Hello, I'm Elvia

My name is Elvia Guillermo Aguilar; I moved to Washington, D.C. from Mexico in 1999 for a better education and life. I have deaf parents and a deaf sibling.  I also have two CODA siblings.  I did not have interpreting services in Mexico.  My brother and I relied on our CODA siblings to interpret for us throughout elementary and preparatory school.  I am very grateful to them. Without my siblings, I would not be here at Gallaudet University as a Latina woman career professional.

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Before coming to the United States, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from El Centro Universitario Guadalajara Lamar in Guadalajara, Mexico. Once I arrived in the United States, I earned my Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Gallaudet University.

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I am the Community Alliances Manager in the Office of Belonging and Engagement (OBE).  My program provides conceptual and administrative leadership in developing, implementing, and maintaining division-wide efforts designed to strengthen intercultural competency, cross-cultural communication, restorative practices, and overall community belonging. I provide presentations, workshops, and training on a variety of topics around diversity and social justice.

I am an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Coordinator and Coach, working with individuals, groups, schools, and organizations. My work increases intercultural competence by guiding participants through the IDI framework, fostering inclusivity, and improving communication across diverse environments.

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In my free time, I am a curator specializing in the arts. As co-curators, we organized a Deaf People of Color Art Exhibition and Art Sale held during the 23rd National Deaf People of Color Conference from July 20 to 23, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Currently, I collaborated with another curator for Visionaries of the Creative Arts to coordinate six distinct art exhibitions for the Spring semester of 2024. These exhibitions featured artwork representing various marginalized communities.

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I co-founded the Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of the Metropolitan DC Area, Inc. I was the Vice-President of this organization from 2005 to 2008. I was also the President of the National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing (now Council de Manos) from January 2013 to Jan 2015. I was Vice-President from 2008 – 2012. I was the Treasurer of Deaf Women United from September  2017 to February 15, 2019. I was Vice-President of the Organization for Equity of Deaf Staff of Color (OEDSOC) at Gallaudet University. I am Treasurer of the District of Colombia Association of the Deaf.

 

I enjoy reading, painting, watching movies, kayaking,  hiking, and biking in my spare time to explore the beautiful DC community. I also enjoy exploring new restaurants, spending quality time with friends, and engaging in meaningful conversations.