The recent Hands & Voices Leadership Conference in Spokane, Washington, provided an invaluable experience for our California Hands & Voices team, uniting us with passionate advocates, parents, and professionals from across the country who share the same mission of supporting families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children. With the theme “Weaving the Threads of Leadership,” the conference offered a rich environment of workshops, networking, and inspiring speakers. It gave our team members the chance to reflect, connect, and explore new ways to strengthen their communities. Each California attended returned home with fresh insights and renewed energy, ready to implement what they had learned. Here are some of our reflections.
Kira Tran: A Journey Through Life Stages with Hands & Voices
For Kira Tran, a seasoned attendee of three Hands & Voices conferences, each conference experience has marked a significant chapter in her journey as a parent of DHH children. She attended her first conference as a new Parent Guide, seeking support as she adjusted to the fast-paced life of raising children. For the first time, Kira felt that her family’s unique dynamics, including the use of various communication modalities and technology, were seen as assets within the community.
Her second conference, which came during the upheaval of the pandemic, reinforced the robust support network Hands & Voices provides. As a first-time presenter this year, she shared her experiences and encouraged others to embrace growth opportunities, even when uncertain. “If someone invites you to the table, have a seat. Sometimes a seat is all you can manage or need at that moment,” Kira reflects. The conference again reassured her that in every stage of life, “we are never alone,” with Hands & Voices providing encouragement and inspiration for families on this shared journey.
Sonia Nunez-Romero: Building Support for Family Camp through Fundraising
For Sonia Nunez-Romero, attending her first Hands & Voices conference was initially met with hesitation, but by the end, she felt overwhelmingly grateful for the experience. “I have never been in a room with so many people passionate about DHH kids,” Sonia says, astonished at the warmth and camaraderie she encountered. A session on fundraising especially resonated with her, highlighting strategies she believes will make a tangible difference in raising funds for California’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Family Camps.
“This is incredibly important, especially for families with multiple children who may struggle to cover the costs,” Sonia explains. Inspired by new fundraising ideas, she left eager to implement them to make Family Camp more accessible, ensuring more families can benefit from this enriching experience. She also took away a renewed commitment to supporting her daughter’s dreams, big or small, with unconditional support.
Pam Wirht: Reflecting on Progress as a Longtime Deaf Educator
As a first-time attendee, Pam Wirht felt honored to join the California team advocating for DHH children and their families. Having been trained as an ASTra volunteer a year and a half ago, she was excited to see the national network of Hands & Voices in action. Pam brings a unique perspective with her background as a Teacher of the Deaf from nearly 40 years ago, witnessing firsthand the growth in awareness and resources available to DHH children and families.
“It warms my heart to see how much awareness has grown over the years,” Pam shared. Although she acknowledges more progress to be made, she felt uplifted seeing both parents’ and professionals’ passion and dedication. She especially appreciated the conference’s variety of workshops and the chance to spend in-person time with the California team, reinforcing the value of hands-on collaboration. “If you are a parent or professional considering attending an H&V Conference, I highly recommend it. You’ll learn a lot and have fun, too!” Pam encourages.
Brittany Comegna: Feeling Welcomed as a Deaf, Signing Professional
Brittany Comegna approached her first Hands & Voices conference with initial apprehension; however, the experience far exceeded her expectations. “Everyone made an effort to include me and to sign. I felt like I mattered,” she shares. She also noted the visible efforts Hands & Voices is making to expand Deaf inclusion and leadership within the organization.
Brittany’s biggest takeaway was seeing a genuine commitment to expanding inclusion for Deaf and signing individuals, a direction she feels is invaluable for the organization’s future. For her, meeting other Deaf professionals and advocates was a highlight, creating a sense of community and belonging she hadn’t anticipated.
Leslie Manjarrez: Growing Leadership within a Supportive Network
The event provided unexpected encouragement for Leslie Manjarrez, a professional attending the conference amongst parent leaders. She initially expected to cheer from the sidelines, but instead, she was warmly encouraged to engage and expand her leadership skills actively. “As a professional in a space built for and among strong parent leaders, I came in thinking I would be on the sidelines cheering on. Instead, I was encouraged to be actively engaged and grow my own leadership,” Leslie explains.
A standout session for Leslie focused on advocacy for DeafPlus children. She felt energized hearing success stories and learning strategies that she can incorporate into her own work. “The conference supported my growth and leadership, allowing me time to reflect among parent leaders,” she says. Leslie now feels even more passionate about bringing new energy and support to the parents she works with in California.
A Shared Mission with Renewed Energy
The California team’s experiences at the Hands & Voices Leadership Conference reflect a powerful blend of shared mission and personal growth. We left with actionable insights to inform our work with Hands & Voices, ASTra, and Family Camp, whether through enhanced advocacy efforts, creative fundraising, or an increased focus on inclusive practices. As a team, we are ready to bring renewed energy and commitment to supporting DHH children and their families, building on the inspiration they found at the conference.
The Hands & Voices Leadership Conference emphasized the importance of a supportive network for DHH families, regardless of their background or communication preferences. For California Hands & Voices, this annual gathering is more than a conference—it’s a place to strengthen bonds, share knowledge, and continue shaping a future where every DHH child and their family feel empowered and supported.
