Click here for more information about our presenters of Renew, Reinvest, Restart #2021!
Thank you for leading a session or presentation at this year's community event during the Camp Sol of the Deaf is hosting our first Hispanic Heritage Month in October. We are excited to feature your expertise and committed to supporting you as you prepare your workshop and presentation. Please click below to access the deaf Latino/Hispanic presenter biographies and sign up for the session during the National Hispanic Heritage Month.
My name is Zoila Barazarte and I was born in Venezuela. My father is from Venezuela and my mother is from Syria. As far as my own identity, I have honored my Latina and Arabic heritage continuing my parents’ traditions. I completed a cosmetology program to be a hairstylist and obtained a cosmetology license in Venezuela. I received a diploma and certification courses in the subjects of arts and crafts. Subsequently, I moved to the United States. I am passionate about Latino dances, crafts, cooking, and graphic design.
Evelis Velez, "The Colors of Love"
Evelis Velez is a Native New Yorker but currently resides in Massachusetts. A Cortiva Institute School of Massage Alumni, holding a Licensed Massage Therapist NJ. Evelis is a mother of 3 children, one CODA and two Deaf children. Evelis has a natural affinity to art since she was 10 years old. She believes art allows you to explore different aspect of oneself. She enjoys bringing those elements out driving deep into the creative mind. There is no right or wrong way because art is a natural form of expression. She enjoy guiding others through that journey.
Roberto Sandoval is a native of San Diego and currently lives in Los Angeles. He has served on numerous committees and boards of Latinx/Latina/Latino Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing and LateDeafened (DDBDDHHLD) and sign language interpreter organizations. In 2017, Roberto was the co-curator for the Dyer Arts Center at Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) featured the artwork of Latinx/Latina/Latino Deaf artists during the “Arte del Corazón” exhibit. In 2018 and 2019, Roberto was one of the Deaf Arts Jubilee presenters teaching Mexican Arts. The Deaf Arts Jubilee brings together Deaf high school students from across Southern California for a day full of exposure to arts and culture. Roberto is currently the co-curator for the NTID Dyer Arts Center which will feature the artwork of Latinx/Latina/Latino DDBDDHHLD artists on its website from 2021 to 2022.
José-Ovi Velasquez "Start with a Seeds"
José-Ovi Velasquez born in Mexico. He is the son of Rigoberto and Marta Velasquez and has an older Deaf sister. He moved to the United States when he was 2 years old. He attended the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) in San Antonio, Texas upon graduation he attended Gallaudet University for his AAS and Bachelor. His dream was to become a DEAF leader to help out his community. He has been involved in many Deaf Community organizations for many years. He is currently a board member of Gallaudet University Alumni Association and a board of trustees for the South Texas Community for the Deaf while he is teaching American Sign Language classes at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas.