LDHH Latina's Women History

Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of the Metropolitan DC Area, Inc. (LDHHAMDC) join in paying a tribute to Deaf Latina officers whose commitment is invaluable in empowering the Deaf Latino community through education.

LDHH's President Interview - getting to know more about Bregitt Jimenez

History of LDHH Latinas':

1) Elvia Guillermo and Leticia Arellano were the first Latina officers, and they helped to establish a Deaf Latino non-profit organization in Washington, DC on August 12, 2005. It was named Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of the Metropolitan DC Area, Inc. (LDHHAMDC). Leticia and Elvia played a big role during Dr. Franklin Torres' first term as the president.

2) Over the following years, Rosa Portillo, Sofia Siliezar and Norma Morán were the Latina officers throughout various terms.

3) In recognition of Sibila Munoz-Torres' contribution, She completely made chicken sandwiches from a scratch and was able to make more than 300 chicken sandwiches for the annual Deaf Soccer Tourney. The soccer event is hosted by LDHHAMDC in November each year. Foods were easily sold out to hungry soccer players when the game was over. It was profitable.

4) Bregitt Jimenez became the first Latina president of LDHHAMDC when she was elected to her new position in 2015.

5) On Saturday, February 28, 2015, four Deaf Latina female board members, Bregitt Jimenez, Zoila Barazarte, Lisa Montalvo and Karen Pineda were sworn in during the ceremony at Gallaudet University.

6) Norma Morán made a significant contribution to the organization by hosting a symposium in honor of LDHHAMDC's 10th Anniversary. She has received four successful donations from the event sponsors. The theme of symposium, Let's Make a Difference was held in the Peikoff Alumni House "Ole Jim" at Gallaudet University on March 5, 2016. Norma mentioned the event was a success and everyone in attendance enjoyed the workshops, food, and socializing.

7) LDHHAMDC truly appreciate all Rosa Portillo has done for its deaf non-profit organization in Washington, DC. What make Rosa Portillo so passionate about the photography She has provided for LDHHAMDC. Rose considers as a volunteer photographer. She does take many snapshots of event and general membership meeting. Rose loves what she does as she kindly post photos on Facebook. Rosa donates the photos to LDH

8) Maribel Robertson is a loyal volunteer. She contributes her organizational skill and her ability to compile guests' contact information. Maribel busily went shopping gifts for kids and wrapping presents without complaining. She busily assists Santa Claus as Santa Claus deliver presents to kids.

Latest Video

Sibila Munoz-Torres, a former 2007 Senorita pageant coordinator has wonderful answers. She will be discussing how her prior experience she can share with a potential committee member. Her wonderful work could make a difference in the lives of Senorita Latina Deaf Contestants. Sibila's dedication could help her Latina Deaf contestants and lead to Racquel Mazique's success

LDHHAMDC has had several notable Miss Deaf Senorita Latina.

Señorita Deaf Rachel Mazique 2007-2010

In October 2007, the 1st Biennial Conference: "SER" was hosted by Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of the Metropolitan DC Area, Inc. (LDHHAMDC). It was held at Gallaudet University. Four Miss Senorita Latina Sorda contestants were recruited for the contest. Rachel Mazique competed and won to be the first Miss Senorita Latino Sorda 2007. Rachel had a journey of accomplishments.

Rachel Mazique was crowned as Miss NAD Deaf America 2010-2012 during the 2010 NAD conference.
Miss Deaf America Rachel Mazique was invited to perform the National Anthem in American Sign Language sign at Sunday's Super Bowl in February 2012.
National Association of the Deaf had an interview with Miss Deaf America Ambassador. Read her story on the NAD website: https://nad.org/news/2010/8/interview-rachel-mazique-nad-miss-deaf-america-ambassador
Her notable stories were featured in several publications. Her information can be found on Deaf HoH and College of Liberal Arts

Señorita Bregitt Jimenez 2010 - 2012

The 2nd Biennial Conference: “Sordos Latinos Orgullosos” hosted by Illinois Deaf Latino Association was held in Schaumburg, Illinois. Bregitt was the second Deaf Latina to win the crown as Miss Senorita Latina Sorda in 2010.

The 3rd Biennial Conference: ”El Concimiento es Poder” hosted by National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing was held in Austin, TX. Bregitt's former agent was José-Ovi Velasquez. He received request from National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing (which was renamed to Council De Munos later) to extend Bregitt Jimenez's title for two more years. There was no competition in beauty pageant due to lack of competitors.
As a resident of Washington, DC, Bregitt currently serves a term year as LDHHAMDC President.

Andrew Robertson
Compiling Information/Editor
Norma Moran
Website Editing/Specialist Editor