Language, Legacy & Leadership with Shavonda McCaleb

Today on Mindful Mavericks, I’m joined by Shavonda McCaleb. Shavonda McCaleb is a passionate advocate and philanthropist dedicated to improving the lives of Deaf+ children, youth, and the broader deaf community. As the Founder and CEO of the Positively Impacting Communities (PIC) Foundation, established in 2014, she has championed initiatives that address the community’s unique needs through advocacy, awareness, and development programs. Her visionary leadership has driven impactful Founder projects such as the “Silent Plates” food program, which provides nourishment and hope to Deaf+ children, and the “PIC Me” Summer Reading Program, designed to enhance literacy and empower deaf youth.Shavonda’s commitment extends beyond her foundation. She’s a proud member of the National Black Deaf Advocates – Local Chapter 38 Southern California Black Deaf Advocates. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Ashlynn B. Jackson Foundation (Los Angeles, CA), where she develops initiatives to support children with heart disease. Her dedication to community service is further evidenced by her contributions as a former board member of the Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Atlanta, GA), where she advanced programs to empower individuals with hearing-related challenges and Great Day Family Connections (Atlanta, GA), where her efforts focused on family welfare and connection-building.In addition, Shavonda has significantly influenced vocational rehabilitation policies through her role on the E-3 Advisory Panel, working to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Her active involvement with the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf School Council and Parent Involvement Program highlights her dedication to education and advocacy for deaf students and their families. Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), she uses her skills to foster inclusivity and bridge communication gaps within the community.Recognized as a distinguished National Association of Professional Women member, Shavonda exemplifies exceptional leadership and commitment. Her ability to seamlessly balance entrepreneurial ventures with advocacy work underscores her multifaceted talents and drive. Through her relentless efforts, Shavonda continues to be a transformative force, creating lasting change for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and beyond.https://www.linkedin.com/in/shavondamccaleb/