Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower and elevate Black, Indigenous, Persons Of Color (BIPOC) Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Heritage, and Hearing interpreters by providing essential resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. We aim to foster a supportive community that amplifies diverse voices, promotes cultural humility and responsiveness, while aligning ourselves with the goal of equitable access in interpreting services. Through collaboration and education, we strive to enhance representation and inclusivity within the interpreting profession, ensuring that Deaf BIPOC are fully recognized and valued for their contributions through culturally relevant interpreters Deaf and Hearing.

BEACON Board of Directors

Klijah Mitchell

President

Klijah Mitchell is a Nationally certified ASL interpreter, educator, and mentor committed to developing skilled, confident, and ethically grounded interpreters. With experience across community, educational, and professional settings, Klijah brings a practical, people-centered approach to interpreter development. As the creator of the DIDIT program, he focuses on critical listening, visualization, ethical decision-making, and mindset. He empowers interpreters to grow with intention and clarity. Known for his engaging style and emphasis on real-world application, Klijah is passionate about inclusion, access, and building strong interpreting communities.

Dr. Suzette Garay

Visionary Founder

View Dr. G's ASL abstract and full PhD dissertation

Dr. Suzette Garay is Deaf BIPOC and a third generational Latina(x) from South America, Nicaragua and a third member of my family who was born Deaf. She holds the following degrees: BA, MA. PSY.S, and a Ph.D. Her major areas of studies are Special Education with an emphasis on Deafness and Learning Disabilities, Psychology, and teaching of American Sign Language. She is currently a retired Educational Psychologist and teaches online diversity training courses and/or Interpreting sign language courses and currently facilitates the Dear White Interpreter course with the CAITE BHI program. She also co-owns a private online website working with many families, individuals, and private business owners about interpreting, accessibility, diversity, and advocacy with diverse DHHDB consumers at the Diversity Academy for Interpreters (now BEACON Interpreter Academy).

Dr. Garay’s resume includes the following qualifications: 25+ years of direct teaching, evaluating, and mentoring with Special Education students, ASL/Interpreter students, working nationally-certified interpreters, and/or community business members who use American Sign Language for communicating with their consumers. She also has invaluable personal experience and success teaching, evaluating, and mentoring diverse deaf individuals and/or consumers from underprivileged socio-economic backgrounds.

LaToya Childs

Secretary

LaToya Childs is a native of Atlanta, GA. She has spent 20 years in the interpreting profession and currently is an interpreter educator. Her passion includes mentoring novice and aspiring interpreters. She attended the Master Mentor Program where she learned methodologies, theories, and practices to be an effective mentor. She is currently President of the National Alliance of Black Interpreters- Atlanta chapter and co-chair of their mentoring program.