About NAOBI - SO CAL

The Birth of NAOBI – So Cal (NSC)

In June of 2003 at the NAOBI, Inc. annual professional development conference in Philadelphia PA, the Southern California Chapter was officially sanctioned. It was the diligent labor of then national secretary Brenda Terry and other charter members that brought NSC into existence. Our first executive board consisted of president Annie M. Domingo, vice president Theresa Sharp, secretary Pansy Washington and treasurer Mose Cherry Lee.

Core Values

The following core values for which we stand give us clarity and direction in serving our constituents more effectively.

• Professionalism
• Cultural Expression
• Partnership
• Shared Success

Mission Statement

We, the Southern California Chapter of the National Alliance of Black Interpreters, Inc. exist to serve as a networking structure for African Americans/Blacks engaged in the profession of sign language interpreting and actively support, empower and promote excellence among African American/Black interpreters and trainees in the Southern California area.

(We endeavor to promote excellence and empowerment among African Americans/ Blacks in the profession of sign language interpreting in the context of a multi-cultural/ multi-lingual environment.)

Vision Statement

Through providing educational opportunities, networking events and a variety of professional developmental experiences, we seek to carry out our mission.

2010 Executive Board

		President: Malakia Adunni Malakia Adunni, learned the signed words MOTHER and FATHER in the 2rd grade from a friends’ mother who was Deaf, an interest in sign language was evoked that never waned. American Sign Language classes accompanied her early academic courses in High School and led to a major in Deaf Studies which ultimately resulted in receiving an Associate Arts Degree at El Camino College and a Bachelors of Arts Degree at Cal State University Northridge 2005. Even prior to graduating,  she was actively involved in interpreting endeavors, namely signing in various churches, social and organizations and launching “Silent Storm” a religious performing group signing to gospel music where she was the teacher. Currently as a Professional and Educational Interpreter she is simultaneously employed by the Los Angeles Unified School District, Department of Rehabilitation, she is also a Video Relay Interpreter, and works in the Community College Districts. Beyond that her skills coupled with a solid professionalism has garnered numerous free lance assignments.   Malakia holds a National Certification from the Registry of Interpreters, (NIC) and is EIPA qualified.
		Vice President: Aldrena Rodgers Aldrena Rodgers was born and raised in North Carolina. She moved to Southern California after graduating with a BA degree from ORU in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Ed Kelly, her first Sign Language teacher at El Camino College, inspired her to continue learning American Sign Language. Thankful to the Almighty God she received her National Certification from RID, CT February 2009.
		Secretary: Lillian Thompson Lillian Thompson is a California native. She has been a volunteer interpreter for her church since 2002. She speaks Spanish and helped to establish the Deaf Ministry at Iglesia Evanglica Latina in 2005. Ms. Thompson, who holds; a B.A. in Liberal Studies, mentors Deaf teens and does freelance interpreting. Her goal is to earn her Trilingual Certification by 2011.
		Treasurer: Jennifer Getter Jennifer Getter began pursuing her interest in American Sign Language at San Bernardino Valley College in 1995. After completing the three classes the school offered, her interest in the language grew and she continued her learning at Riverside Community College. It was there that she earned a Sign Language Interpreter certificate in June 2006. She is currently active using her skills by volunteering in the Deaf Community, and interpreting in church. In 2008 she passed the NIC written exam and is now a candidate to take the performance test.