Volunteer Spotlight Featuring Marietta Sternke

Marietta has been an indispensable part of the Illini Chapter of the Illinois Association of the Deaf (IAD) since she joined in 2001. Her dedication to the Deaf community in Champaign-Urbana is evident through her active involvement and leadership roles. As a Deaf individual herself, Marietta deeply values the connections and support that the Illini Chapter promotes, whether through organizing annual events like the August picnic or the February Bingo night. Her commitment extends beyond local initiatives; as the current President of IAD, Marietta is at the forefront of advocating for legislative changes that protect the rights and opportunities of Deaf and Hard of Hearing citizens, including fighting against sub-minimum wage pay for disabled individuals.

In addition to her work with IAD, Marietta’s involvement with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) demonstrates her commitment to broader advocacy and community engagement. At the recent NAD Conference in Chicago, she played a key role in preparing conference materials and served as a delegate for IAD. This conference was an opportunity for Marietta to help set priorities for NAD over the next two years and to gain valuable insights from experts in the field. Her participation not only allowed her to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones but also showcased the achievements of leading universities for the Deaf, such as Gallaudet University and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Marietta’s active role in these national efforts highlights her dedication to supporting and advancing the Deaf community on a larger scale.