​March is LDHH Latina's History Month

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 to nurture, provide invaluable to society and empower Deaf Latina through education.

                Timeline of LDHH Latinas' History











​1) Elvia Guillermo and Leticia Arellano were the first Latina officers after establishing 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). LDHHAMDC was made possible by Elvia and Leticia's role of nurture. They helped support Dr. Franklin Torres during Dr. Franklin Torres served two years term as LDHH president.

​2) The next following years, Rosa Portillo, Sofia Siliezar and Norma Moran were the Latina officers at different times. 
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3) No Deaf Latina president has served with LDHHAMDC for a decade. Bregitt Jimenez became the first Latina president when she was nominated to be elected for her new position.
4) On Saturday, February 28, 2015, four other Deaf Latina female board, Bregitt  Jimenez, Zoila Barazarte, Lisa Montalvo and Karen Pineda sworn in during the ceremony at Gallaudet University. 
Picture
Photo Courtesy of Daniel Torres
"Feb 28, 2015 was special because it was the first time we had an ENTIRE Latina female board."- Norma Morna
5) Norma Morna made significant contribution to the organization of  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's statement which said, " yesterday's event was a success and everyone in attendance enjoyed the workshops, food, and socializing so it's all good."  

LDHHAMDC has had several Notable Miss Senorita Latina Deaf Past Titleholders. ​

Miss Deaf America Rachel Mazique 2010-2012
In October 2007, the theme of  the conference, 1st Biennial Conference: "SER"  hosted by Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of the Metropolitan DC Area, Inc. (LDHHAMDC) was held at Gallaudet University. Four Miss Senorita Latina Deaf contestants were recruited for the contest. Rachel Mazique competed and won her first title of Miss Senorita Latina Deaf 2007. Rachel had a journey of accomplishments.
  1. Rachel Mazique  was crowned as Miss NAD Deaf America 2010-2012 during the 2010 NAD conference. 
  2. 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.   
  3. 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
  4. Her notable stories were featured in several publications. Her information can be found on Deaf and HoH and College of Liberal Arts

Señorita Bregitt Jimenez 2010 - 2012

​Rachel Mazique was followed by the Miss new Senorita Latina Sorda winner, Bregitt Jimenez of Chicago.

  1. The 2nd Biennial Conference: “Sordos Latinos Orgullosos” hosted by Illinois Deaf Latino Association was held in Schaumburg Illinois. Bregitt was the second Deaf Latina woman to win the crown as Miss senorita Latina sorda 2010.  
  2. On the fall of September 13-16, 2012,   Bregitt went on to compete for Miss Texas title during the 3rd Biennial Conference: ”El Concimiento es Poder” was hosted by Texas Latino Council of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Austin, TX. Miss 2012 Senorita Latina Sorda Bregitt Jimenez had won two pageant titles in two straight consecutive at the Deaf Latino conference.    
  3. ​As a resident of Washington, DC, Bregitt currently serves a term year as LDHHAMDC President.