Celeste S. Owens-Samuels is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and a New York City native with over 30 years of experience as a community advocate, sign language interpreter, and organizer. Certified by the National Association of the Deaf (NADV) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NIC), Celeste has dedicated her career to advocating for Black Deaf individuals and Black interpreters.

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In response to the lack of Black interpreters, Celeste founded the NYC chapter of the National Alliance of Black Interpreters (NAOBI-NYC), serving as president before becoming the national vice president. Her leadership also led to the creation of the Stuyvesant Association for the Deaf (SAD), which provides cultural and social activities for the community.

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As a board member and chair of the NYC Black Deaf Advocates (NYCBDA), Celeste addressed critical issues in education, employment, and services for the Black Deaf community. She also served as assistant executive director and acting executive director of the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA), becoming the first hearing person in this role.

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Celeste is the founder of the NYC Deaf & Hard of Hearing Parents Association, CODAs of Color, and a summer camp for KODAs (Kids of Deaf Adults) of Color. Her unwavering commitment to supporting Deaf families, CODAs, and interpreters continues to inspire and shape her work.

Hailing from the Bronx, Cristal Duarte is a CODA, born to Deaf immigrants of Dominican and Haitian descent. She currently serves individuals with various limitations through Vocational Rehabilitation Services and job placement opportunities. Cristal manages a Back-To-Work contract with New York City's WeCARE program and acts as a liaison for all NYC CODA-related networking and social events.

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Previously, Cristal hosted Deaf and CODA-related talent shows for the NY Society of the Deaf (NYSD), organized bake sales and fundraisers to support Bronx CODAs in need, and assisted Deaf natives and immigrants with legal, employment, and tax services through her connections at Fedcap.

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In her free time, Cristal practices Kung-Fu and collaborates with activists advocating for Deaf and Disability rights.

Nancy Simmons is the treasurer of NYC CODAs of Color and feels like she’s been a member “since the beginning of time.” She values the networking opportunities and enjoys learning new ways to advocate for and interpret for the Deaf community.

​As the oldest sibling, Nancy served as the ears for her parents, handling business and personal phone calls, interpreting, and assisting with everyday tasks. By the age of 14, she found herself taking on a parental role for her four younger siblings. At the time, she declared, “When I get older, I don’t want to be an interpreter!”

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Fast forward, and Nancy has worked at Harlem Hospital for nearly 30 years as a Public Health Educator, where she has often interpreted for Deaf patients. Though it’s not part of her official job, she recalls the challenges her parents faced while waiting for appointments, being overlooked, or not understanding doctors and so she strives to help wherever possible. One pediatrician even joked that Nancy couldn’t retire until some of her patients grew older because she was their go-to interpreter!

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Outside of her work life, Nancy has been playing the violin since she was 12, is a self-taught pianist, and serves as the Minister of Music at her church. Though she once swore she wouldn't become an interpreter, it remains a meaningful and integral part of her life.

Christopher Buckland is an OHCODA (Only Hearing Child of Deaf Adults) and a board member of COC, where he also leads local events for CODA children in the NYC metropolitan area. A freelance interpreter, self-taught artist, and boxing trainer, Christopher brings a diverse set of skills and passions to his work.

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In addition to his professional pursuits, Christopher is the co-owner, co-host, and manager of the podcast PTWOM – Peep This Word of Mouth, where he discusses thought-provoking social issues in today's world.

Lydia Callis is an RID nationally certified American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter with a deep connection to the Deaf community, coming from three generations of Deaf family. ASL is her native language, and it’s through this language that Lydia feels most connected to her roots and able to express herself.

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Growing up as a Latinx (Mexican-American) OHCODA, Lydia realized early on that few people shared her unique cultural identity. When she first connected with other CODAs of Color, she finally felt seen and understood in ways she had never experienced before.

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After many years of interpreting, Lydia founded SignNexus, where she works to educate hearing entities, ensure equal access, and raise the standards within the interpreting profession. She is actively involved in various BIPOC affinity groups and is currently developing a mentorship program for BIPOC interpreters, offering a clear pathway for passionate young people to pursue careers in ASL interpreting.

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In 2021, Lydia completed the DeafBlind Interpreting National Training and Resource Center (DBII) Cohort training for tactile and ProTactile interpreting, enhancing her ability to meet the unique communication needs of DeafBlind individuals. Coming from a Deaf family and being engaged to a DeafBlind woman, Lydia is deeply committed to serving the Deaf, interpreter, and hearing communities through her work with SignNexus.

Calvin Ingram Jr. is an experienced camp counselor with over three years of expertise in youth development. A passionate advocate for empowering hearing children of Deaf parents, Calvin brings a unique combination of enthusiasm and expertise to CODAs of Color.

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With a background in community leadership, education, and financial services, Calvin has contributed in various roles, including creating a financial investment curriculum for middle school students at Morris and Mentors and serving as Treasurer for NYCBDA. His experience in retail banking, along with his studies in forensic accounting at John Jay College, has provided him with the strategic vision and financial expertise necessary to drive the success of the organization.

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Calvin joined CODAs of Color because he understands the challenges of growing up as a hearing child of Deaf parents. Not fully understanding the CODA aspect of his identity left him feeling confused and uncertain, and he is now committed to helping children navigate similar experiences. Seeing these children thrive inspires him to share his own story and guide them in their journey.

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Outside of his professional life, Calvin is an avid reader with a love for philosophy, spirituality, history, and psychology. He’s also an active gym-goer, basketball player, and beginner golfer, appreciating the balance between physical activity and intellectual growth.

Hossein Miller is originally from the Washington, DC metropolitan area and has spent much of his life here. With over five years of experience in the field of interpreting, Hossein brings passion, versatility, and a strong commitment to the profession.

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As a child of a Deaf adult, Hossein was introduced to the Deaf community early on, which sparked his interest in pursuing a career in interpreting. His upbringing fostered a deep passion for cultural inclusion, a value that has only grown stronger throughout his professional journey. Over the years, he’s had the privilege of working in diverse settings, which have helped refine his skills and broaden his experience. This path has allowed him to engage with the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing communities. Hossein is excited to continue supporting and collaborating with his fellow CODAs as he moves forward in his career.

Bio Pending