Rorri

I started Pro Bono ASL out of a desire to use my hearing privilege to provide access to the Deaf community. Additionally, the hearing community needs to be made aware of the access needs of their Deaf and Hard of Hearing counterparts. All Black lives can’t matter, until Black Deaf lives matter.

Ashley Semone

I am a recent transplant from Oklahoma City, and have been interpreting since 2012. I joined Pro Bono ASL upon my arrival in California. I was in search of a group of interpreters that also felt a dire need for social change. I was searching for my part in the movement towards equality. That search led me to a strong, like-minded group of individuals, who understand the need for accessibility and representation.

Tim

I am so grateful to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community for teaching me their language and their culture. It is such an honor to serve.

Mak

I'm originally from San Diego, but living in LA now. During this time of unrest, I found myself questioning what I could do, where I fit in, and what part I played in all of this. Those questions were answered by joining Pro Bono ASL. Now I strive to make the liberation movement accessible!

Brianna

I'm an Afrolatinx CODA(Child of Deaf Adult(s). I've been interpreting professionally since 2015 and enjoy volunteering--especially when it involves the Deaf community. I'm proud to be part of Pro Bono ASL because we believe in the phrase, "The revolution will be accessible", and we are gladly making it happen!

Lavender(she/they)

Growing up as a Queer Afro-Latina CODA, exploring and reforming injustices across various intersections became the root of my work; mainly in Cultural and Educational institutions. Currently, I assist the admin team at Pro Bono ASL with Community Business development. It has been a privilege for me to serve the Deaf community in this way; by collaborating to create a culturally wealthy space like Pro Bono ASL. I currently resides on Tongva and Chumash land.

Neil

I am a community raised tri-lingual ASL/Spanish/English interpreter. I loved the idea of belonging to a group of strong BIPOC, culturally adept ASL interpreters to make the revolution accessible.

Susan

I started interpreting at an early age for my parents and other Deaf family members, and began interpreting professionally in 2015. As civil unrest spread across the U.S., a wonderful opportunity arose to put my hands up for the great cause of equal access and communication. I am honored and grateful to be a part of such a wonderful group.

Selena

I am a queer mixed reconnecting indigenous interpreter who has been interpreting since 2018; I am also a web designer on the side. Pro Bono ASL has become a way for me to connect with an identity I didn't know I had, one that I am still fleshing out with every protest I get the opportunity to attend.

Lex

As a Queer Latinx person, I feel that giving back to the communities that have given so much to me is truly an honor. I am thankful to be able to share this space in the best way I know how- via ASL. Pro Bono ASL has allowed me to experience a unique intersection of activism between the Deaf, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ community.

Gene

I am of Filipino descent from Manila, Philippines via Quiapo and Bohol where my parents are from. We emigrated to Los Angeles (Chumash, Tongva, and Kizh Land) in the mid 90’s and have called Southern California home ever since. I started my professional interpreting career in 2009 and continue to provide ASL interpreting services in higher education, video relay, theater arts, hospitality, tourism, public events, various freelance settings, and online. Being a part of Pro Bono ASL has given me the rich and much needed opportunity to elevate my fellow BIPOC interpreters of all intersectionalities while providing meaningful interpreting services for the larger, underprivileged Signing Community of all backgrounds and their intersectionalities.

Sarika

I was born to a Gujarati family and raised in Chicago's suburbia, and currently make mischief in Portland, OR. Although I spent a career in bilingual (Spanish) education, my fascination with languages led me to Sign Language Interpreting and journalism for the ears. The intersection of language and disability justice is my jam. I work toward a future in which accessibility is the default, rather than a request involving bureaucracy.

Dee

I am Peruvian Americana Tri-lingual Queer Interpreter working predominately in the post secondary field since 2007. Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens NYC, I have been living in Rochester, NY since 2000. I have the honor of working alongside brilliant colleagues within Pro Bono ASL and am grateful for all the opportunities to connect and provide access. I find myself continuously growing and learning every day and feel lucky to work alongside my fellow BIPOC interpreters and Deaf communities. The revolution will be accessible.

Gregorio

I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, grew up in Southern California and now live in North Hollywood. Pro Bono ASL has been there to provide access as the movement has begun again. I do my part by sharing my intersectionalites and identities, and everything I have learned, to provide access to the D/deaf communities. The Revolution WILL be accessible!

Chris

I am a Japanese American born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I have been in interpreting industry since 2006, and I love it, it never gets old. There is always something new and enriching about the field of interpreting to our dear Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Being an interpreter of color can sometimes be a challenge. That is why I am so grateful for Pro Bono ASL , they give me opportunities to expand my skills, as well as my BIPOC comrades . I love their philosophy about providing accessibility, equity and inclusion.

Lauree

I want to do everything I can to support change, justice, Black Lives Matters, and accessibility for the Deaf community, and being introduced to Pro Bono ASL has helped me navigate that in a supportive, productive way. With Pro Bono ASL, I am part of the captioning team for making videos accessible. I also support the wonderful people who are providing ASL at protests, rallies, teach-ins, and events. Change must happen. Black lives Matter!