Jessica (she, hers) is a Deaf attorney known to roll up her sleeves and dig in for health equity. Kennedy contributed to implementing and overhauling Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace (MNsure) after the Affordable Care Act and subsequent dynamic policy landscape as deputy general counsel and health policy director for MNsure. She earned her healthcare chops as an attorney for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, advising on Medicaid, aging services, and privacy issues. She received her J.D. with honors from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. She serves on the boards of MNsure, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Bar Association, and People Incorporated, Minnesota’s largest nonprofit mental health provider. At 5’1, she’s small, but she’s throwing punches, “DeafHealth is loud and clear.”

Allysa (she, hers) is a foremost Deaf public health expert, known best for her innovation and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognized by Forbes 30 under 30, Dittmar is a successful entrepreneur with an appetite for adversity. “We need to underscore the idea that overcoming systematic barriers is essential for achieving health equity,” says Dittmar. She has distinct and complementary experience throughout the public health field: private market, public sector, and academia, making her a highly versatile and valuable asset of the DeafHealth team. Having previously worked at the Maryland Governor’s Office and the Maryland Department of Health, she serves on the boards of the Maryland Association of the Deaf and the State of Maryland Telecommunications Access program, Maryland Relay. She completed her Master’s in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University and cheers for the Philadelphia Eagles from her home near Columbia, Maryland.

Aylah (she, hers) is an experienced writer, content creator, and health advocate. For a young Deaf business owner, Cadwell is an old soul who brings grounded and creative insight to her role as an outreach and marketing advisor. She engages communities and empowers them with vibrant and impactful visuals that add color to their experiences. "The essence of healthcare lies not only in treating ailments but in recognizing the humanity within each patient,” comments Cadwell. “Healthcare without humanity is just mechanics." Cadwell comes to DeafHealth with a background in compliance, policy advocacy, and organizing. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Gallaudet University and is a lifelong learner of the language of the stars.