DEAFestival Los Angeles

Councilmember Tony Cardenas

It is my pleasure to invite you to join me on September 24, 2011 for the 8th Annual DEAFestival Los Angeles where you will get to enjoy cultural and social events as well as learn about the latest products, resources and services for the deaf community.

Bertha Velazquez, Chairperson

Bertha Velazquez founded DEAFestival Los Angeles while working at Self –Help Graphics & Art Inc. in East Los Angeles. After she learned that her daughter was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss, she devoted her time and energy to seeking out services to help her daughter. She wanted to provide her with the best living environment to develop and mature her ability to the fullest. Ms. Velazquez soon discovered that similar frustrations and concerns were shared by many hearing parents of children born deaf like Stephanie. Immediate action was needed to provide relief to the other mothers of young deaf children whom struggled with the lack of support in providing recreational activities and services in their own community so that their children could interact with their peers and fulfill their social needs.In the early 90’s, she found herself being forced to travel long distances in order to have her daughter participate in programs. She relayed information about these opportunities to other parents, but was unfortunately found that most of them could not afford the drive and fees to have their children participate. The lack of affordable programs in the near vicinity of Los Angeles prompted Ms. Velazquez to become a community advocate for others similar to her deaf daughter, who was faced with the challenges of being deaf in the Greater Los Angeles area. In 1998, Bertha spearheaded an event to educate, empower and support parents and their deaf children. DEAFestival featured theatrical performances, art workshops and informational booths that connected the Los Angeles deaf and hard of hearing community with resources to empower them so that they too could have the opportunity to meet their full potential. It is with her love and dedication for creating a special place for the deaf and hearing community to commune and learn from each other that has kept DEAFestival Los Angeles thriving and growing. Bertha has always been passionate to improve public understanding of the deaf community’s strengths – and needs.

Richard Ray, Co-Chairperson

Richard Ray is an ADA Compliance Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles Department on Disability. He ensures that City Departments comply with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability laws. He provides technical assistance to the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments as well as to other City agencies with the implementation of telecommunication systems. Mr. Ray has assisted and presented to departments in various city governments and the County of Los Angeles regarding compliance with the ADA. He has facilitated the implementation of the 9-1-1 TTY system for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), California State Highway Patrol (CHP), City of Glendale, City of Carson and other municipalities throughout the State of California. Mr. Ray is involved in several projects such as Emergency Notification Systems for People with Disabilities, Personal Caller Information, VRS/IP Relay Service PSAP Interaction, Messaging to E9-1-1 & Next Generation 9-1-1, and TTY Update. He also wrote and compiled lists of recommendations and issues on different aspects of communication access for the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). He assisted in national Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) training package development on handling 9-1-1 calls via Video & Internet Protocol Relay Services. He also participates as presenter, facilitator and panelist during these conferences.

Michael Agyin

As a longstanding advocate for youth with disabilities, Michael Agyin was reccently a Job Coach for the Marriott Foundation Bridges program for youth with disabilities. He recently was the Outreach Coordinator for Los Angeles Councilmember Tony Cardenas’ DEAFestival; a citywide event that aims to educate the general public and offer a message of self-empowerment, guidance, and mentorship for deaf children.He also recently served as the point person for issues impacting the deaf/ hard of hearing and people with disabilities in the office of the Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in the Neighborhood and Community Services Department. He created the “Disability Hire LA's Youth” pilot program, which helps youth with disabilities obtain summer jobs while providing them with internship and leadership opportunities throughout the City of Los Angeles.Prior to joining the Mayor’s office, he served as the Program Assistant for the Campaign for College Opportunity; a non-profit organization devoted to ensuring that the next generation of Californians has the chance to go to college. He has 15 years of experience in programs and services for youth with disabilities. Michael is one of only a of handful people with disabilities to serve in Americorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) Western region, which address critical and unmet needs in education, public safety, and the environment.While serving four years on the Youth Leadership Governing Board of the National Youth Leadership Network, a national non-profit based in Washington D.C., Michael promoted leadership development, education, employment, independent living, and health and wellness among diverse young leaders in the United States. He’s also the first Deaf member of Public Allies Los Angeles; an AmeriCorps fellowship program dedicated to engaging and advancing a diverse group of young leaders in an effort to strengthen communities, non-profit organizations, and civic participation. Michael was recently appointed by former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger to be a member of California State Independent Living Council. Mr. Agyin received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from California State University, Northridge, and is involved with the California Youth Leadership Forum. He also volunteers through many various venues.

Tommy Korn

Tommy Korn was born in Los Angeles and raised in Riverside. He holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in International/American Government from Gallaudet University. He won the first-ever title of "Mr. Deaf California" Ambassador of CAD Youth. His painting, “Exposure,” was auctioned at $1,500 at a conference where he kindly donated all proceeds to assist the CAD Youth Program. He has been active in many ambassadorship obligations in Southern California such as his participation of LA public service, from being a youth representative at GLAD, to being a member of the 2011 DEAFestival Los Angeles Committee and also to being an adolescent entertainer. He is currently the face of Ruissenor Spring 2011 Menswear collection, walked for Banana Republic, ByMara and other designers. He also has acted in a variety of plays for DeafWest Theatre including family-favorites "Stories by Shel," a seasonal showcase opener "ASImprov!," and the recent production of, "The Adventures of Pinocchio." Tommy starred in a popular twisted 2011 flick “Black Sand” which had attracted a largest deaf/hoh opener in Hollywood, CA. And, he has appeared in prime time television shows as in FOX’s mega-hit “Glee” and CSI: LV among others. Up and coming big events that he is doing, SportsMX Beach Beast 2011 and GLAD House of Blues and Banana Republic fashion shows.

Joanna Hinojosa

Hello my fellows, My name is Joanna Hinojosa, a senior at California State University-Northridge. I would have to say I am a proud alumna of Alpha Sigma Theta Sorority from Gamma Chapter. I am a Psychology major with a focus in Marriage, and Family Therapist. My goal after graduating is to continue attending a Graduate School to receive a Master Degree. I will never forget the great experience I had at the first DEAFestival back in 1998 at Self Help Graphics’ Art Gallery in East Los Angeles with my dear good friend, Stephanie Velazquez. Now thirteen years later, here I am, giving back to my deaf community what I have learned about the Deaf cultures and the values as well. Without DEAFestival and the deaf community in Los Angeles, I would have never found my identity as a Deaf Person. I would like to thank all the deaf people who have impacted my life and introduced me to the Deaf communities. Now it's my pleasure duty to welcome and teach the new generation to our Deaf world. I hope to see new faces at DEAFestival Los Angeles this year!

Josephine Wong

I am a senior at California State University of Northridge (CSUN) with a major in sociology- criminal justice. My goal after graduation is to volunteer my time to my community especially deaf community in the field of social work. I love to get involve in the different aspects of the deaf community. I have served on Deaf CSUNians which is a non-profit organization, composed of college students whose mission is to help our deaf community at large. I am also an alumna of deaf sorority, Alpha Sigma Theta of Gamma chapter. I have been a DEAFestival Los Angeles committee member since March 2010. I love being able to give back to my community by being on the DEAFestival Committee which annually provides booths on various services, educational workshops, and performances for our community. I look forward to seeing new faces this year at DEAFestival as we aim to give the youth a fresh start to take up their roles as our future potential leaders.

Stephanie Velazquez

My name is Stephanie Velázquez. I am currently attending Cerritos College. I’m also a proud alumnus of the California School for the Deaf, Riverside. I say “Proud” because that is where I found my identity and my deaf family. It is important to understand the language, history and the values of the Deaf community. CSDR increased my awareness of the Deaf cultural and I learned to accept myself as a deaf individual. It is an honor for me to be a member of the DEAFestival 2011 planning committee. I have volunteered for the past 4 years as an art instructor and participated in the fashion show. This experience has given me the opportunity to work with people who can make a difference to a much underserved community. I strongly support DEAFestival because it is an event dedicated to celebrate the Deaf culture in the City of Los Angeles. Most people view Deaf individuals as not “normal” because we can’t hear. DEAFestival helps foster sensitivity towards the unique and diverse needs of the Deaf. It recognizes us as a group who share a common language (ASL), and a culture. I look forward to seeing you on September 24th!

Don Rosenkjar

Born to Deaf parents in Southern California, schooled in oral/mainstream settings, attended Gallaudet University and majored in economics. A civil servant with City of Los Angeles, then worked for Holy Angels Catholic Church. Studied theology at UCLA, USC and Loyola Marymount. After retirement, Deaf Minister at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and ASL instructor at Disabled Rights Legal Center at Loyola Law School. Served on DEAFestival committee for past four years, and strived to find ways to best serve the community. Partnered with Khai Nguyen for past 23 years.