LINDA RUSSELL

Linda Barbian Russell is a native of Wisconsin who graduated from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in 1971. Following graduation, Linda attended Gallaudet University, but later graduated from Northwestern College with a degree in Business Administration-Nonprofit Management.

Linda grew up with a hearing family who did not sign; however, her maternal grandfather was Deaf and shared with her his many experiences in dealing with the hearing world and oppression. He taught her many lessons in standing up for herself, being a self-advocate, being independent, and he was the greatest role model she could ever have hoped to have in her life. He also was a strong advocate for her in ensuring that her best interests were served as a Deaf child. She owes her success in life to him.

Linda was President of the Board of Directors for DEAF Inc. in St. Paul Minnesota (prior to its merger with CSD-Minn); President of the Parent Teacher Group for Metro Deaf School, St Paul, Minnesota; Secretary, President-Elect and President of the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf Board of Directors, and many other committees and activities. Her career has been focused on services to Deaf adults with special needs, including Deaf Refugees and those with mental health issues. Linda was a resident at Water Tower View Senior Apartments in Greenfield, Wisconsin for two years prior to becoming manager in 2010. She became manager at Apache ASL Trails in 2012 and looks forward to serving its residents for many years to come.

Katie Voss

Katie Voss grew up in a Deaf family on a Wisconsin dairy farm. After being mainstreamed in public schools without interpreters, Katie received her Associate's Degree in Child Development. She worked her way up the ladder to become Vice President of Accounting at Mt. Morris Mutual Insurance Company in Coloma, Wisconsin, but eventually relocated to Milwaukee, when she began working for Cardinal Capital Management as a Housing Consultant. Katie's role allows her to focus on Special Needs Housing, particularly for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind communities. She also teaches ASL at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is passionate about fighting for Deaf citizens' rights in Wisconsin.