About Us
Our mission is simple. We want to create a better world for deaf and hard of hearing people.

We do this by working within the community.
We redesign technology to access the previously inaccessible. We invest in businesses whose goals and interests align with ours. We embrace change. Those little things, and more, contribute to the larger picture of what is truly possible when unity remains our strength.
Community is more than a place of shared culture and language. It is a home, and a safe haven. We are privileged to share it with you.
Chris Soukup, CEO
Community is more than a place of shared culture and language. It is a home, and a safe haven. We are privileged to share it with you.
Chris Soukup, CEO
Our Values
Communication
Accountability
Empowerment
Community
Integrity
Communication is key to everything we do. We believe in the power of collaboration with frequent, open, and honest dialogue. We prioritize accessible communication methods to meet everyone’s needs.
Accountability is taking ownership of our actions, decisions, and responsibilities by doing what we say we are going to do and owning mistakes when we make them. This makes us a strong team, allowing us to build trust, form meaningful relationships, and have a greater overall impact.
We celebrate and embrace the varied viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences that make us strong. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging by removing obstacles and encouraging each other to reach our full potential.
We believe in being a positive force for and with our employees and Deaf communities. We work to actively seek and understand the ever-changing needs of our communities and measure our success by the positive impact we make. By working together, we can achieve great things.
We are committed to an environment where we treat each other respectfully, operate ethically, and prioritize empathy and collaboration, regardless of position or background. Our word is our bond, and we are dedicated to maintaining the trust and confidence of those we work with.

Where We've Been. Where We're Going.
For over 40 years, we've been adapting and advancing our Deaf-led social impact organization - and we will continue to do so. Take a look at our journey to today, and what we have in mind for the future.
The Past
From a closet to the world.
Watch our Founder's story.

The Present
Actions we take today will impact generations to come.
Learn more about, and get involved with our deaf-led social support campaigns.
ALL
Latest
The Future
We envision the future every day.
See the world we are working towards represented in our Vision Film series.

Meant To Be
Alba has always stood out, even at birth. When her parents learned she was deaf, they raised her without sign language. Now a teenager, she struggles with a deprived past and her place in the world – until a fated encounter alters the course of her life, as it was meant to be.

Beyond Inclusion
In the near future, technology has advanced to the point of blurring lines of human connections… or has it? Beyond Inclusion explores the relationship between technology and human nature. Will we remain true to ourselves? Or will we jump at the chance to be “cured”?

The Future
We envision a world where communication is open and transparent. A world where every deaf person can interact freely with others. It’s not simply a far-fetched dream; it’s our vision for the future. It’s why CSD exists. It’s why we come to work every single day. CSD has always belonged to the community just like this vision belongs to you.
What's Next?
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Who's Leading the Charge
Meet the people who live and breathe CSD's values, elevate our community, and make a difference through a Deaf-led organization.
All
Board
Leadership

Chris Soukup
CEO, Board President

Maria Wilson
Chief Legal Officer, Board Secretary

Thomas Means
Chief Financial Officer, Board Treasurer

Amanda Whyrick
President, California Connect

Greg Pollock
President of ASL Now

Rosa Lee Timm
President of CSD Social Venture Fund

Sasha Ponappa
Executive Director of Deaf Organizations Fund

Rogelio Fernández Mota
Chair

Mark Seeger
Director

Marilyn Jean Smith
Director

Shireen Hafeez
Board Member

TJay Middlebrook
Board Member

Michael McLaurin
Board Member

Elise Nye
Board Member

Roberta Mather
Board Member

Brendan Gramer
Board Member

Chris Soukup
CEO, Board President

Maria Wilson
Chief Legal Officer, Board Secretary

Thomas Means
Chief Financial Officer, Board Treasurer

Rogelio Fernández Mota
Chair

Mark Seeger
Director

Marilyn Jean Smith
Director

Shireen Hafeez
Board Member

TJay Middlebrook
Board Member

Michael McLaurin
Board Member

Elise Nye
Board Member

Roberta Mather
Board Member

Brendan Gramer
Board Member

Amanda Whyrick
President, California Connect

Greg Pollock
President of ASL Now

Rosa Lee Timm
President of CSD Social Venture Fund

Sasha Ponappa
Executive Director of Deaf Organizations Fund
All
Board
Leadership

Amanda Whyrick
President, California Connect

Brendan Gramer
Board Member

Chris Soukup
CEO, Board President

Elise Nye
Board Member

Greg Pollock
President of ASL Now

Maria Wilson
Chief Legal Officer, Board Secretary

Marilyn Jean Smith
Director

Mark Seeger
Director

Michael McLaurin
Board Member

Roberta Mather
Board Member

Rogelio Fernández Mota
Chair

Rosa Lee Timm
President of CSD Social Venture Fund

Sasha Ponappa
Executive Director of Deaf Organizations Fund

Shireen Hafeez
Board Member

Thomas Means
Chief Financial Officer, Board Treasurer

TJay Middlebrook
Board Member

Brendan Gramer
Board Member

Chris Soukup
CEO, Board President

Elise Nye
Board Member

Maria Wilson
Chief Legal Officer, Board Secretary

Marilyn Jean Smith
Director

Mark Seeger
Director

Michael McLaurin
Board Member

Roberta Mather
Board Member

Rogelio Fernández Mota
Chair

Shireen Hafeez
Board Member

Thomas Means
Chief Financial Officer, Board Treasurer

TJay Middlebrook
Board Member

Amanda Whyrick
President, California Connect

Greg Pollock
President of ASL Now

Rosa Lee Timm
President of CSD Social Venture Fund

Sasha Ponappa
Executive Director of Deaf Organizations Fund
Who's Leading the Charge
Meet the people who live and breathe CSD's values, elevate our community, and make a difference through a Deaf-led organization.