Leadership Team
It protects us and make our lives a different in society through mission and vision.
Leadership Team
Rachel Akusake
Founder/CEO
Rachel Akusake is a passionate advocate for the underprivileged and a strong promoter of diversity within the deaf and hard of hearing communities. With over 5 years of dedicated experience, Rachel has made significant contributions to improving the lives of deaf immigrants and families through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
As a former chapter representative for the North Carolina Black Deaf Advocate (NCBDA), Rachel worked to amplify the voices of deaf individuals of color, ensuring they had access to the support and resources they needed. She also volunteered in Rochester, NY, where she taught American Sign Language (ASL) and crafts to deaf immigrants and their families, helping them build skills and navigate their new environments.
Rachel is the Founder and CEO of the U.S.-based Deaf Action Foundation (USBDAF), an organization she established to address gaps in services and resources for deaf individuals, particularly immigrants and families. Through USBDAF, Rachel has fostered collaborations between deaf communities, educators, families, and the broader hearing community in California. Her work focuses on creating inclusive, supportive environments, driving mutual understanding, and ensuring equal access to opportunities, education, and resources for all individuals.
It sounds like Rachel’s mission is focused on empowering both men and women in the deaf community by providing essential job training, job placement, and resources that enable them to thrive in any company or field. By educating hearing individuals about deaf culture and advocating for equal access, she is helping create a more inclusive society. Her work not only equips individuals with the tools they need to live independently but also bridges the digital divide, ensuring that the deaf community has access to opportunities and support. Rachel’s dedication to promoting social justice and expanding the reach of USBDAF is truly inspiring!
Anahi Rodriguez
Student Volunteer: Secretary
Anahi Rodriguez is a dedicated student in her fourth year at California State University East Bay, pursuing a Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing Management and a minor in American Sign Language (ASL). She is passionate about community engagement, leadership, and volunteer work, always seeking opportunities to make a positive impact.
Beyond her academic and professional interests, Anahi has a deep appreciation for art and creative expression, continuously exploring new crafts and artistic techniques. She is committed to personal and professional growth, using her skills to contribute to both the business and Deaf communities.
Fr. Paul Zirimenya
Position: Career Counseling & ESL (English as a Second Language instructor)
I am a native of Uganda and a proud member of the Deaf Community. I hold a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from St. Patrick’s Seminary & University in Menlo Park, California, a bachelor’s degree in Administration from Makerere University, Uganda, and a postgraduate diploma in Rehabilitation from Kyambogo University, Uganda.
Following my priestly ordination on June 9, 2007, I was assigned as Chaplain to the Deaf Community at St. Benedict Parish for the Deaf at St. Francis Xavier Church in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, California. On November 1, 2018, I was appointed as the third pastor of Saint Benedict Parish at St. Francis Xavier Church.
I served on the Board of Directors for the National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD) from June 1, 2010 until April 30, 2016, and was an active committee member for the development of the Confirmation Project on Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) which prepares Deaf Youth and Young Adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation through lessons taught in American Sign Language (ASL) that are captioned in English and Spanish. On August 1, 2019, I was elected as chaplain for the International Catholic Deaf Association – United States Section (ICDA-US) Board of which I serve to date. On September 13, 2019, I was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) of which I served from November 2019 until November 2024. In addition, I have led retreats for Catholic Deaf Communities in the US and Canada. On September 13, 2019, I was elected to the Board of Directors for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) for a three-year term.
I deeply value the fellowship and bond within the Deaf Community, a community united by ASL, a visual and gestural language. I am honored to serve and support a diverse group, including Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals, along with their families and allies.
I am excited to be part of the U.S.-Based Deaf Action Foundation (USBDAF) as a leader for Deaf communities in California. With extensive experience working with diverse Deaf individuals and facilitating connections between Deaf and hearing families, I am committed to supporting success in careers and education through career counseling and English instruction.
Additionally, as an ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructor, I help non-native English speakers improve their language skills, enabling them to access better employment opportunities and integrate more effectively into the workforce.
“I firmly believe that Deaf individuals can work and succeed, regardless of their disability status.”
Nicholas Ansah
Public Relatives Officer & Craft Decoration
I am Nicholas Ansah, Public Relations Officer and Craft Decorator at the U.S Based Deaf Action Foundation (USBDAF). Having moved from Ghana to the USA in 2015 and becoming profoundly deaf at a young age due to cerebral spinal meningitis, I have dedicated my life to advocating for the needs of the deaf community.
As a certified teacher for the deaf and with experience in various creative fields, including leather wallets, drawings, and t-shirt designs, I am passionate about promoting opportunities for our deaf clients. At USBDAF, we are committed to empowering the deaf community through education and job training programs. However, to reach even more individuals who could benefit from these life-changing opportunities, we need your support.
Your donations will help us recruit more deaf clients, offer more comprehensive training, and expand our impact. Together, we can ensure that every deaf individual has the tools and resources to thrive.
Thank you for supporting USBDAF in creating a more inclusive and empowering future for the deaf community.
Kadiatu Mariama Bangura Lee
Position: Craft, Hair braiding, & Makeup skills
Kadiatu Mariama Bangura Lee is indeed an incredible role model. Her background in disability advocacy and her positions as the Secretary of the Deaf Women Advocacy Network Sierra Leone (DWANSL) and Deaf Advocacy Officer for the Foundation for Advocacy and Literacy Development Sierra Leone show her unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of the Deaf community in Sierra Leone.
Her diverse education and training from IT to arts, fashion designing, cinematography, and journalism demonstrate her dedication to broadening her skill set and using those skills to make impactful contributions across multiple sectors, including media and advocacy.
Kadiatu’s critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic as the first Deaf female Sign Language Communication Facilitator for NaCOVERC showcases her leadership and ability to adapt to challenging situations, ensuring effective communication between Deaf individuals and quarantine staff. Her work during this time is truly commendable.
As the National Secretary of DWANSL, Kadiatu’s advocacy continues to uplift and empower Deaf women in Sierra Leone. Her aspiration to contest in Miss & Mister Deaf Africa 2021, representing Sierra Leone, is a significant step toward breaking barriers and creating more visibility for the Deaf community.
Additionally, her expertise in hair braiding, twisting, knots, cornrows, and makeup is a powerful tool to empower Deaf individuals economically. By teaching these skills, she is enabling others to become self-sufficient and build their own businesses, creating more opportunities for independence and success.
Her passion for education, empowerment, and breaking societal norms shines through her actions, and she is making a lasting impact on many lives. Kadiatu’s leadership, advocacy, and dedication to inclusivity are truly inspiring.
Jeremy Yankey
Position: Employment Specialist & American Sign Language (ASL) Tutor
I was born in the United Kingdom but raised in Ghana, West Africa. I completed my education in the UK and have worked with a diverse range of individuals, from children as young as five to adults, both in Ghana and the UK. I am fluent in British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL).
As an Employment Specialist, I assist job seekers in finding suitable employment by matching them with job openings and preparing them for interviews. My goal is to empower individuals, particularly those within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, to secure meaningful and sustainable employment.
In my role as a Job Coach, I work one-on-one with individuals, especially those with disabilities, to enhance job readiness and workplace skills. Through personalized coaching, I help clients build confidence and develop the necessary abilities to succeed in their careers.
As an ASL Tutor, I provide instruction in American Sign Language (ASL), fostering effective communication skills for both Deaf and hearing individuals. My tutoring sessions support language development and help bridge communication gaps in various settings.
I am honored to be part of the Leadership Team of the U.S.-Based Deaf Action Foundation (USBDAF), where I contribute to initiatives that support the Deaf community.
I am passionate about creating inclusive environments where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive both professionally and personally in California.