Biographies of Prominent
Utah Deaf Women
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Published in 2012
Updated in 2021
Updated in 2023
Published in 2012
Updated in 2021
Updated in 2023
Acknowledgements
Anne Leahy @ www.anneleahy.com
I am highly indebted to Anne Leahy for her generosity in contributing to the collection of particular individuals and for inspiring me to create this "Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Women" webpage.
I want to thank Doug Stringham for recommending some of the names of Deaf women for recognition.
I also want to thank Valerie G. Kinney for her vital support in donating her time to proofreading this document.
Again, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Helen Salas-McCarty for donating her time to proofreading and editing documents.
I want to thank Doug Stringham for recommending some of the names of Deaf women for recognition.
I also want to thank Valerie G. Kinney for her vital support in donating her time to proofreading this document.
Again, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Helen Salas-McCarty for donating her time to proofreading and editing documents.
I am grateful to Eleanor McCowan for requesting that I work on the Utah Deaf History project. If not for her request, none of this would have happened.
I would like to thank my colleague, James Fenton, for recommending that I add a summary of each biography.
Much appreciation goes to Duane Kinner, my husband, and my children, Joshua and Danielle, for their support and patience in completing this project. The "Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Women" webpage could not have been completed without their support. Once again, many thanks.
I would like to thank my colleague, James Fenton, for recommending that I add a summary of each biography.
Much appreciation goes to Duane Kinner, my husband, and my children, Joshua and Danielle, for their support and patience in completing this project. The "Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Women" webpage could not have been completed without their support. Once again, many thanks.
Why Does The Biographies of
Prominent Utah Deaf Women Matter?
Prominent Utah Deaf Women Matter?
Women's studies fascinate me, mainly how Deaf women have influenced their communities. We will learn about and be inspired by Utah Deaf heroines as we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Utah Deaf Women's History.
Utah's Deaf women deserve to be recognized for their efforts and achievements. They have also made significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community and have promoted the state's image outside the state.
The lives of Deaf women have not always been easy. Deaf women have also come a long way, gaining the right to vote, obtaining an education, finding work, participating in numerous advocacy organizations, and much more.
Women are often perceived as marginalized, even though they outnumber men in education and the workforce. They are also underrepresented in politics, education, social status, economic status, and professional standing. Utah ranks last in the nation for women's equality and representation in leadership, legal protections, rights, advanced degree attainment, workplace environments, and sexist attitudes. In Utah, women graduate from college at a lower rate than men, and there is a wage disparity between the genders. Women throughout the country thrive on advocating for, educating, and implementing gender equality programs.
As a result, Deaf women have been pushed into a smaller and more marginalized group in terms of education, socialization, economics, professionalism, and politics, where they may face double discrimination (The Deaf American, February 6, 1980). Deaf women continue to face obstacles and challenges in their efforts to lead full and productive lives on par with hearing people. Those who have overcome obstacles and worked diligently to accomplish great things in their lives, education, and careers deserved to be recognized and rewarded.
Utah's Deaf women deserve to be recognized for their efforts and achievements. They have also made significant contributions to the Utah Deaf community and have promoted the state's image outside the state.
The lives of Deaf women have not always been easy. Deaf women have also come a long way, gaining the right to vote, obtaining an education, finding work, participating in numerous advocacy organizations, and much more.
Women are often perceived as marginalized, even though they outnumber men in education and the workforce. They are also underrepresented in politics, education, social status, economic status, and professional standing. Utah ranks last in the nation for women's equality and representation in leadership, legal protections, rights, advanced degree attainment, workplace environments, and sexist attitudes. In Utah, women graduate from college at a lower rate than men, and there is a wage disparity between the genders. Women throughout the country thrive on advocating for, educating, and implementing gender equality programs.
As a result, Deaf women have been pushed into a smaller and more marginalized group in terms of education, socialization, economics, professionalism, and politics, where they may face double discrimination (The Deaf American, February 6, 1980). Deaf women continue to face obstacles and challenges in their efforts to lead full and productive lives on par with hearing people. Those who have overcome obstacles and worked diligently to accomplish great things in their lives, education, and careers deserved to be recognized and rewarded.
'Rosie The Riveter ("We Can Do It")' by J. Howard Miller
This webpage hopes to inspire and empower Utah Deaf women to serve the Utah Deaf community and, ultimately, to improve the community's quality of life. The webpages "Early Utah Women's History" and "Utah Deaf Women's History" contain more details about the challenges and oppressions that women have endured throughout history.
As a Deaf feminist inspired by an iconic poster of Rosie the Riveter during World War II, I hope that the role models on this webpage encourage Deaf women to take on leadership roles in the future, both locally and nationally.
A website devoted explicitly to "Deaf Women in History" has been created by Dr. Karen Christie, a retired professor emeritus at NTID/RIT who taught English, Deaf Women's Studies, and ASL & Deaf Literature. She is also an amateur historian and author. Visit her website to find out more about Deaf women's history.
My hat is off to Utah's Deaf women for their dedication and perseverance in working toward a respectable life and supporting others.
Jodi Becker Kinner
As a Deaf feminist inspired by an iconic poster of Rosie the Riveter during World War II, I hope that the role models on this webpage encourage Deaf women to take on leadership roles in the future, both locally and nationally.
A website devoted explicitly to "Deaf Women in History" has been created by Dr. Karen Christie, a retired professor emeritus at NTID/RIT who taught English, Deaf Women's Studies, and ASL & Deaf Literature. She is also an amateur historian and author. Visit her website to find out more about Deaf women's history.
My hat is off to Utah's Deaf women for their dedication and perseverance in working toward a respectable life and supporting others.
Jodi Becker Kinner
“When women's true history shall have been written,
her part in the upbuilding of this nation will astound the world.”
~Abigail Dunaway~
her part in the upbuilding of this nation will astound the world.”
~Abigail Dunaway~
Note
Religion is mentioned in this biography document because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a long history in Utah and significantly influences the Utah Deaf community. Other religions are represented in the biographies because not all of the people included are members of the LDS Church.
The families of the people in the biographies will find this helpful for preserving history and researching their family trees. It can also preserve the story of the person's life so that people in the future can enjoy and remember it.
The families of the people in the biographies will find this helpful for preserving history and researching their family trees. It can also preserve the story of the person's life so that people in the future can enjoy and remember it.
Elizabeth DeLong
Elizabeth DeLong. Courtesy of FamilySerach
We, the Utah Deaf community, are fortunate to have Elizabeth DeLong, also known as "Libbie," who has a long list of firsts. She was the first Deaf student from Utah to go to Gallaudet College in 1897 and the first Deaf woman from Utah to get a bachelor's degree in 1902. She was also the first in her family to graduate from college. She was the first Deaf female superintendent of the Sunday School for the Ogden Branch of the Deaf and the first Deaf teacher with a degree to teach at the Utah School for the Deaf. Libbie became the first Deaf female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1909, defeating two Deaf male candidates—this was before the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920 and before Deaf women were allowed to vote in the National Association of the Deaf election in 1965. Finally, she was the first Deaf woman to lead a state chapter of the National Association of the Deaf in the United States.
After her second term as president, Libbie gave a speech advocating women's suffrage at the UAD Convention in 1915. Libbie was believed to be inspired by the early Utah suffrage movement to achieve her academic, political, and spiritual goals.
In retrospect, Libbie was the first to achieve many of her ambitions and continues to inspire people today. Utah is fortunate to have her in a leadership role for our Utah Deaf community.
After her second term as president, Libbie gave a speech advocating women's suffrage at the UAD Convention in 1915. Libbie was believed to be inspired by the early Utah suffrage movement to achieve her academic, political, and spiritual goals.
In retrospect, Libbie was the first to achieve many of her ambitions and continues to inspire people today. Utah is fortunate to have her in a leadership role for our Utah Deaf community.
- Elizabeth DeLong. Better Days 2020 (Website)
- Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf (Website)
Elsie M. Christiansen
Elsie M. Christiansen. Utah Eagle, June 6, 1907
In 1907, Elsie M. Christiansen received her diploma from the Utah School for the Deaf (USD). She went on to teach history and social studies at the school after graduation. Elsie became a houseparent at Driggs Hall, a girls' dormitory, when houseparents became an important part of the USD. She served at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf, the Utah School for the Deaf, and the Utah Association of the Deaf in a variety of capacities. She was a capable community leader who accomplished a lot for Deaf causes. Elsie had outstanding writing abilities as a branch clerk at the Ogden Branch for the Deaf. She worked as a branch clerk for 28 years. She was the first and only Deaf woman to work as a clerk in the United States.
Biography of Elsie M. Christiansen (PDF)
Biography of Elsie M. Christiansen (PDF)
Mary Wooslayer
Mary Wooslayer. Utah Eagle, June 6, 1907
Mary Wooslayer was the University of Utah's first Deaf female student, starting in 1910 and earning a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1916. The majority of her classes consisted of her lectures without the use of a sign language interpreter. Thanks to her hard work, she passed all of her classes and earned more credits than many of her peers. She was the first in a home science class of about a hundred students. Following graduation, Mary worked as a Deaf school teacher in Texas, Virginia, and Kentucky.
Biography of Mary Wooslayer (PDF)
Biography of Mary Wooslayer (PDF)
Emma M. Emmertson
Emma M. Emmertson. Utah Eagle, June 6, 1907
Emma M. Emmertson was 15 years old when she enrolled in the Utah School for the Deaf in Ogden, Utah, and graduated in 1907. Four years later, Emma was the second Deaf student to enroll at the University of Utah. She began her studies in 1911 and graduated with a degree in kindergarten teaching in 1917. After earning her bachelor's degree, Emma taught for a short time in Salt Lake City, Utah. She subsequently moved to Wyoming to teach at the Wyoming School for the Deaf. Emma was a suffragette during the Women's Rights Movement in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Biography of Emma M. Emmertson (PDF)
Biography of Emma M. Emmertson (PDF)
Justina W. Keeley
Justina W. Keeley. Salt Lake City Division No. 56, October 15, 1966
Justina W. Keeley was a member of the Salt Lake City Division No. 56 of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf (NFSD). This division was started in 1916, shortly after she learned about the NFSD while visiting her home state of Missouri. She returned to Utah with information about a new deaf-owned, deaf-run, and deaf-owned insurance company. Her discovery was bittersweet, given that women would be prohibited from full participation in the NFSD for another 35 years. The NFSD officially admitted women to its insurance membership at their meeting in Chicago, Illinois, in 1951.
Biography of Justina W. Keeley (PDF)
Biography of Justina W. Keeley (PDF)
Afton Curtis Burdett
Afton Curtis Burdett
Afton Curtis Burdett attended Gallaudet College after graduating from the Utah School for the Deaf in 1933. She worked as a maid for the college president, Percival Hall, for several months after arriving there.
Afton decided to return to school while also raising two children and teaching auxiliary classes at Utah School for the Deaf (She dropped out of Gallaudet College to marry Kenneth C. Burdett, USD & Gallaudet alumni). She enrolled at Weber State College (later renamed Weber State University) and graduated in 1956 with an Associate of Science degree, making her the first Deaf student to do so. After completing her bachelor's degree, she pursued her education at Utah State University (USU). She was the first Deaf person to graduate from USU with a bachelor's degree, and she did it with honors. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an English minor on June 6, 1959.
Biography of Afton Curtis Burdett (PDF)
Afton decided to return to school while also raising two children and teaching auxiliary classes at Utah School for the Deaf (She dropped out of Gallaudet College to marry Kenneth C. Burdett, USD & Gallaudet alumni). She enrolled at Weber State College (later renamed Weber State University) and graduated in 1956 with an Associate of Science degree, making her the first Deaf student to do so. After completing her bachelor's degree, she pursued her education at Utah State University (USU). She was the first Deaf person to graduate from USU with a bachelor's degree, and she did it with honors. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an English minor on June 6, 1959.
Biography of Afton Curtis Burdett (PDF)
Valerie G. Kinney
Valerie G. Kinney
Valarie G. Kinney has made significant contributions to the Utah Association of the Deaf. She joined the UAD in 1967 after graduating from Gallaudet College in 1966 with a major in English. Her work with the UAD has given her a long history of involvement in the Deaf community. She previously served on the board of the Utah Association for the Deaf as vice president, secretary, assistant treasurer, treasurer, UAD Bulletin editor, UAD Announce moderator, business manager, Deaf Bookstore manager, co-editor of a directory for deaf Utahns, the Utah Telecom Book, and on numerous Utah Association of the Deaf committees.
In 2011, the Utah Association for the Deaf gave Valarie the President's Award in honor of her 44 years of service to the UAD. She is the organization's longest-serving member. I don't think we, the Deaf women, will ever be able to break her long-standing record.
Valerie also volunteered for the Ned C. Wheeler Scholarship Foundation for the Deaf. Because of her outstanding business and office organization skills, Valerie was recruited in 2005 as the office administrator for the 2007 16th Winter Deaflympics.
Biography of Valerie G. Kinney (PDF)
Celia May Laramie Baldwin
Celia May Baldwin. UAD Bulletin, Fall 1969
Celia May Laramie Baldwin was elected general chairwoman of the 1970 Junior NAD Convention during her senior year at Gallaudet College. The event drew a total of 200 student delegates and academic sponsors. She developed a lot of ideas and programs for the development of future leaders as chairwoman. In 1970, Celia May was elected to the new Board of Fellows of Gallaudet College. She was the board's only female member. Celia May was a young woman with many talents and interests outside of work, which she found time to pursue while raising her two young children. Celia May was involved with the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf Division #56, the Utah Association for the Deaf, and a variety of other organizations. She also thrived on serving others and was active not only in her community, but also statewide and nationally. On December 2, 1998, ten years after the Gallaudet University Deaf President Now Protest, Gallaudet President I. King Jordan appointed Celia May to the Board of Trustees. Celia May has had a distinguished career and done much in her lengthy commitment to the Deaf community.
Biography of Celia May Baldwin (PDF)
Biography of Celia May Baldwin (PDF)
Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz
Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz
Minnie Mae (MM) Wilding-Diaz was born to Deaf parents, Jerry Willing and Caldonia Della Williams. She is the oldest of nine Deaf siblings in the well-known Deaf Wilding family. She is married to Julio Diaz and the parent of three grown Deaf children, Briella, Julio “Tres” and Isabelle. MM has a strong passion for literacy and ASL linguistics and has contributed her skills and knowledge throughout her career, including teaching in various postsecondary institutions, founding the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, UVU's Deaf Studies Today! Conference, and translating The Book of Mormon, among other accomplishments.
After months of hard work by the Utah Association for the Deaf's Bi-Bi Committee, led by Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, two leaders emerged: Minnie Mae and Jeff Allen, a hearing father with a Deaf daughter, to establish a suitable educational program for Utah's Deaf children. Minnie Mae founded the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf (JMS), a public charter school for the deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1999. JMS is an ASL/English Bilingual school where Deaf children can communicate directly with their teachers and receive instruction in American Sign Language. Minnie Mae is recognized for her contributions to the formation of JMS. Otherwise, Utah will be without a bilingual ASL/English education option.
Biography of Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz (PDF)
After months of hard work by the Utah Association for the Deaf's Bi-Bi Committee, led by Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz, two leaders emerged: Minnie Mae and Jeff Allen, a hearing father with a Deaf daughter, to establish a suitable educational program for Utah's Deaf children. Minnie Mae founded the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf (JMS), a public charter school for the deaf in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1999. JMS is an ASL/English Bilingual school where Deaf children can communicate directly with their teachers and receive instruction in American Sign Language. Minnie Mae is recognized for her contributions to the formation of JMS. Otherwise, Utah will be without a bilingual ASL/English education option.
Biography of Minnie Mae Wilding-Diaz (PDF)
Marilyn Tiller Call
Marilyn T. Call
Marilyn T. Call was recruited as the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities' first Director in 1989. (LCPD). As director, she increased LCPD membership, established advocate-training workshops across Utah, and coordinated ongoing public awareness campaigns. She has exceptional lobbying skills and worked tirelessly with the Utah State Legislature for many years to enhance programs, services, and resources for people with disabilities. She advocated for financing for Rehabilitation, Special Education, and the Division of Services for People with Disabilities, among other issues affecting people with disabilities. She also lobbied for the construction of a new building for the Utah Community Center for the Deaf in Taylorsville, Utah, in 1991. Her interest in deaf divisions and work with them began with her daughters; she wanted them to have the best and most fulfilling life possible. Marilyn spearheaded the campaign to name the community center after Dr. Robert G. Sanderson in honor of his services on behalf of the Utah Deaf community in 2003, while she was the director of the Division of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Biography of Marilyn T. Call (PDF)
Biography of Marilyn T. Call (PDF)
Shirley H. Platt
Shirley H. Platt
Shirley H. Platt was a long-time champion for women's athletics and a Deaf sports leader. Shirley was elected for the first time as secretary-treasurer of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf in May 1988. (AAAD). On May 1, 1991, Shirley became AAAD's first and only executive director. Shirley served as the editor-in-chief of the magazines "AAAD Deaf Sports Review" and "Inside AAAD." "After that, she rose through the ranks at the club, region, and national levels. One of her most notable contributions to Deaf sports was that she "stood steadfastly pushing Deaf women into Deaf sports."
Biography of Shirley H. Platt (PDF)
Biography of Shirley H. Platt (PDF)
Elise Whitworth
Elise Whitworth, a Deaf Gallaudet alumna, was named the first Deaf woman among Utah Business magazine's 30 Women to Watch in 2014. Utah is privileged to have a Deaf woman like Elise as a leadership role for excellent business management and leadership.
Biography of Elise Withworth (PDF)
Biography of Elise Withworth (PDF)
Elise Withworth @ Utah Business Magazine
Ellen Noelle O'Hara
Ellen O'Hara
Ellen Noelle O'Hara received her diploma from the Indiana School for the Deaf in 2003 and was accepted into Brigham Young University (BYU) the following year. Ellen competed in the Miss Deaf Utah pageant before starting college and won the title. For two years, she was the reigning queen. She started her Deaf Education degree at Utah State University after a year at BYU. In May 2009, she graduated with a Master of Education in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education. She was hired at the Jean Massieu School of the Deaf almost immediately. Ellen was a prominent member of the Deaf community.She utilized her leadership abilities in a variety of voluntary endeavors. She took part in Miss Deaf Utah Ambassador Program and Utah Association of the Deaf activities. Ellen was also a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On July 1, 2016, she unfortunately died in a vehicle accident. Ellen's generous gifts of time and service had a great impact on the Utah Deaf community.
Biography of Ellen Noelle O'Hara (PDF)
Four Memorials Set Up for Ellen O'Hara (PDF)
Biography of Ellen Noelle O'Hara (PDF)
Four Memorials Set Up for Ellen O'Hara (PDF)
Ellen O'Hara was videotaped for the ASL Curriculum group at a De'VIA retreat in Kansas by Dr. Karen Christie, a professor emeritus at NTID/RIT who has taught English, Deaf Women Studies, and ASL & Deaf literature. KC shared a short video of Ellen after she passed away. Ellen's pleasure in her new role is something KC adores.
Millicent "Millie" Simmonds
Millicent Simmonds @ Famedstar.com
Over 250 tapes were sent while auditioning for a deaf girl to play a young Rose in the film "Wonderstruck." Millicent Simmonds, also known as "Millie," is a Utah native who gained fame for her portrayal as a young Rose in the film "Wonderstruck." She was only 13 years old at the time. Millie enjoys being in the theater and acting. In 2016, the film "Wonderstruck" was made in New York City. 'Wonderstruck' is essentially a novel about what it's like to be Deaf in a hearing world. Millie had never acted before on the big screen. It was a great triumph for a young Deaf girl who had no major film credits to her name.
Millie also starred in another movie named, "A Quiet Place."
Biography of Millicent Simmonds (PDF)
Millie also starred in another movie named, "A Quiet Place."
Biography of Millicent Simmonds (PDF)