Support AG Bell Today

Young Leaders Network

Connecting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Young Adults with Opportunities to Lead, Learn, and Grow

Are You a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Adult? ​

Join the Young Leaders Network and connect with a community that empowers you to develop leadership skills, build lifelong connections, and access valuable resources.

Are You a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Adult?

Join the Young Leaders Network and connect with a community that empowers you to develop leadership skills, build lifelong connections, and access valuable resources.

Stay updated on upcoming events, opportunities, and ways to get involved.

About the Young Leaders Network

The Young Leaders Network (YLN) is a global initiative by AG Bell that fosters leadership, professional growth, and community engagement for deaf and hard of hearing young adults. Led by the Young Leaders Board (YLB), YLN works to expand the visibility of AG Bell and the resources available for young adults who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. 

  • Professional Development

    Workshops, webinars, and networking opportunities to help you advance your career.

  • Leadership Opportunities

    Join committees, volunteer for projects, and make a meaningful impact in the community.

  • Social Connections

    Engage with peers through virtual hangouts, in-person events, and online communities.

  • In-Person Events

    Annual retreat, leadership summit in Washington, D.C., and international travel opportunities.

Questions? Contact Us at [email protected]

YLN strives to:

  • Engage individuals through establishing a global network. 
  • Empower individuals to actively participate in a cause. 
  • Educate individuals to be leaders in their community. 

Through virtual and in-person events, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, the YLN offers a dynamic space for young adults to connect, learn, and lead.

YLN strives to: ​

  • Engage individuals through establishing a global network. 
  • Empower individuals to actively participate in a cause. 
  • Educate individuals to be leaders in their community. 

Through virtual and in-person events, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, the YLN offers a dynamic space for young adults to connect, learn, and lead.

Questions? Contact Us [email protected]

What We Offer:

  • Professional Development

    Workshops, webinars, and networking opportunities to help you advance your career.

  • Leadership Opportunities

    Join committees, volunteer for projects, and make a meaningful impact in the community.

  • Social Connections

    Engage with peers through virtual hangouts, in-person events, and online communities.

  • In-Person Events

    Annual retreat, leadership summits, and international travel opportunities.

Sign up!

Get updated on events, oppotunities, and more! 

YLB

Meet the Young Leaders Board

The Young Leaders Board (YLB) is a dedicated group of DHH young adults who guide and shape the direction of the YLN. The YLB works to develop programming, oversee events, and advocate for the needs of deaf and hard of hearing young adults worldwide. 

Emerson Henry

Young Leaders Network Coordinator

Watch Bio

Read Bio

Emerson Henry is a bilateral Cochlear Implant user. She is the Program, Development, and Young Leaders Network Coordinator here at AG Bell. Since 2018, Emerson has been involved with AG Bell as a LOFTee graduate, volunteer, intern, LOFT counselor, LEAP facilitator, and is a staff member. In 2024, Emerson graduated from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN with a B.A in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood. In her free time, she likes to read, do puzzles, travel, be outside, and spending time with friends & family. She is so excited to be joining Young Leaders Network as the coordinator and is excited for the future of this program! 

Jim Conner Jr

Administrative Chair

Watch Bio

Read Bio
Jim is a certified athletic trainer who has worked in sports medicine/ orthopedics for 9 years. Currently, he works alongside physician assistants and surgeons in a busy orthopedic practice addressing a variety of orthopedic needs for patients of all ages and backgrounds. Jim recently earned his Master of Science degree in Health Systems Management from Rochester Institute of Technology. He is also a 2010 LOFT program graduate. Jim brings his career experience and education to serve as a chair for the Young Leaders Board to help young adults become leaders of tomorrow.

Nate Williams

Administrative Co-Chair

Watch Bio
Read Bio
Nate is a proud bilateral cochlear implant user and freshman majoring in Airline Management at Purdue University. In his free time he enjoys the outdoors, photography, traveling the world, and listening to various types of music! He is excited to continue being involved with AG Bell as he is 2022 LOFT graduate. Additionally, he was a participant in the inaugural session of LEAP in 2021, and has had the privilege to appear as a student panelist on a couple of AG Bell Parent Chat sessions. Nate is looking forward to keep offering resources and support to the deaf/hard of hearing as an intern!

Dasha Yeremin

Marketing Chair

Watch Bio

r

Read Bio
Dasha Yeremin is a bilateral Cochlear implant user. Currently, she is a Senior pursuing a B.S. in Marketing at Rochester Institute of Technology. She is excited to continue her involvement with AG Bell as she was a LEAP participant and a 2022 LOFTee graduate. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, photography, playing with her dogs, and traveling the world. She is looking forward to supporting deaf/hard-of-hearing young adults to be confident in themselves!

Kerry Chavarria Gonzalez

Events Chair

Watch Bio
Read Bio
Hola! My name is Kerry Chavarria Gonzalez, and I go by she, her, and ella. I am a first-generation student at Trinity Washington University studying biology with a minor in public health. I am passionate in advocating for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community and the Hispanic community as well. I am proud to say that I have bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and wear hearing aids. I plan to become an audiologist in the future! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family at the beach or stay in playing board games.

Ammanuel Dawit

Events Co-Chair

Watch Bio
r
Read Bio

My name is Ammanu Dawit and I am 22 years old from Atlanta, Georgia. As a bilateral cochlear implant user, I’m passionate about empowering others in the deaf/hard of hearing community to advocate for themselves and also create spaces where everyone feels included and connected! I value bringing people together through shared experiences and meaningful conversations. In my free time, I enjoy watching soccer, spending time with family and friends, and staying active.

Andres Cravioto

Media Chair

Watch Bio

Read Bio
Andres Cravioto is a creator, business owner, and entertainer based in San Antonio, TX. Born in Mexico City and growing up hard of hearing, he strives to use his story and passions to inspire others to become the strongest and best version of themselves.

Regan Brady

Advocacy Chair

Watch Bio
Read Bio

Regan was born with a profound bilateral hearing loss and has been an advocate for the deaf community since childhood, through authoring a book about her experiences growing up with cochlear implants and supporting legislation and awareness campaigns. Regan received a B.A. from Harvard University in 2022 with High Honors in Economics and a secondary in History. Professionally, Regan has experience working with nonprofits and research institutions, and is currently working as an Analyst at Linse Capital, a technology-focused growth equity fund. As a member of the AG Bell Association’s young leaders board, Regan hopes to bring her experience, dedication, and a unique perspective as a deaf individual committed to making a positive impact.

James Dover

Advocacy Co-Chair

Watch Bio
r
Read Bio
Hi! My name is James Dover and I am from Belmont, North Carolina. I will be attending Yale University this fall where I plan to major in the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health. I have single-sided deafness in my left ear and I wear a MED-EL cochlear implant with the new Sonnet 3 processor! I am an avid tennis player. I love to read a good fantasy series, and I always enjoy a latte! I also am a proud advocate for the Deaf community; I have a passion for raising awareness and encouraging others about life with hearing loss!
 

Eliana Lewis

Education Chair

Watch Bio
r
Read Bio

I’m Eliana Lewis, a creative high school senior in New Jersey passionate about content creation for meaningful causes. My background in Global Studies and experience living in Europe gives me a unique, global perspective. I balance academics, lacrosse, and field hockey, while producing captivating visuals to raise awareness for causes I am passionate about. I’m eager to grow as a content creator and make a positive impact in my community and beyond, bringing fresh energy to the digital landscape. 

 

Aspen Helling

Education Co-Chair

Watch Bio

r

Read Bio

My name is Aspen and I have bilateral cochlear implants. I am in my third year at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) studying Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety, and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. I recently participated in LOFT in 2022. In my free time, I play hockey, read, and cook. I am excited for this opportunity to be a part of the Young Leaders Board! 

 

Anna Rech

Fundraising Chair

Watch Bio

r

Read Bio

Hi, I’m Anna! I’m a bilateral cochlear implant user living in Houston, Texas. My hobbies include reading (particularly sci-fi and fantasy), sewing and needlework, and cooking. I’ve been involved with AG Bell for most of my life, and I’m thrilled to now be part of the YLB! 

 

YLN

Ways to Get Involved

Ready to take the next step? There are many ways to be a part of YLN and contribute to the community. 

Upcoming Events

Explore our upcoming virtual and in-person events designed to empower and connect you with the YLN community. 

Stay in the Loop with AG Bell!

Be the first to know about webinars, events, symposiums, and more.

  • Timely Announcements

    Stay informed about upcoming conferences, webinars, and public events.

  • Professional Insights

    Get updates on thought leadership in hearing health, education, and innovation.

  • Free Resources

    Access toolkits, expert tips, and opportunities to engage.

  • Resource Library

    Get answers with access to our information library

  • Volta Voices

    A bilingual magazine with in-depth stories about growing up with hearing loss

  • Community Connections

    Learn how you can support or collaborate with the hearing loss community.

Whether you're an educator, audiologist, medical provider, business, or advocate—there's something for you.

Get updates delivered straight to your inbox.

AG Bell membership for families is always free!

  • Financial Support

    Scholarships for technology, therapy, and education

  • Professional Guidance

    Speak to a parent who's been there or search for a certified therapist.

  • State Chapters

    Connect with and get support from local families like yours!

  • Resource Library

    Get answers with access to our information library

  • Volta Voices

    A bilingual magazine with in-depth stories about growing up with hearing loss

  • Loft & Leap

    Access to leadership & educational programs for teens

Seeking an AG Bell professional membership?

Get listed on our searchable professional directory, find educational and research resources, scholarships and mentorship.

Stay in the Loop with AG Bell!

Be the first to know about webinars, events, symposiums, and more.

  • Timely Announcements

    Stay informed about upcoming conferences, webinars, and public events.

  • Professional Insights

    Get updates on thought leadership in hearing health, education, and innovation.

  • Free Resources

    Access toolkits, expert tips, and opportunities to engage.

  • Resource Library

    Get answers with access to our information library

  • Volta Voices

    A bilingual magazine with in-depth stories about growing up with hearing loss

  • Community Connections

    Learn how you can support or collaborate with the hearing loss community.

Whether you're an educator, audiologist, medical provider, business, or advocate—there's something for you.

Get updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Professional Membership Has Its Benefits

Join today to connect with fellow members, exchange insights, get listed in our global directory, and celebrate the journey of listening & spoken language.

Professional benefits include:

  • Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

    Earn CEUs through the AG Bell Academy, at our yearly Symposium, or through events held throughout the year for members

  • $100 off Exam Fees

    Take your Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS®) certification exam for less!

  • Event Discounts

    Discounted registration to AG Bell’s symposium and other events, plus special discounts on travel, restaurants, retail shops and more

  • LSL Professional Directory

    Get listed and found by families that need your services and students that want your mentorship

  • LSL Leading Edge

    An exclusive e-newsletter for AG Bell professional members packed with the latest news and developments in hearing health and the listening & spoken language field

  • Volta Voices 

    AG Bell’s award-winning, quarterly digital magazine in English and Spanish

  • Access to AG Bell’s Network

    Connect with 40+ state chapters located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico

  • Professional Opportunities

    Get involved in AG Bell through committees, task forces, councils and other venues for members to interact and contribute meaningfully

  • The Volta Review 

    Stay current with the latest research through our peer-reviewed, online professional research journal

Seeking membership as a friend or family member?

Membership is always free for family & friends of people who are deaf or hard of hearing and helps connect individuals to our professional community!