Dr. Wright is a Critical Theorist and researcher. Jordan was raised in Buffalo, NY, and matriculated at California State University, Northridge where he formally learned ASL and finished with a BA in English Literature at the University at Buffalo. In 2017, Jordan completed his Ph.D. at Gallaudet University and has since held a variety of academic positions at Lamar University and RIT/NTID, which led to his current position that combines three of his favorite passions: writing, data, and Deaf Studies. Dr. Wright has extensive experience in the world of publishing and enjoys escaping down various rabbit holes with a thirst for knowledge and curiosity which fuels his passion. An avid traveler, Jordan enjoys seeking out new horizons, and new experiences, and immersing himself in different languages and cultures all over the world. Dad to fur babies Savior and Ace, Jordan is an animal lover and sometimes prefers the company of animals to people.

Jasmine Lowe, RID, QMHI-S, is a nationally certified sign language interpreter with more than 12 years of experience. She works primarily in behavioral health and developmental disability settings, specializing in mental health interpreting and occasionally providing supervision. Jasmine is dedicated to ensuring quality access for individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing in some of the most vulnerable care environments. Outside of work, she enjoys breath work, running, and practices that support holistic well-being.

LaShawnda (Shawnda) Lowe, MS, NIC, QMHI, is a freelance interpreter in Alabama. Her interpreting experience includes mental health, K-12, post-secondary, medical, and VRS. Shawnda received a bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language/Interpreting from Valdosta State University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She completed her clinical internship with the Alabama Department of Mental Health Office of Deaf Services. Outside of interpreting, Shawnda is passionate about holistic health. She is a Reiki practitioner and a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher. She loves spending time with her friends and family, being in nature, traveling, and reading.

As the project director of the CATIE Center’s Dive In project, Doug Bowen-Bailey seeks innovative ways to support recent graduates on their journey to becoming practicing professionals. He worked on the CATIE Center team from 2017-2021 with the Graduation to Certification program and collaborated on many CATIE projects before becoming a staff member. In addition to working with the CATIE Center, he interprets in the community when he can, provides mentoring services, and serves on the executive board of the Duluth Branch of the NAACP. He received his MA in Interpreting Studies and Communication Equity in 2019 from St. Catherine University with a project focused on understanding best practices for teaching interpreters about power, privilege and oppression. Doug lives in Duluth, MN with his partner, Holly. His best thinking often happens while he is on a bicycle, and so is grateful for any chance to be out on the roads and trails on two wheels.

Wink, MA, MBA, NIC Master, is an interpreter, educator, and researcher with over sixteen years of professional instruction and research in the field of interpretation. He has presented at national conferences, including the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), and across the United States and Canada. His focus is on the intersection of skill development, practice, and theory in interpretation, highlighted by his workshops and a published article on deliberate practice in the Winter 2012 issue of RID Views. He has also served on the Certification Council for RID, held a board position with the Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT), and received the NAD Outstanding Service to Interpreting Award in 2016. As of 2023, Wink has delivered over 2,800 hours of live CEU professional development training.

Currently a faculty member in the Department of Interpretation and Translation at Gallaudet University, Wink engages with undergraduate and graduate students, fostering a deeper understanding of interpretation and encouraging graduate students to become change agents in the field. Nearing completion of his PhD in linguistics at Gallaudet, his research explores the embodied motivations of imagery in depiction and the processes through which they are constructed. His academic work centering on interpreting and translation, focuses on message analysis within a cognitive linguistic framework and the role of depiction in interpretation. His approach redefines traditional notions of expansion and equivalence, offering a more nuanced perspective, while his exploration of depiction provides interpreters with a structured framework for effectively conveying meaning.

With nineteen years of professional interpreting and translation experience, Wink has developed translated tours for the U.S. Capitol and the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. Outside of academics and interpreting, Wink enjoys crafting ASL stories on and off the stage for his cat’s amusement.