The 40th Anniversary Gala Team

Master of Ceremonies

DeAnna Swope

About DeAnna:

DeAnna Swope is a Deaf advocate, trainer, Accountability Coach, and CEO of Diamond Speaks LLC. Former founder of BRIDGES, Georgia’s first Deaf-led domestic violence program, and host of the Sign Your Truth podcast, she serves as NAD Region 3 Representative and Georgia Commissioner. She’s happily married, with five CODA children and a sassy four-year-old granddaughter.

ADWAS Board Representative

Jimel Brightly

About Jimel:

Jimel was born in Saint Ann, Jamaica and raised in Illinois. He has a Masters in Social Work from Gallaudet University and currently works as a counselor at California School for the Deaf Fremont (CSD). He has been involved with community advocacy that focuses on gender-based violence, toxic masculinity, youth mentorship and the Black Deaf community. Jimel is currently Chair of the Board for the Black Deaf Project (BDP), board member for Illinois School for the Deaf’s Advisory Council (ISDAC) and board member for ADWAS where he previously worked as the Community Outreach Coordinator for several years.  His experience with deaf youth consists of serving as Camp Director for Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) from 2018–2023 as well as coordinating Black Deaf College Tours with BDP. Jimel is passionate about the work he does and aspires to be a role model to Black Deaf Youth and contribute to growth, awareness and success in the Deaf and Black Deaf community.