Deaf Empowerment Abroad Foundation

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OUR TEAM

Diane Black – Founder

  • Why are you a part of the D-E-A-F team? During a 2006 family vacation in Jamaica, I met a Deaf gentleman and learned about the oppression the community faces. This meeting sparked a will in me to affect change. As a professional interpreter, I am committed to give back to the community that has given me my career. There are no boarders between Deaf communities and in Jamaica the need for support is great. My purpose was clear to me.
  • If I was an animal, I would be an Otter. I love their overflowing positive energy, lovable personality and are family oriented.
  • I have been married for 27 years, have two sons. I am the baby of my siblings.
  • When I was 5, I was certain I would be a Nun or cat Veterinarian.
  • Hobbies: I have many ! Yoga, Belly dance, being outdoors, watching cat and goat videos

Rachel Elliott – Vice President

  • Why did I get involved in D-E-A-F?   After visiting Jamaica and several Deaf schools in the country, I feel in love with the culture.   I saw a  need in services and knew that we could join forces and work together.  It is a core belief of mine to give back and invest in others.  Often times that is where we learn the greatest life lessons. 
  • If I was an animal,   I would be a zebra.   I think they have a very unique look and their stripes are so fun.  
  • What do you do?   I am a certified sign language interpreter, and I work for Kennedy Space Center.
  • I have 2 sisters and my mom.  I am the middle child, and grew up in the Midwest!  I now live in Florida.
  • Hobby:  I love to dance!  I recently have taken salsa and bachata lessons, and have fallen in love.   Love to practice my dance moves every weekend.

Jessica Bacile Hoffman – Member at Large 

  • Why are you part of the D-E-A-F team? I am a part of this team because I want to give back to the Deaf community in a meaningful way, and I love to travel and learn about other cultures
    • Did You Know?: Jessica began her interpreting journey in high school, taking ASL classes as her foreign language credit, and went on to graduate with her Bachelor’s degree in interpreting.
    • What’s something about you that not many people know? She is a born and raised Floridian and a graduate of Oviedo High School – GO LIONS!
    • If I could be an animal , I would be a dolphin, because they are community-oriented, smart, and playful!
    • Hobby: anything OUTDOORS! Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, etc.

Natasha Aubry

  • Why are you a part of the D-E-A-F team? Opportunity to give back, support others learn a new culture and experience life from others perspective
  • If I could be an animal, I would be bird, I would love to fly and soar freely.
  • Something people are surprised to learn about me;My parents are from Haiti and me and my siblings are the first generation Americans.

Robert Zambrana     “Only you, and you alone can hold yourself back.”

  • Why are you a part of the D-E-A-F team? It’s an honor to empower Deaf children and adults to believe they can do anything in this world. Deafness does not define us! It’s a label that’s been given to us and it is time to keep breaking barriers.
  • Something people are surprised to learn about me; I’m very successful entrepreneur of SOCF Crossfit, The Movement Football Camp, and a full-time NASA employee.
  • Studied Business Administration – Finance at Gallaudet class 2007

Jeffrey Mendez

  • Why are you part of D-E-A-F Team? I always want to, HELP & empower as many lives as I can in the Deaf community. I want to show that we are unique in our own ways & special in many ways. Just because we cannot hear, does not mean anything! Expect the unexpected from us Deaf persons, we are full of surprises!
  • I am the Co-Founder of Deaf_With_Attitude clothes and merchandise line. Firstly, I am a full-time husband and dad of seven amazing kids!
  • If I was an animal, I would be a Snake. We are Deaf, so much in common, Like many are afraid of snakes, people on earth are afraid of me. They judge us both by it front cover of the book, but they do not know the book yet, nice once they open the book & turn page. 

Kazeem Babatunde

  • Why important to be part of D-E-A-F?
  • It is important spread awareness about helping the deaf children around the world. This team have great passion and driven to achieve by open several doors for the deaf community. 
  • If you were an animal, what kind and why? 
  • Lions are the kings of the jungle because of their raw power, leadership, wisdom and strength. Lions fear no other animals or anyone except for the tiger. 
  • Hobby 
  • DJ is my hobby. I love playing music to keep people dancing forever until they can’t dance no more. Major reason why I want to DJ is to empower the Deaf community, because deaf can do anything except hear. FYI – Deaf people follow music through bass and rhythm, in case you were wondering how deaf people can dance.  
  • Schooling?
  • Graduated from Gallaudet University in 2009 with Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and minor in Business Administer and is an Information Technology Specialist

David-Lee Raymond

  • Why are you a part of D-E-A-F team? I grew up in Jamaica with my Deaf family and currently live in Florida. Knowing the importance of communication accessibility and family support are crucial for Deaf children’s growth mentally and physically. Making contributions to the Deaf community as much as I can by working as a Deaf interpreter and interpreting mentor.
  • If I were an animal, I would be a Jaguar – I love to face a good challenge
  • Hobbies: mountain hiking, mountain biking, snow skiing, wakeboarding, video edition and travel

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