2019 Student Organizers
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Hampshire College
Brianna Bryse Deane
Brianna Bryse Deane is a hearing student at Hampshire College studying public health through outreach education. She began studying American Sign Language out of a love for learning languages and now continues to learn American Sign Language to increase accessibility through multiple modes of communication. This is her third year as an organizer for DEAFinitions: A Deaf Studies Conference.
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Emily Cole
Emily Cole is a hearing student in her fourth year at Hampshire College. She is studying ASL and Audiology. She began learning ASL because of her love for languages and continued to learn after falling in love with the language and Deaf culture. This is her first year as an organizer, and fourth year working the event. She is very excited to be a part of the team and is looking forward to learning more about people's experiences with different forms of communication.
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Ernie Alugas
Bio TBA.
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UMass Amherst
Oneda Lalaj
Oneda Lalaj is a hearing student in her junior year at UMASS Amherst. She is studying Communication Disorders and Education. At an early age she was fascinated and fell in love with exploring American Sign Language.
She wants to expand her knowledge about the Deaf Community and the beauty of ASL and is excited to join the DEAFinitions team!
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Kathryn Tweedie
Kathryn Tweedie is a hearing student in her junior year at UMass Amherst. She is studying Psychology and Communication Disorders and is in her first semester of ASL. She adores working with people and aspires to help increase communications between people of all different backgrounds. Kathryn joined the DEAFinitions conference for her deep respect of Deaf Culture and her love of American Sign Language.
Smith College
Sophia Breitag
Sophia Breitag is a hearing student majoring in Psychology at Smith College. She first studied American Sign Language at the University of Minnesota and is now so thankful to be involved in wonderful Deaf events and ASL classes out East. Sophia loves learning about the social justice aspects of Deaf culture and understanding more people's lived experiences through all forms of communication.
DEAFinitions: A Deaf Studies Conference is entirely funded by sponsors and is cost-free to its attendees.
​Interested in sponsoring DEAFinitions?
Email bbd15@hampshire.edu for more information on how to become a sponsor.
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Stay Updated & RSVP for the 2019 Conference on Facebook here!