Emmanuel Azodeh - President

Emmanuel is the president of DEF. He is Deaf and is presently living in New York. He attended the Enugu School for the Deaf in Enugu, then the Christian Mission School for the Deaf in Ibadan and Government Technical College in Sapele, all in Nigeria. He worked as a graphic artist in Nigeria. Emmanuel moved to the USA and earned a BA degree from California State University at Northridge and an M.Ed from McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College). He worked at the New York School for the Deaf, in White Plains, NY for 31 years, as a High School teacher. He currently teacher college level American Sign language classes. Emmanuel participates in many Deaf events and activities. He is a member of several Deaf organizations. His first and foremost goal is to successfully advocate for better services and education for deaf children around the world.

Fara Schueller - Member

Fara Schueller was born and raised in New York. She holds a Masters Degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Childhood and Special Education. She has worked with students of various ages and abilities. Fara has worked at New York School for the Deaf, St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, as well as at a private early childhood center for 12 years. She absolutely LOVES to teach! Her greatest attribute is her compassionate attitude toward each and every student, always remembering to accept all individual children for their unique capabilities! Currently, she is an Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf in Rockland County, NY. She also provides Early Intervention Services deaf children in Westchester County, NY. Her passion for teaching Deaf children is very strong. Fara’s goal for DEF is to help empower and enrich the lives of Deaf children in developing countries by improving the Deaf Education system.

Emilia Chukwuma - Member

Emilia Chukwuma was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States in 1981 to attend Gallaudet University. She has been a member of Gallaudet faculty in the Department of Business since 1988. She has developed and taught a broad spectrum of courses in business, and has also taught courses in mathematics and African issues. Emilia is the coordinator of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant program, a service learning partnership with the IRS. She has worked with and trained people from several Deaf communities in Africa as part of Gallaudet-initiated leadership training programs. She has also taught for the National Deaf Business Institute and Merrill Lynch's summer program for the Deaf Business, and is an active member of the American Accounting Association. She enjoys volunteering her time with nonprofit organizations, such as DeafReach, where she serves as the executive treasurer of the Board of the Directors, and St. Christopher's Church, where she is the church treasurer. Prof. Chukwuma enjoys traveling, music, and photography.

Paul Ditimi - Member

Paul was born in Ojobo, Delta State, Nigeria, West Africa and resides in Connecticut for over 30 years. He finished Ibadan Mission School for the Deaf, Ibadan in 1967 and graduated from Sapele Technical College, (formerly Government Trade Centre) Sapele, Nigeria. Paul worked in Coca-Cola Company, Benin City, Nigeria for 5 years. With his best friend, Emmanuel Azodeh’s encouragement Paul migrated to America for better education. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Designer-Arts. Paul continued his education and graduated from Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport, Connecticut in Human Service. He is currently working as a teacher assistant at New York School for the Deaf, White Plains, NY and also teaches American Sign Language at Westchester Community College, Vahalla, NY for Adjunct Faculty. He is the co-founder of Connecticut African-American Deaf Advocate (CAADA), a former president, treasurer of CAADA, and chair of basketball tournament including New England Athletic Association of the Deaf as Public Relation & CAADA delegate. Also, he was a member of Connecticut Association of the Deaf (CAD) as Treasurer for 5 years and State Conference Chair in 2005, 2009 and 2011. He enjoys photography and graphic computer. Paul and his wife Terri have three children.

Jeremy Hua - Member

Jeremy Hua is a former computer graphics teacher at New York School for the Deaf (NYSD) in White Plains, NY where he helped teach students how to use software such as Adobe Creative Suite® and Apple iLife®. In addition to his regular duties, Jeremy consulted with and provided one-on-one training to NYSD faculty and staff. Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and a Master of Science degree in Deaf Education from Hunters College. In his spare time, Jeremy works as a freelance graphic design contractor – designing logos, newsletters, and flyers for clients. Jeremy is married and lives in Westchester County, NY with his wife and two sons.