HSDC invites you to come together and celebrate at our spring fundraiser, Coffee & Connection!

THE EMCEE OF THE MORNING: Bill Schiffmiller

Bill Schiffmiller is the founder of Akoio®, a consultancy that helps organizations understand how sound, noise, and hearing shape health, performance, and business outcomes. A lifelong hearing aid user, Bill brings over two decades of experience in design management, accessibility leadership, and hearing health advocacy. He previously led Accessibility Initiatives at Apple Retail, serves as Board President at HSDC, and is a Forbes contributor writing on hearing health, accessibility, and auditory design.

THE COMEDIAN OF BREAKFAST: NINA G.

Nina G is a comedian, professional speaker, author, and comedy historian whose work explores disability, culture, and humor. Her comedy album debuted at #1 on iTunes and Amazon, and her stand‑up special, Nina G: Stutterer Interrupted, is available on Amazon Prime and YouTube.

Nina has been featured by NPR, BBC, Variety, HuffPost, TEDx, Psychology Today, and KQED, and appeared in the Emmy‑winning documentary More Than My Stutter. A sought‑after headliner and keynote speaker, she performs for corporations, colleges, and community events, using humor to challenge perceptions of disability and create meaningful connection.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: SHAWNA THOMPSON | BECU

Shawna Thompson has long cared about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and able to fully take part. Her connection to the Deaf and hard of hearing community began early through a strong interest in supporting Deaf children.

That care guided some of her first major life choices. Shawna chose the college she attended so she could become a teacher for Deaf children. During that time, she learned sign language and deepened her understanding of the Deaf community.

While her career later moved into the business world, that early passion never went away. It continued to shape how she shows up in her work and in her life.

Through her role at BECU and her involvement in an Employee Resource Group focused on disability awareness, Shawna gained a better understanding of ableism and the importance of anti-ableism. She spent time learning, listening, and reflecting on how to be a thoughtful and supportive ally.

Over time, one thing became clear to her. There is still more work to be done.

Supporting the Hearing Speech and Deaf Center allows Shawna to stay connected to a community she has always cared about and to help support a future where Deaf and hard of hearing individuals have access, opportunity, and a true sense of belonging.

For Shawna, giving to HSDC is more than a donation. It is her why.

Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center (HSDC) is a resource hub redefining language and communication. Our multi-dimensional approach is driven by Deaf Culture and Sign Language and benefits the diverse community we share our lives with everyday.

HSDC is a nonprofit organization serving the Puget Sound area. We foster accessible communities through communication, advocacy and education. We offer services for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or have speech/language differences as well as their families and friends. We also offer trainings for organizations that wish to better serve Deaf and hard of hearing community members.