Our Team

Farah is a student at Washington University as a Danforth Scholar and an early high school graduate from BASIS Scottsdale and was diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss at birth. Currently a bilateral cochlear implant recipient, she aspires to become an audiologist, advocating and being part of the journey for hearing loss children. Volunteering at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and with preschoolers who share her hearing loss, she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment focusing on ability and not disability.

Jad Bader is a Danforth full-tuition merit-based scholar and Washington University graduate (Neuroscience, Latin Honors) currently completing a gap year before medical school. He works as a Medical Assistant in Dermatology and Plastic Surgert and volunteers at a low-cost clinic serving uninsured and underinsured residents, while continuing his research with Dr. William’s at WashU's medical campus. During his undergraduate years, Jad served as Seminar Leader and Bauer Intern for the Danforth Scholars Program, helping shape the next generation of his scholarship cohort, and was a recipient of Harriet Switzer Leadership awards for his professional and service efforts. He continues to grow Deaf-i's mission through partnerships with Washington University, the Central Institute for the Deaf (CID), Ladue High School, and Phoenix-based organizations and is currently developing a national research project examining accommodation awareness and clinical outcomes for patients with hearing loss.

Eduard Tanase is the Chief Technology Officer of Deaf-i and a current M.S. Computer Science student at Stanford University. He earned his B.S. in Computer Engineering from Purdue University and has experience and research in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and computational neuroscience. Through Deaf-i, he works to develop technology that supports and empowers the hearing-impaired community.

Barbara Bader is a New Jersey native, wife, mother of three, healthcare professional, advocacy enthusiast, and endless source of support. She finds immense value in families sharing their stories and highlighting each member's vital role.

Jocelin Olivier, cofounder and president of LINKS, embodies the roles of a devoted spouse and mother to three teenagers and three dogs. While also managing her philanthropic endeavors, she is deeply committed to serving the greater good through all avenues. Her unwavering dedication is focused on facilitating access to education and advocating for every child to overcome obstacles and embrace learning opportunities.

Shirley Chavolla has a 24-year career in Information Technology, and is currently a Business Systems Analyst. Her nonprofit experience includes four and a half years as a CRM and Data Manager and almost three years volunteering as a CRM Administrator. With a BS in Computer Information Systems, she chooses to channel her skills into nonprofits, striving to improve the well-being of women and children in challenging circumstances.

Jacqueline Safont is an advocate for inclusivity and empowerment and brings a wealth of experience and passion with over twenty years of experience working in accessibility in an education setting. Her work with high school and college students, faculty, and staff within her community demonstrates her commitment to fostering positive change for individuals with disabilities. Her legal background has enabled her to educate students and their parents on their rights and responsibilities under current federal laws.