Suzy Mannella has been selected as the recipient of this year's Hamilton Relay Better Hearing and Speech Month Recognition Award for her efforts in advocacy and dedication to individuals with hearing loss. She is an extraordinary individual who plays a big part in bridging the gap between the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing communities in Iowa.
Currently, Suzy serves as the Executive Officer for the Deaf Services Commission of Iowa (DSCI). She has gained tremendous experience in speaking and responding to the needs of individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing and makes it her priority to increase awareness of hearing loss and available assistive technologies. Suzy is responsible for working with Legislators within the state and navigating the procedures necessary to help pass important bills that pertain to individuals with hearing loss. She has been a consultant of DSCI for over 10 years where her leadership and commitment to projects and trainings is well recognized. Suzy is also heavily involved in coordinating the annual DSCI Junior Commission Program Leadership Camp for young students in Iowa who are hearing, deaf, or hard of hearing.
Suzy serves on several boards and advisory councils and makes herself available for giving presentations to various individuals and groups, including the Hearing Loss Association of Central Iowa and 911 Dispatch centers. Recently, she attended the Hearing Assistance Technology (HAT) program sponsored by the Hearing Loss Association of America and was able to bring back her experience to share with the local HLA chapter.
Suzy is a graduate of Gallaudet University in Washington, DC and has a major in Recreation and Leisure Studies: Leadership and Programming. Her previous work experience includes well rounded knowledge and an understanding of working with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The ability to acquire new skills and share her expertise to benefit others is commendable and we are pleased to recognize Suzy Mannella for her positive contributions in the State of Iowa.
This leadership recognition has been brought to you by Hamilton Relay.
About Hamilton Relay
Hamilton Relay offers a variety of services including Telecommunications Relay Services, Captioned Telephone and Internet Relay services. Hamilton provides Telecommunications Relay and/or Captioned Telephone services to 18 states, the District of Columbia, the Island of Saipan and the Virgin Islands. More information is available at hamiltonrelay.com.