A shield-shaped logo with a mountain silhouette and sunset gradient background. The words “Deaf TRAIL” appear in bold white text, with two illustrated hands below signing “trail” in American Sign Language.

Deaf TRAIL Is Underway: Introducing Colorado’s First Cohort

Deaf TRAIL (Transformative Representation & Advocacy through Inclusive Leadership) is officially underway. 

This Deaf-led leadership development initiative—supported through the Colorado Division of Disability and Aging (CDOO) under the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)—began with an in-person kickoff retreat that brought together leaders from across Colorado’s Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened communities.

At kickoff, cohort members identified shared goals and real-world leadership challenges they are navigating right now—strengthening teams, improving communication and accessibility, building community trust, and growing sustainable organizations. The program will continue through a series of virtual leadership sessions, peer learning, and collaboration leading toward a June 2026 program completion.

Cohort Snapshot (from kickoff)

  • Leadership experience: 8 participants have 6+ years of leadership experience; 7 have 3–5 years.  
  • Across Colorado: 86.7% Front Range, 6.7% Central Mountains, 6.7% Western Slope.  
  • Identity mix: 64.3% culturally Deaf; 28.6% Deaf; 7.1% Deaf Disabled.
  • Primary sectors represented: strongest representation from nonprofit leadership, alongside Deaf community orgs, education, state/government, and services.  
  • What success looks like: top drivers were practical tools/strategies (67%), building confidence (50%), and a strong peer network (50%).  

Meet the Deaf TRAIL Cohort

Smiling headshot of a person with long wavy brown hair, clear-framed glasses, and a small nose ring, wearing a dark green sweater and thin necklace against a light blue-gray background. Text includes their name and role; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with short brown hair and light-colored glasses, wearing a dark sparkly sweater and gold necklace against a light blue-gray background. Name and role text appears at bottom; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with short dark hair and a mustache/goatee, wearing a light sweater over a collared shirt against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text shows name and titles; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with short side-swept light brown hair and round glasses, wearing a gray blazer over a white shirt against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text lists name and role; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with long highlighted hair and patterned glasses, wearing a dark floral top against a light blue-gray background. Bottom-left text shows name and affiliation; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with hair pulled back, wearing a black turtleneck and heart-shaped pendant necklace against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text includes name and role; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with long dark hair, pearl earrings, and a bright pink blazer over a dark top against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text lists name and roles; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with very short hair and light facial hair, wearing a light blue patterned button-up shirt against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text shows name, region, and role; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Headshot of a person with short curly hair and a trimmed beard, wearing a blue collared shirt against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text includes name, region, and roles; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with shoulder-length light brown hair, wearing a red zip-up hoodie and earrings against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text reads “Nicki Runge — Front Range” and “President, Board of Directors, ImaginASL Performing Arts,” with inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with very short hair, black rectangular glasses, and light facial hair, wearing a dark collared shirt against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text reads “Raymond Clark — Front Range” and “Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Employment Services, LLC,” with inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with braided hair, heart-shaped hoop earrings, and a visible hearing device, wearing a dark top against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text reads “Ruth Jackson — Front Range” and “Leads Deaf community group, Colorado Community Church,” with inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with very short hair and a light goatee, wearing a blue plaid button-up shirt against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text reads “Ryan Turner — Front Range” and “Leading 988 videophone program; former Program Manager of Deaf Services (integrated healthcare),” with inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with long brown hair, wearing a light sweater against a light blue-gray background. Bottom text reads “Stephanie Grover — Front Range” and “Board Member, OutSpokin’,” with inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.
Smiling headshot of a person with long curly hair, round glasses, and a gray beard, wearing a plaid shirt against a light blue-gray background. Name and role text appears at bottom; inniVee Strategies and Deaf TRAIL logos at bottom right.

Deaf TRAIL is also a model for how Deaf-led leadership development can be built with accessibility, culture, and community trust at the center. If your organization or community is exploring a leadership program with Deaf-centered design, we welcome conversations about what a similar model could look like.

Learn more about Deaf TRAIL and contact Innivee Strategies: inniveestrategies.com/deaf-trail 

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