Laura Jean Davis

I also want to share my skills and experiences I had in North Carolina with Wisconsin as a sign language teacher, an independent living skills instructor and a Deaf mentor of children. Deaf Empowerment is a positive organization and it is growing. We need these services in the northeastern Wisconsin area. My philosophy is to be a positive role model to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing children to share my education, experiences, knowledge, and leadership skills so I can help them become our future leaders.

Beth Warnke

Beth Warnke is native of Denver, Colorado but she wasn't born there. Moved at the age 6 months old. She was born Deaf and had major eye surgery when only three months early due to glaucoma. Her first 6 years of school were in special education classes with the Deaf then she was moved on to two mainstreamed schools where she grew up oral relying on lipreading. She was one of a few students to stay after school learning to improve speech therapy for a couple of years. Eventually, she learned how to sign through socializing with other Deaf people. She feels it is important to know sign language to prevent misunderstanding when communicating. She is comfortable with both the Deaf and hearing worlds. Beth moved to Wisconsin in 1974, after marrying her husband Jim. She volunteered to teach ASL classes at her son's school and workplace. Also, volunteered to assist her son's teacher. She is excited to motivate and serve the Deaf community through Deaf Empowerment.

Vicki Shapiro

Vicki Shapiro grew up in Menasha, while attending Oshkosh’s public schools. She graduated from North High School in 1984 and went on to attend NTID where she graduated from in 1988. She married her husband, Martin, and have four children. Her twins just turned 13, 10 and the youngest is 6. Vicki works part time at FVTC as a Deaf Consultant in the Educational Interpreter Program and teaches signing classes in Oshkosh. She is excited to be involved in Deaf Empowerment, because she wants to help increase recognition of the Deaf community. She also wants to see Deaf children receive more exposure from Deaf people through programs such as the Child and Family Services offered by Deaf Empowerment. She feels it is important that Deaf children have an early start in Deaf Culture.