Building Bridges Through Communication: A Conversation with Maria Gallucci

Episode Title: Raised in Silence: Bridging Communities with Maria GallucciIn this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, host Erica D’Eramo sits down with Maria Gallucci, a multi-award-winning Colorado Real Estate Broker, author, and lifelong advocate for inclusive communication and accessible housing.Maria shares her story of growing up with deaf parents, her role as an “unofficial interpreter,” and how those early experiences shaped her mission to ensure that everyone feels accepted, valued, and included. Together, Erica and Maria explore the importance of empathy, the misconceptions that persist about the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, and the everyday actions that foster connection.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why empathy and effort matter more than perfection when it comes to communication.The social framework of disability, and how context can include—or exclude—people.How universal design benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.The role of technology, from apps to voice-to-text tools, in bridging communication gaps.Common myths about the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community (including lip reading).Practical ways to build bridges: choosing curiosity over judgment, small inclusive gestures, and respecting cultural identity.Maria also introduces her book, Raised in Silence, which offers practical tips and real stories for anyone looking to communicate more effectively across differences.Resources and Links Mentioned in This Episode:Maria’s book: Raised in SilenceMaria’s real estate practice: http://www.Galluccihomes.com👉 Listen in for an inspiring and practical conversation about compassion, communication, and the simple choices we can all make to create a more inclusive world.