Usherla DeBerry

Usherla DeBerry was born and raised in Wadesboro, NC. At five years old, while attending Wadesboro elementary school, she discovered both her deafness and her awareness of racial identity. Raised in Hearing culture, she didn’t learn sign language until the age of ten. It was when she moved to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware that she attended her first deaf school, the Delaware School for the Deaf.

Her journey into Deaf culture deepened when she attended and graduated from the Model Secondary School for the Deaf. She later pursued higher education at Gallaudet University, where she earned a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Specializing in Therapeutic Recreation. She then received her Masters degree from Wilmington University. During her time at Gallaudet, Usherla’s dedication to social justice unfolded which led her to serve in roles including assistant to the University President. She also developed courses such Black Lives Matter: Power, Privilege, and Processing and Living Laboratories.

DeBerry believes that the power of mentorship, resources, and a supportive community are key to success. Today, recently completed her EdS from Grand Canyon University. As a Black Deaf mother, she continues to inspire as the current director of the Maryland Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Summary of Qualifications

Seasoned, well-educated Deaf professional with demonstrated expertise in program administration and advocacy; effective collaborator; skilled in providing technical assistance to a variety of audiences. Familiar with state and federal civil rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Prior employment includes comparable state-level agency work, as well as K-12 teacher, and staff and faculty roles in higher education settings that includes teaching general studies and teaching ASL; clinical case management. Personal, organizational, and professional work in the areas of belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion, including consultation in several states. Fluent in American Sign Language, Black American Sign Language, and written and spoken English. Training to be a Deaf Interpreter.