Perseverance
Perseverance is defined as: Continuing to exist or endure, over a prolonged period, in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
We believe in the collective power of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. We have experienced, first hand the daily challenges that the Deaf and Hard of Hearing face. Together, we continually encourage each other to break down barriers. We cheer when one of us succeeds and join hands and rally when one of us falls. During this discussion, we will share stories of how Deaf and Hard of Hearing people have persevered. We hope you will leave feeling inpsired and understanding that while we, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, often have to work harder, the rewards are worth it.
Joanna Hawkins, hailing from Poland, a University of Manitoba Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate, Joanna Hawkins has always felt a strong connection to the arts. She is a skilled artist (drawing & painting), graphic designer and photographer but her real dream had always been with acting. Joanna has performed as a lead in a children’s show for young deaf children and has been involved in several films in Manitoba as a featured extra as well as two television commercials. Joanna has been professionally trained in mime, physical comedy and storytelling by the award winning Hot Thespian Action’s Shannon Guile-Hardy. Recently Joanna performed as Mrs. Peachum in Sick + Twisted/AA Battery production’s “The Threepenny Opera”. Joanna's aim is not only to entertain audiences with her incredibly crisp and clean physical illusions but to reach-out with the beauty of Deaf Culture and build bridges between the hearing and Deaf worlds. Joanna continues enjoying working at Manitoba Possible. as an Early Learning Consultant specializing in teaching ASL as well as in theatre/film industry as an actor, ASL translator and ASL coach.
Cindy Neil is a certified teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and has an Education Degree from the University of Manitoba and Masters degree in Educational Psychology, Special Education, Deafness Studies from the University of Alberta. She worked at the St. James Assiniboia School Division for 17 years before accepting a position as an educational consultant with Manitoba Education and Training. She has served for many years as the National Director for the Canadian Association of the Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and also serves on many committees dedicated to the education of Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Cindy’s biggest passion is empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing students to be strong advocates for themselves! Cindy also has a profound hearing loss.