National Black Deaf Advocates supports leadership development programs specifically designed for Black Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard-of-Hearing women and trans women through the Womxn Development Fellowship, Trans Woman Fellowship, and the NBDA Black Deaf Womxn’s Development Foundation. The mission of the Womxn’s Foundation is to create, support, and nurture Black Deaf female leadership across the United States by increasing opportunities for women to serve in leadership and decision-making roles through professional development, mentorship, networking, and direct funding support. One of its major initiatives is the Female Empowerment & Advocacy Training (FEAT) Convention, held during the NBDA Biennial Conference, which prepares emerging leaders through leadership education and advocacy training. Eligible applicants include Black Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard-of-Hearing womxn between the ages of 21–41 who communicate using PTASL, BASL, or ASL and are affiliated with a local BDA chapter or participate as self-funded Members-at-Large. Applicants complete an essay or vlog, submit a resume, and participate in an interview process, with accessibility accommodations available throughout. The Foundation also supports current leaders by providing fellowships of up to $1,000 annually to assist with leadership development and professional growth opportunities.

Lottie Mae Crook Leadership Development Fellowship

Named after Lottie Mae Crook — the only Black Deaf woman among the founders of National Black Deaf Advocates — the Lottie Mae Crook Leadership Development Fellowship supports leadership advancement opportunities outside of NBDA. Fellowship funding may assist with nonprofit leadership programs, corporate board training, postsecondary education, and other professional development opportunities for Black Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard-of-Hearing womxn. Applications are reviewed by the NBDA Black Deaf Womxn’s Development Foundation Advisory Board on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, the NBDA Womxn’s Foundation Trans Woman Fellowship provides flexible mutual aid support for Black Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard-of-Hearing trans womxn, with awards of up to $1,000 annually to support individual goals and needs. The Womxn’s Foundation also nurtures bold leadership through its national council of women leaders, which includes Honorary Councilors such as former NBDA queens and female-identified NBDA officers who served between 1983–2023, as well as FEAT graduates who demonstrate ongoing leadership and community involvement. Together, these programs help strengthen a nationwide network of empowered Black Deaf women leaders prepared to lead within their local communities and on the national stage. Learn more about NBDA: National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) Learn more about Gallaudet University: Gallaudet University