"Unspoken Inspiration"
Greetings,
My name is Chiquita Jackson-Grant, the founder and owner of Silent Angels Communications, LLC.
I am a pre-certified freelance American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, this includes being a facilitator when servicing in my role for communication access. I reside in Southern Maryland, located 40 minutes outside of DC. I have been interpreting professionally for 13 years, while American English is my native language, American Sign Language is my second language. I was first introduced to sign language during my 5th-grade primary year. I was so amazed at what a person could do with their hands to communicate and became very intrigued. During my high school years, I met two black African American teachers who taught in the deaf education classroom of Oklahoma City Public Schools (Cheryl Pickett and Cheryl Pennington). I was so inspired that they looked like me, I instantly knew that this was my calling to become a sign language interpreter, and continued to pursue the dream. I began my journey by attending Oklahoma State University-OKC and entering the Interpreter’s Training Program (ITP). I later transferred to Tarrant Community College in Ft. Worth, TX, and graduated with my AAS degree in Sign Language Interpreting. I then decided to continue immersing myself in the deaf community by attending Gallaudet University where I relocated to Washington, DC.
As an undergrad student, I was an active student on and off campus, being a former vice president of Black Student Union organization better known as BSU 2018-2019 term. I was also inducted in the Lambda Pi Eta class of 2019 fraternity of communications organization. I completed my internship under the Office of Development at GU in 2019 and joined the National Society of Leadership and Success the Gallaudet Chapter. I was a clerk for the Student Success and Academic Quality, known as SSAQ, under the associate provost office. I was a student lead advisor in the Financial Aid office for 2.5 years, while listed on the Dean’s list every semester, during my undergrad studies. I completed my studies and graduated Summa Cum Laude in the Studies of Communications program where I received my BA degree.
I am currently member of a few organizations, such as RID (Registry for Interpreters of the Deaf), NAOBIDC (National Advocates of Black Interpreters DC chapter), PCRID (Potomac Chapter of Registry for Interpreters of the Deaf), and the NBDA (National Black Deaf of Advocates). I participate in workshops, deaf expos, and service pro-bono work leaving a positive impact on the deaf community. My philosophy is inspired by Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise, emphasizing self-belief and resilience.
I am passionate about giving back to our unsupported community with people who look like us and advocating the deaf power of excellence to be heard by ear as an ASL Interpreter and seen through the eyes of the Deaf. I desire to see minority interpreters supported in the field of interpreting while enjoying my career experiencing nuances and seeing my vision come to fruition. I desire to continue being a positive influence on everyone I meet.
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In the words of Maya Angelou “Phenomenal Woman, That’s Me.”
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Fun Facts: Anytime I introduce myself to someone, I love referencing my name to the “Chiquita Banana” brand, meanwhile cherishing my name sign given by a deaf friend. I enjoy singing/signing karaoke, crafting, and watching movies. My favorite vacation destination is anywhere with sunshine.
