CDWC-CFSC - 2026 Speakers

Learn from Deaf Women across Canada

The Canadian Deaf Women’s Conference brings together Deaf women from many communities, experiences, and paths in life. Our speakers are not only professionals and community leaders, but also storytellers, advocates, artists, and everyday changemakers.

Through workshops, conversations, and shared experiences, speakers create space for learning, connection, and empowerment among Deaf women. Each voice adds to our collective strength and reflects the diversity of Deaf communities across Canada.

Meet our speakers below, and check back often as we continue to welcome more voices to the conference.

Stephanie jebb

Stephanie Jebb is a Deaf Indigenous woman from the Métis community of St. Laurent, with ties to Duck Bay and Lake Manitoba First Nations. She is a mother of four. Stephanie serves as Indigenous Director for the Manitoba Deaf Association and has been part of the National Indigenous Deaf Cultural Gathering committee since 2021. She brings her lived experience as a Deaf Indigenous woman to support healing, identity, and mental health through culture and ceremony, and is deeply involved in cultural revitalization and community work that strengthens access, representation, and wellness for Indigenous Deaf people. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution with minors in Indigenous Studies and Psychology from the University of Winnipeg and a diploma in Child and Youth Care from Red River College, grounded in trauma-informed and relational care.

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"Walking in Two Worlds: Finding Strength Through Culture and Ceremony"

Workshop / Presentation Description:

"Stephanie Jebb shares her journey as a Deaf Indigenous woman navigating the worlds of culture, ceremony, and community. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother, community helper, and someone reconnecting with her roots, she explores how Indigenous teachings, ceremony, and cultural practices foster healing, identity, belonging and resilience. Stephanie reflects on the challenges that many Deaf Indigenous people face, such as isolation, discrimination, and limited access to culturally grounded supports, and highlights the strength that comes from returning to ceremony, language, storytelling, and intergenerational knowledge. She emphasizes how reconnecting with culture and tradition empowers Deaf women to embrace their layered identities and walk with confidence and pride. Through stories, reflection, and lived experience, Stephanie celebrates the transformative power of culture and ceremony in building wellness, belonging, and emotional balance."

Rosaline Labelle & ValÉrie Lapalme

La Maison des femmes sourdes de Montréal (MFSM) provides universal accessibility services, including equitable access to information, as well as trilingual intervention services (LSQ, ASL, and French) for Deaf and hard of hearing women. MFSM’s work responds to the social, educational, and professional realities of Deaf and hard of hearing women within its regional territory. Since its founding, MFSM has developed expertise in support, active listening, and accompaniment, as well as in organizing information and awareness‑raising activities about Deaf culture, and in advocating for the rights and interests of Deaf and hard of hearing women. Valérie Lapalme Valérie Lapalme has been a Deaf support worker at MFSM for over 18 years. She supports women in their personal and professional development, using practical approaches to foster autonomy, confidence, and informed decision‑making. Rosalie Labelle Rosalie Labelle has worked at MFSM for four years. Trained in special education and suicide prevention, she serves as a specialized suicide prevention support worker, providing structured and safe support to Deaf and hard of hearing women. Her expertise allows her to effectively accompany participants in their personal journeys.

Workshop / Presentation Title: "Connecting with the Inner Child and the Woman of Today"

Workshop / Presentation Description:

"MFSM offers you a powerful and meaningful tool: the connection between the inner child and the woman you are today. This process allows buried memories to resurface and invites reflection on essential moments that may have been softened or hidden by time. By reconnecting with this intimate and authentic part of yourself, you gain access to a deep source of strength, power, and light. The inner child embodies spontaneous joy, creativity, sensitivity, and the ability to feel wonder. The woman of today carries maturity, determination, intuition, and the wisdom gained through lived experience. When these two dimensions meet and unite, they awaken the luminous young girl within you while revealing the light warrior you have become. This connection represents a true path of inner transformation: it rekindles vital energy, restores self‑confidence, and allows you to move forward with clarity and serenity. Through this tool, MFSM accompanies you in rediscovering your purest essence and embracing your inner power."

Renu Sangha

Renu is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of experience across banking, retail, and telecommunications, spanning accounting, finance, information technology, and project management. She holds a BBA (Finance) and a BSc (Information Technology) from Simon Fraser University and a AgileBA Foundation and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) certified. Renu has served on the CAV Board of Directors and as Chief Operating Officer at Convo Canada, gaining deep insight into the VRS industry. Networking and mentoring have been key drivers of their career advancement, leadership development, and professional growth.

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"From Connection to Confidence: Leveraging Networking and Mentorship for Career Growth"

Workshop / Presentation Description:

"As Deaf and hard of hearing women, career advancement often requires more than technical skills—it requires access, relationships, and intentional support systems. This interactive workshop explores how networking and mentoring can be powerful tools for career development, leadership growth, and long-term success. Drawing from my personal journey as a first-generation South Asian Deaf woman navigating corporate, nonprofit, and executive leadership spaces, I will guide participants through practical, real-world strategies for building meaningful professional relationships, identifying mentors and sponsors, showing up effectively as mentees, and using networks with confidence and purpose rather than pressure. Through guided reflection, small-group discussion, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to network authentically in Deaf, hearing, and mixed environments; how to seek mentorship at different career stages; and how mentoring relationships can evolve into sponsorship, leadership opportunities, and personal confidence. This workshop aligns with the AWE (All Women Empowered) theme by reframing networking and mentoring as skills that can be learned, practiced, and owned. Participants will leave with actionable tools, greater clarity, and renewed confidence to support their career growth—at any stage of their professional journey."

Greta Davey

A dedicated Canada Deaf Women Volleyball athlete and the current secretary of Ontario Deaf Sports Association. With 8+ years experience on the Canada Deaf women volleyball team and 3+ years on the board with Ontario Deaf Sports Association.

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"Decline in Deaf Women Sports in Canada" with Nyla Kurylowich

Workshop / Presentation Description:

"In recent years, there has been a decline in Deaf Canadian women’s participation in sports due to the many challenging aspects that Deaf women face. Deaf women face limited access to funding, a lack of media coverage and activity, fewer competitive opportunities, and cultural pressure that prevents them from continuing participation in sports. There are ways that we can change the decline to an incline and increase the growth of Deaf women in sports, and increase participation. Strengthening funding, increasing competitive opportunities, and building community/cultural support can foster this change. To do so, we must raise awareness around ableism and sexism within the sports industry and call upon our community and government to make a difference."

Nyla Kurylowich

Canadian Deaf Sports Association (CDSA/ASSC) Director at Large for 6 years with strong passionate for Deaf Women sports.

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"Decline in Deaf Women Sports in Canada" with Greta Davey

Workshop / Presentation Description:

Linda Cundy

"Linda had been working as an Education Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 1999. She had 23 years of classroom teaching and 14 years of consulting work. Toward the end of her illustrious career, she worked as a Research Associate at University of Alberta, Western Canadian Centre of Deaf Studies. She is active in the community services, both Deaf and hearing communities. She has shared her knowledge and skills with many different advisory boards over the years. She has been representing the Deaf community in many areas for more than 45 years. Her interests are mostly related to interpreting issues and community advocacy and volunteerism. She presently freelances as a Deaf Interpreter. "

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"Importance of Community Service"

Workshop / Presentation Description:

""When deaf women are fully aware of own self-being with strong intrinsic historical and cultural knowledge, they are more empowered to contribute to their own community - the contribution being in the voluntary service on the board (or committee) level. Deaf women need knowledge, confidence and interest to build skills required to serve on the board of any organization. “What you know” is important, but what is more important is “WHO you know.” The presentation highlights the positive ramifications of one’s service on the board (and committee) on all levels: community-wide, provincial, national and international. The presenter shares her own journey through multiple boards over 50 years; she also shares helpful tips on different types of board service. Such tips would help deaf women to feel empowered to contribute time, energy and commitment to the community where they live to make it better for the next generation of deaf women."

Cassie Bell

Cassandra is a Hard of Hearing, Metis, Queer woman born and raised in Winnipeg. Growing up as the only Deaf person in a hearing family and school system, she navigated the complex process of identity development while facing bullying, loneliness, and ongoing accessibility barriers. These early lived experiences shaped her deep understanding of the emotional and mental health challenges often faced within Deaf and disability communities. After completing her first degree in 2018, Cassandra began working at a local community-based nonprofit organization within a Deaf supports program. Through this role, she witnessed firsthand the significant lack of accessible and culturally responsive mental health services available to Deaf individuals. Motivated to create meaningful change, Cassandra returned to school to pursue her Master of Social Work, with the goal of becoming a therapist dedicated to accessibility and mental health care. Today, Cassandra is the founder of Bells Therapy, where she supports a diverse client base and provides accessible mental health education, tools, and presentations. Her work is grounded in both professional training and lived experience, and she is passionate about helping individuals not only improve their mental health, but also understand why mental health tools truly work and how they can be adapted to meet the needs of Deaf and disability communities.

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"Beyond the Strategy: Understanding Why Mental Health Tools Really Work"

Workshop / Presentation Description:

"Mental health and wellness information focuses a lot on self-care and coping strategies. We are constantly told "try journalling, try mindfulness, here's a meditation app for deep breathing" etc. However, understanding the reasons behind these things can help us recognize which skills would work best for us, and how to adapt them into accessible practices for Deaf/HH women to incorporate into their daily lives."

Denise Read

Denise Read is the solo proprietor of ASLSQ Entertainment, a Deaf actress, and an experienced ASL–LSQ interpreter. She is known for her creative work in LSQ and ASL songs, as well as her roles as a director, filmmaker, editor, and teacher. Denise also leads diverse workshops in acting, body movement, storytelling, and visual communication, sharing her expertise with communities across Canada.

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"Body Movement"

Workshop / Presentation Description:

"Body Movement Workshop: In this workshop, I will guide participants through the foundations of acting using the four natural elements—earth, water, fire, and air. Each element represents a different energy, rhythm, and emotional quality. Participants will learn how to incorporate these elements into their body movement to create clearer expression, stronger storytelling, and more dynamic stage presence. The workshop is fully visual, interactive, and accessible for all skill levels. It encourages creativity, confidence, and a deeper connection to physical expression."

Courage Bacchus

I am Tkaronto-Guyanese Black Deaf visual artist, facilitator, and community educator with experience leading workshops on accessibility, anti-racism, embodied storytelling, and cross-cultural dialogue. My work focuses on creating courageous spaces for IBPOC Deaf communities, examining colonial influence within Deaf culture, and supporting safe communication between Deaf women across racial backgrounds. With a background in theatre, movement practice, and community leadership, I bring lived experience and practical tools that help participants build accountability, empathy, and stronger relationships in their personal and professional spaces

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"Courage vs. Comfort: Understanding Racism, Power, and Accountability Among Deaf Women in Canada"

Workshop / Presentation Description:

"Courage vs Comfort is a powerful session centered on how Deaf women in Canada can build healthier, safer, and more accountable relationships across racial and cultural identities. Through the lens of my lived experience as a Black Deaf woman, this presentation examines how colonialism, systemic racism, and social conditioning shape the dynamics between IBPOC Deaf women and Deaf white women. These dynamics often create spaces where IBPOC women must navigate fear, exclusion, or silence, while others may remain protected by comfort, fragility or defensiveness. This session invites attendees to reflect on how privilege, emotional reactions, and unspoken power structures influence interactions in Deaf communities. Through storytelling, guided reflection, and practical activities, participants will learn how courage, empathy, and accountability can replace avoidance and discomfort. Key takeaways include: -Recognizing comfort privilege and its impact -Understanding how colonial systems affect communication and safety -Strategies for building braver, culturally safe spaces -Tools for cross-racial dialogue and conflict navigation Alligned with the AWE theme, this session empower Deaf women of the all backgrounds to step into stronger leadership, deepen mutual respect, and build communities rooted in truth, care, and collective empowerment."

Ley Bergeron

I am a PhD researcher studying climate science communication with Deaf signing communities, focusing on how Deaf signers learn, process, and express climate science knowledge. My work includes designing and facilitating workshops on climate-related hazards, such as wildfires and climate change, using signed languages and visual-tactile strategies. I have expertise in environmental science and have been asked to discuss the climate crisis and science education through sign language. My research integrates climate change, signed languages, science communication, and education to build knowledge, strengthen community resilience, and support intergenerational learning.

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"Climate, custodianship, and community: sharing knowledge in sign language"

Workshop / Presentation Description:

"In the presentation, I will share my PhD research on how Deaf signers learn, understand and express climate science knowledge. Many factors influence this process, including language access, education quality, limited climate signs, and other forms of oppression. As a result, Deaf people are at higher risk of being impacted by the climate crisis, with those who are also Indigenous, racialized, and/or women experiencing severe impacts. As a part of my research, Deaf signers participated in my climate science workshops where they explored the science of wildfires and climate change through ASL and visual-tactile strategies. They also had the opportunity to connect the knowledge to their personal and community stories. I will then discuss what I have learned so far and highlight areas that still need more work. Attendees will gain a stronger understanding of visual-tactile and communication strategies that support learning, knowledge sharing, and collective action. The session emphasizes empowerment, resilience, and community building by showing how sign languages strengthen Deaf communities’ ability to respond to the climate crisis."

kimberly wood

Kimberly Wood is a visionary leader and longstanding advocate for accessibility and inclusion, with over 20 years of experience advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. She is the Founder and Chair of the Canada Deaf Grassroots Movement (CDGM), a national Deaf-led organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of Deaf, Deaf Indigenous, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind (DDIHHDB) communities and addressing systemic accessibility barriers across Canada. Kimberly brings extensive expertise in policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. Her work has contributed to the development of inclusive governance practices, accessibility-focused policy frameworks, and equitable participation across public and community systems. She is recognized for her ability to bridge lived experience with policy development, ensuring that accessibility initiatives are practical, accountable, and community-informed. Through her leadership and collaborative approach, Kimberly continues to support municipalities, organizations, and institutions in building inclusive environments that promote equity, dignity, and meaningful access for all residents.

Workshop / Presentation Title:

"Deaf Women Leading Systems Change: From Lived Experience to Collective Power"

Workshop / Presentation Description:

"" This presentation aligns with the conference theme AWE (All Women Empowered) by highlighting how Deaf women transform lived experience into leadership, advocacy, and structural change. Drawing on real-world examples from national policy work, regulatory advocacy, and grassroots organizing, the session will explore how Deaf women can reclaim power, influence decision-making spaces, and lead accessibility movements—rather than remaining excluded or tokenized. The session will address: The unique leadership strengths Deaf women bring to advocacy and systems change Barriers Deaf women face in policy, governance, and institutional spaces Strategies for empowerment through collective action, self-advocacy, and Deaf-led organizing How Deaf women can move from participation to leadership and authority Audience takeaways: Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of their leadership potential, practical strategies for advocacy and empowerment, and renewed confidence in Deaf women’s collective power to shape inclusive futures. I would be honoured to contribute to this important gathering and to support the conference’s mission of uplifting Deaf women’s voices, leadership, and impact. Thank you for your consideration. I am happy to provide additional details or adapt the session format as needed. Deaf women have long transformed lived experience into leadership, yet their contributions are often overlooked or marginalized within advocacy, policy, and decision-making spaces. This session explores how Deaf women can reclaim power, assert authority, and lead systemic change—grounded in the principle of Nothing About Us Without Us. Drawing on Deaf-led grassroots advocacy, national policy engagement, and real-world community organizing, this presentation will examine the unique strengths Deaf women bring to leadership, including resilience, cultural knowledge, and intersectional insight. Participants will explore common barriers Deaf women face in institutional and governance spaces, as well as practical strategies for moving from participation to influence and leadership. Aligned with the conference theme AWE (All Women Empowered), the session emphasizes collective empowerment, self-advocacy, and the importance of Deaf women supporting and uplifting one another. Attendees will leave with concrete tools for building confidence, engaging in advocacy, and recognizing their own leadership potential—whether in their communities, workplaces, or broader systems of change. This presentation affirms that when Deaf women lead, entire communities benefit.""