My name is Donald V. Weyand (WHY-and) Jr. I am a passionate Deaf leader and advocate committed to empowering the Deaf community and promoting inclusivity. With a strong foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) and a growing proficiency in English, I bridge communication gaps and connect with diverse audiences.

       My academic journey began at Mott Community College, where I earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Media Art, Entertainment, & Technology and General Education in 2019. This foundational experience gave me a solid understanding of the arts and technology. I'm pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Disability Studies and Community Inclusion at Central Michigan University (online), focusing on developing my leadership skills and gaining a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics. I plan to continue my academic journey by pursuing a Master's in Project Management, further enhancing my ability to lead and execute complex projects. This academic pursuit aligns with my passion for social justice and community empowerment.

       As chairperson of the Flint Association of the Deaf, I lead a dedicated team that advocates for the rights and needs of Deaf individuals. We organize events, workshops, and community outreach programs to foster a strong sense of belonging and empowerment within the Deaf community.

       My passion for filmmaking allows me to share powerful stories and raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs of the Deaf experience. I'm honored to have received several awards for my short documentary about the Flint Association of the Deaf, which highlights the resilience and determination of the Deaf community.

       Within the Deaf community, we have two names: one in spoken and written English and another in American Sign Language. My name sign involves placing one hand on the right side of my face and mimicking glasses. It reflects how people identified me when I first moved to Michigan. Back then, people constantly asked, "Who is that guy with the white glasses?" This became my new name sign in early 2016, and it's stuck with me ever since, even though I no longer wear white glasses. On the left, you'll see the GIF of my name sign. The design was created by Caleb Pendley, whose website can be found at https://calebpendley.com/.