By

Ernest E. Garrett III

Martina Moore-Reid currently resides in Whitsett (near Greensboro), NC. She works for the Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing at Greensboro Regional Center as a Communication Support Services Consultant. Her personal hobbies include cross-stitching, bowling, relaxing at home, and playing board games. Her personal motto is "SEEK KNOWLEDGE –be curious and inquisitive!"  Martina believes that seeking knowledge gives you insights, expands and challenges your mind, lets you grow, and lets you change your mind and formulate opinions and decisions that are based on a solid foundation. She feels that become an informed individual and a better communicator, whether it concerns local or community affairs, current events, reading books, talking with your family or professional friends. This is her second successful run as an officer of NBDA.

Ernest: When did you first hear of NBDA and what inspired you to become involved?

Martina: I first heard of NBDA in 1986 and attended a NBDA conference for the first time a week after I became married. I was inspired by meeting many new faces and learning from the excellent workshops that were provided. I had never felt that great in my entire life. 

Ernest: Can you share with us about your involvement with NBDA at both the local and national levels?

Martina: Previously, I was involved with the Los Angeles BDA and Rochester BDA chapters. I was elected as treasurer and served as chairperson for many different events. At the national level, I was elected as secretary. My involvement with NBDA is like a second family; NBDA is what I need because it helps me to increase my knowledge of being a strong Black Deaf woman and leader.
    
Ernest: Why did you decide to run for Treasurer of NBDA?

Martina: To be perfectly honest, I do not know what pushed me to serve. I was on the NBDA Financial Committee for two years during the time that I served the organization as the national secretary. I feel that I know what the organization needs and so this is most likely what pushed me to decide to help NBDA in whatever capacity I could. I realized that with my financial literacy and professional accounting experience, I could contribute in helpful ways to the organization’s financial stability.

Ernest: What plans do you have for executing your role as NBDA Treasurer over the next two years?

Martina: The plans that I have in mind are training for all chapters on how to handle their budgets, including more fundraising, campaign development and implementation of new spreadsheets, encouraging them to seek more donor support, and so forth.

Ernest: How do you plan to balance your responsibilities as NBDA Treasurer with your other personal and professional responsibilities?

Martina: I believe that in this respect, I will do just fine. I have great support from the NBDA officers, friends, and family and it is this support system that I will look towards as I balance my personal and professional responsibilities.

Ernest: What do you believe are the most important issues that NBDA should focus on and why?

Martina: I believe that financial matters are of grave importance. NBDA needs to focus on obtaining funds for a permanent office and hiring two staff. First, we need to establish a task group or committee to begin making plans towards this end.

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