As a Queer individual with a range of experiences working in non-profit and educational systems, I have always been keenly aware of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in one’s professional practice.

I graduated from York University with an Honour’s Bachelor’s of Arts in History and Linguistics, an experience that profoundly shaped my intellectual foundation and analytical capabilities. This educational journey instilled in me the skills of a critical thinker and an astute observer of how language, social identity, and systems of power intersect to influence social relationships and development. My academic background honed my ability to dissect complex issues, recognize historical and linguistic nuances, and question the status quo. Rather than simply accept systems and traditional practices, the insights I gained through my program have equipped me with the tools needed to challenge and change them.

These skills seamlessly transferred to my experiences as a student in the Honour’s Bachelor’s of Interpretation (ASL- English) program at George Brown College, where I applied this analytical lens to develop a deeper understanding of anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and anti-audist practice within the context of interpretation. By examining the intersections of language oppression, social identity, and power dynamics, I have become better equipped to advocate for equitable communication access and inclusive environments, which is at the core of my dedication to the interpreting profession and the Deaf community.

My lived experiences an adult learner and Queer person, as well as the experiences I am invited into as an American Sign Language-English interpreter, have shaped me into an advocate for equity and inclusion; values which have become the cornerstone of my educational practice and professional journey. As an interpreter, I am often involved in complex conversations on how to best identify and accommodate the diverse communication needs and learning styles of diverse individuals from complex intersectional backgrounds. At the same time, many of the spaces I work in allow me to develop my own skills through the incidental learning I undertake during the preparation and service delivery phases of my work.

Through continued research opportunities made available through my Master’s program, I aim to contribute positively to the Deaf community and the interpreting profession by examining current methods of testing and skill evaluation in interpreting training programs and how they do not adequately reflect the dynamic interactions that take place within an interpreted context. My goal is to develop evidence-based teaching methods that will bolster the effectiveness of interpreter education by providing more authentic learning environments and testing simulations. By doing so, I hope to empower future interpreters with the knowledge and skills to be culturally sensitive and socially conscious practitioners.