Their objective is to foster inclusivity and increase understanding of Deaf culture through artistic expression.
Appearances: The ensemble has performed at various locations, including the Deafstock festival, ZCO Dance Project Company, Not MY EYES Fashion Showcase, Dolphin Mall Vivo performances, Urban Jazz Dance Company, Bronx Music Hall, and Abilities community events.

Leadership: The ensemble was established by Gregory Watkins, and they have collaborated with artists such as Antoine Hunter, Zazel Chavah O’ Garra, Troy Ramey, Daniel Cook, and Jorge Mendez.

IV Mirus, MD, MPH is an Emergency Medicine physician in Dallas practicing at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Hospital, and Children’s Hospital. He is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and worked for many years as an ASL interpreter before his medical career.

Dr. IV is currently the medical correspondent with The Daily Moth, helping share medical information and health topics in ASL. His academic work focuses on his role as Vice Chair of Ethics at Parkland, ongoing research in public health for the Deaf community, and language access in healthcare.

He is the co-founder of ASL TeleMed, the first telemedicine clinic that connects Deaf patients with physicians who communicate directly in American Sign Language. Through ASL TeleMed, Dr. IV is working to expand access and make it easier for Deaf patients to connect with doctors who use their language, giving access to healthcare like never before.

Jag is a DeafBlind performer and entertainer with 20 years of experience from Clearwater Beach, Florida. He has also been a drummer for the past five years. Jag loves performing through creative handshakes, body movement, facial expressions, ASL humor, and storytelling that bring lots of laughter to the audience.

He also promotes White Cane Laws and safety awareness. His drum rhythm is truly “A Must Feel.”

“DeafBlind people can do anything except hear and see.” — Jag

Co-founder of DeafNation and global adventurer, Joel Barish, has explored over 108 countries to document the worldwide Deaf experience. Through his programs No Barriers and Coffee With Joel, he spotlights Deaf culture, businesses, and influential leaders. He is deeply committed to improving travel accessibility and supporting the Deaf ecosystem globally. Off-camera, Joel is an avid cyclist and photographer.

Josh Mendelsohn is an Attorney Advisor with the Federal Communications Commission’s Disability Rights Office and works to enhance accessibility of video programming, modern communications, and emergency communications. Josh also serves as the Co-Designated Federal Officer (DFO) of FCC’s Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee. Josh previously worked as a Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Commissioner for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, where he oversaw programs enabling individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community. He also previously worked as an attorney and supervisory attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division on cases and investigations on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, and disability. Josh graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from California State University Northridge and received his Juris Doctor from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law. Josh lives in Bowie, Maryland with his husband and their daughters.

Known as @somedeafguy – your favorite internet comedian.
Making the internet laugh one post at a time.
Comedian | Content Creator | Filmmaker

With over 50 editing credits, Krystal has worked on TV Series, Feature Documentaries and Films that were featured on ALLBLK, Disney, ESPN, Discovery, Tubi TV and Peacock TV. She was born deaf and wears bilateral Cochlear Implants. Krystal wants to be the first deaf filmmaker to win an Oscar. In 2020, Krystal received a Regional Emmy Award for Director and Regional Emmy Nominated for Editor on a short documentary ‘We Kept America Great’. The short film ‘Atonia’ is just the beginning of her journey as a Film Director.

This Is a Performance You Cannot Afford to Miss

Mr. Morales is nationwide‑recognized for his groundbreaking One Deaf Aztec Man Show, a visually stunning and culturally powerful performance featuring his signature A‑to‑Z storytelling with both hands simultaneously, inspired by the rich history and spirit of the Aztec people.

His life and creative journey were also featured in the acclaimed documentary “History Through Deaf Eyes,” solidifying his place as a visionary in Deaf performance art across the country.

This is not just another show.

This is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime cultural event.

A performance that will stay with you long after the lights go down and a cultural event you will remember for the rest fo your life..

If you miss it, you will miss something truly unforgettable and truly extraordinary.

Game show:
Convo or Not
Hosted by Convo, emcee Michael Morsovillo

As a CEO, Dr. Patricia Hughes joined the agency in 2003 with well-rounded career experience within government, public and private non-profit sectors, for-profit corporations, and as an independent contractor. Dr. Hughes (some call her Dr. Patty) works closely with GLAD’s Board of Directors and staff to develop and administer a 10-county program providing social services to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and deaf disabled. Dr. Hughes has been an advocate all her life – she is passionate about seeing deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and deaf disabled people receive the same access to services as hearing people.

Robert McConnell is a Telecommunications Accessibility Specialist at the Federal Communications Commission, where he has served since 2014. At the FCC, he has led accessible communications initiatives – including Direct Video Calling, the Accessibility Clearinghouse, and numerous internal projects. A Gallaudet University graduate (2009) and Academic Bowl Hall of Fame inductee, Robert brings deep technical fluency that bridges a widely diverse variety of platforms and technologies. He approaches leadership with an infrastructure-first philosophy: building systems that outlast any single leader. In his free time, Robert enjoys volunteering with service nonprofits, taking impromptu trips with his fiancé Bethany, and exploring his adopted hometown of Baltimore, Maryland with his children Garrett and Juliana.

Ryan C. Sims is a Deaf author, educator, and advocate passionate about empowering the Deaf community through education, storytelling, and faith. With a strong background in Deaf education, Ryan has worked extensively with Deaf students and families, helping promote language development, literacy, and accessible learning environments. As a certified Deaf Mentor, he is committed to strengthening communication between Deaf children and their families while encouraging confidence and identity within Deaf culture.

Ryan is also a growing author who writes across multiple genres, including young adult fiction, children’s educational books, and Christian resources. His stories often highlight Deaf characters and experiences, helping bridge understanding between Deaf and hearing audiences while celebrating the richness of Deaf culture. Through his writing, Ryan hopes to inspire readers, expand representation, and create stories that both entertain and educate.

In addition to writing, Ryan is actively involved in ministry and leadership within the Deaf community. He serves as a camp director for a Deaf children’s church camp and frequently speaks and teaches at Deaf events and gatherings.

Ryan lives with his family in Texas and continues to develop new books and creative projects aimed at uplifting the next generation of Deaf leaders, readers, and storytellers.

Sabrina Mercado has been in the several productions with NTPA Deaf Theatre, serving as an actress, show manager, and ticket coordinator, as well as creating some content for the theatre’s social media. She also serves on the NTPA Deaf Theatre board and is grateful to Daymond and the Deaf Theatre community for the opportunity to contribute and connect through the arts.

Sheila leads a special outreach team from City of Hope and is a high energy professional who practices what she preaches. Growing up CODA, she has a strong passion for inspiring the Deaf Community and empowering them with knowledge.

Valerie Barker serves as the Access Specialist for the Deaf Action Center. Prior to joining the organization in this role, she worked as the Director of Global Translation Strategies in Tennessee, where she strengthened her expertise in cross‑cultural communication before returning to Texas last fall.

From 2016 to 2021, Valerie served as the Senior Citizens Outreach Coordinator at the Deaf Action Center, making significant contributions to improving services for the Deaf senior community.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University.

Outside of her professional work, Valerie is an avid photographer and enjoys creating chain maille jewelry. She is also a devoted reader of mystery and thriller novels. Additionally, she is passionate about teaching Sign Roots and is committed to empowering others through the beauty of American Sign Language (ASL).

Valerie has been married to her husband, Bob Barker, for 35 years.

Warren “Wawa” Snipe is a Deaf hip-hop artist, actor, and producer who pioneered “Dip Hop” — hip hop through Deaf eyes. Since 2005, he has blended rhythm, visual storytelling, and ASL to bridge Deaf and hearing communities.
He gained global recognition for historic ASL performances at Super Bowl LV and the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, and has appeared in Black Lightning and Fear the Walking Dead.
He is also Co-founder and CEO of WAWABILITY, advancing disability, inclusion, and accessibility through arts and culture.