10:00 am - 10:30 am
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Dr. Latisha Porter-Vaughn, hailing originally
from Hamilton, Ohio, has called New Jersey home since 1986. Diagnosed with
sensorineural hearing loss at the age of 19 while residing in New Jersey, she
has devoted her professional journey to advocacy and education.
With a steadfast career spanning 32 years as
a Paralegal at Seton Hall Law School University, Dr. Porter-Vaughn’s commitment
extends beyond the legal realm. She previously served as a research associate
with the National Deaf Center and recently achieved her Ph.D. in Philosophy
from the University of Arizona Global Campus. Her published work focuses on the
work readiness and preparation of deaf and hard-of-hearing college students.
As a seasoned author, Dr. Porter-Vaughn has
enriched the literary landscape with impactful works. In addition to “How We
Hear: A Story of A HearStrong Champion Persisting Against All Odds” and the
invaluable self-help guide, “How We Hear: A Useful Guide to Help the Hearing
Understand Hearing Loss,” she has recently released “Whispered Journeys: Spoken
Softly but Loudly Understood.”
A 2019 graduate of the Gallaudet University
Certified Peer Mentor Program, she serves as a Snapshop Deaf Mentor for SPAN
Parenting Network. Notably, Dr. Porter-Vaughn holds the distinction of being
the first African American President-Elect of the Hearing Loss Association of
America – New Jersey State Association. She also served as the former president
and co-founder of the Hearing Loss Association of America – Essex County
Chapter. At the helm of the HLAA-New Jersey State Association Scholarship Program,
she actively contributes to fostering educational opportunities.