Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith was born and raised in Minnesota, with brief chapters living in Illinois and Wisconsin along the way. Amanda comes from a Deaf family where communication at home was a mix of Signed Exact English (SEE) and American Sign Language (ASL). While sign language was always part of her life, Amanda didn’t fully develop fluency in ASL until later.
Amanda was mainstreamed in school until her junior year of high school, when she transferred to Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD). “That transition was life-changing. While my mainstream experience gave me valuable exposure and opportunity, I often felt limited in fully expressing myself when communication depended on interpreters. At MSAD, surrounded by native signers and immersed in a culturally Deaf environment, I deepened my ASL skills and truly found my voice. It was there that I discovered my leadership abilities, my sense of humor, my confidence, and how outgoing I could be. Being in a fully accessible environment allowed me to grow into myself in a way I hadn’t experienced before.”
Upon graduation, Amanda attended college in Minnesota and began working in a variety of roles throughout her professional journey. At one point, she stepped away from the workforce to focus on raising her two Deaf children until they were in school full time. Today, Amanda is a full-time working mom in a blended family of six. “Life is busy as I am balancing work, kids’ daily lives, kids’ sports, pickleball with my partner, and everyday responsibilities. I’m always on the go, and I embrace every part of it.”
Amanda currently works for Keystone Interpreting Solutions (KIS), a Deaf-owned and woman-owned company that provides ASL and language access solutions nationwide. KIS successfully secured a grant through the Minnesota Department of Health, which led to the creation of the Deaf Community Support Center (DCSC) to expand accessibility and community-focused initiatives.
Amanda’s role spans marketing, communications, strategic coordination, and project oversight. She supports translation and media projects, contributes to business development efforts, assists with grant-related reporting, and collaborates on outreach and organizational initiatives. “Much of my work involves connecting moving pieces — ensuring communication is clear, timelines are met, and accessibility remains central in everything we do.”
“It’s a multifaceted role with a lot of moving parts. My calendar stays full, but I genuinely enjoy being part of work that makes a difference. I often say I don’t wear just one hat…I have a rotating closet of them.”
What Amanda enjoys most about her work is the variety. “No two days are exactly the same, and I thrive in an environment where I can contribute in multiple ways rather than doing repetitive tasks. The fast pace keeps me engaged and constantly learning.”
“I deeply value the connections I build with the community. I appreciate when people reach out whether they are asking questions, seeking guidance, sharing feedback, or simply wanting to connect.” Those conversations remind Amanda that the work matters.
“I’m especially passionate about contributing to the community’s growth through access. Translating educational materials so children have greater accessibility, helping individuals understand their rights under the ADA, and sharing important updates that keep the community informed and connected that’s what inspires me. Knowing that the work supports empowerment, education, and equity gives it purpose.”
“That’s also why KIS’s belief in being community-driven aligns so strongly with me. When an organization values connection, access, and meaningful impact, it reinforces why I do what I do.”
Working within grant-funded programs can sometimes feel like building something meaningful while knowing the timeline may shift. Funding cycles change, priorities evolve, and sustainability requires ongoing creativity. Over time, Amanda has learned to embrace flexibility and keep her focus on the heart of the work, the people and communities it serves.
Balancing professional responsibilities while being a mother in a blended family also requires intention. “My days are full, and there are moments when advocacy work can feel emotionally heavy. Educating others about accessibility and continually pushing for inclusion takes energy. At the same time, it’s deeply meaningful work.”
To navigate these challenges, Amanda leans into preparation, clear communication, and strong support systems at home and at work. “I remind myself that progress doesn’t always happen overnight, it builds step by step. Each challenge has strengthened my patience, deepened my empathy, and helped me grow not only as a professional, but as a person.”
Amanda shares the following advice to young Deaf, DeafBlind/Deaf, and Hard of Hearing students: “I would say this: your identity is a strength. It is not something you need to minimize or overcome — it is part of what makes your perspective valuable.”
“Look for resources and support along the way. There are people, programs, mentors, and communities that can walk alongside you as you grow into the person you want to become. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.”
“There is no single ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ path in your journey. There are simply many doors. Some will open easily, others may take time, and a few may redirect you somewhere unexpected. Growth is ongoing, and your path does not have to look like anyone else’s.”
“As you move forward, don’t lose yourself in the process. Protect your self-worth. Give yourself space to rest, reflect, and recalibrate when needed. Success is not just about achievement — it’s about becoming who you are meant to be.”
Outside of work, Amanda likes to stay active and keep life moving. She plays pickleball as often as she can, and has competed in the National Deaf Pickleball tournament twice, placing in the top three in both fixed and mixed divisions. She will be participating in the Midwest Deaf Pickleball tournament in Minnesota this June for the first time, and she’s already looking forward to the energy and community that comes with it.
Amanda is also a big reader, especially fantasy, sci-fi, and romantasy. “My ‘to-be-read’ pile is… ambitious. Some might call it excessive. I prefer to think of it as future adventures waiting patiently. For book lovers, having too many books is simply part of the lifestyle.”
One of her favorite roles, though, is being a sports mom. “There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of cheering from the sidelines and watching our kids grow in skill and confidence. Seeing their hard work pay off is both humbling and exciting. I may or may not be one of the louder supporters in the crowd.”
When it comes to travel, Amanda loves anywhere warm with great food and a pool to swim in. “Sunshine, good meals, and water nearby make for the perfect combination.” In the coming years, she’s looking forward to more family trips and shared experiences. “For me, the best memories are made when we’re exploring, laughing, and simply enjoying time together.”
“Looking back on my journey, I don’t see a straight line. I see growth, change, learning, and moments that shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. From mainstream classrooms to MSAD, from stepping away to raise my children to returning to the workforce, every chapter has contributed to who I am today.”
The #CanDoAnything message resonates deeply with Amanda because it’s not about perfection or having an easy path. “It’s about possibility. It’s about recognizing that Deaf individuals belong in every space in leadership, in business, in sports, in community, and in family life. Our journeys may look different, but different does not mean limited.”
Amanda shares her gratitude for the mentors, colleagues, family members, and community members who have supported her along the way. “No one succeeds alone. If my story encourages even one young person to believe in their own potential, then sharing it is worth it.”
In parting, Amanda shares a final thought: “We truly can do anything, especially when we support one another along the journey.”
The #CanDoAnything campaign showcases people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing at work, giving them an opportunity to share what they do at their jobs and explain how communication access works for them. This campaign shows what our community can do, which is anything!
