LGS SPOTLIGHT: Joelene Orlando, Executive Director, Whole Me, Inc.

LGS Class of 2022 
Hometown: Seneca Falls 
Home today: Auburn

Pride & Vision 

What makes you proud to be a Syracusan? 

While I do not live in Syracuse, I love it. I grew up as a huge Syracuse University fan (football, basketball, lacrosse). In the last six years, as a member of the Whole Me, Inc. team, I have become so fond of Syracuse, the community, and what it has to offer. I have become immersed in Syracuse even more in my role as the executive director, and every day I meet someone new and learn new things about how vibrant the area is.

Envision our community at its best. What does a thriving community look like to you? 

I believe in inclusion for all. A true community is about making each individual the best version of themselves and how they can contribute and expose their culture, values and the sense of belonging. We are all human from all different walks of life and if we only open our minds to understand and accept everyone, then we become united, stronger, and our community can be a thriving hub for all. 

About Your Community Work

How do you help strengthen our community? 

Our organization provides programs and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals — from newborns to seniors. Our mission is to educate and provide cultural resources for the community about the deaf community at large. I believe that our presence and outreach has helped inform many businesses, organizations, and other entities about the importance of inclusion for deaf people. A big help was my involvement with the LGS Class of 2022 as I required interpreters for my participation. This opened the bridge to understanding the importance of communication access. Without that, I would have missed out on this leadership opportunity. It opened up many doors in networking in various capacities, such as employment opportunities for deaf people, providing interpreters for recreational events in Central New York, and individuals registering for American Sign Language Classes/Deaf Culture 101. We all have a part to make our communities better. As leaders, it is our responsibility to recognize needs in the community and how important it is for everyone to have the same opportunities to participate in life regardless of culture, disability, or race. 

Causes Supported  

What causes, issues, or organizations do you actively support?

I am involved in the Thanksgiving/Christmas Project, where we provide meals and gifts for families going through cancer and/or have terminal prognosis in the Auburn community. We receive donations from the community to make this possible. I am also involved with Camp Mark 7, located in the Adirondacks, as a volunteer. It is a camp for deaf children, as well as children of deaf adults. As a person that considers herself a helper, I have always had a passion for helping others and have been involved on some boards throughout my 35-year career. These include the Special Olympics, Mental Health Advisory Board, Parent/Teacher Association, and coordinating the New York State Hockey Tournament — to name a few.

ABOUT LGS

LGS memory: What was the most important thing you learned during LGS? 

I learned about different organizations and businesses in Central New York that I was not even aware of, and most importantly, I now know 52 more people in my network. That is something money cannot buy. I consider myself very lucky to have had this experience with LGS. And I believe I brought new awareness to the table about deaf culture and inclusion, including the importance of sign-language interpreters. This experience opened my eyes and helped me feel more comfortable in my role as an executive director.