Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica-Jasmine Bates.
Angelica-Jasmine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been driven by a purpose to connect communities and to make a positive difference. I was a Girl Scout and often volunteered in my schools. I wanted to help others in trying times. Yet, when I was in high school, my family and I underwent our own struggle and strife. We were homeless, hungry, and tired. We would continue with our daily routines even though our home life was falling apart. I found it difficult to express myself. Yet, when I found American Sign Language (ASL), I put emotion in motion. What started as a foreign language credit became an outlet of self-expression. My God-given skill in the language allowed me to bridge linguistic communities and to find strength in vulnerability. It later led to the creation of Sign Up! (formerly called “All Senses are Beautiful) in 2012. My nonprofit, Sign Up!, builds communication access, promotes character development, and encourages self-expression through the three hallmarks (the 3 C’s) of my workshop program: Communication, Character, and Creativity. Since its inception, I have committed more than 58,000 hours of service, and I inspire worldwide. As the reigning Miss DFW for Miss Texas for America Strong, I assist at-risk students through personal and professional development activities to find power in their voices (whether verbal or non-verbal) and lay the foundation for upcoming world changers.
Sign Up! also offers scholarships to those who are pursuing interpreter education or Deaf studies on a collegiate level.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey wasn’t easy, but it has been worth it.
When Sign Up! was first starting out, a lot of my opportunities to guest speak, offer workshops, and to inspire our youth was a slow process. It mostly consisted of storybook reading and teaching sign language to build communication skills. Yet, Sign Up! later gained traction when I collaborated with the communities in schools, gained recommendations from previous educators, and became stronger as a living testimony. I was able to make connections with at-risk students, connect on experiences and aspirations, and provide support on their current situation. The support included mentoring, providing necessities (like toothbrushes or food), offering alternative programs, and finding their voice through the use of American Sign Language (ASL).
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a graduate of Collin College with a focus on interpreter education and Deaf studies. I later pursued a university career at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where I earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and strategic communications with a minor in arts entrepreneurship. I have a background of 10+ years in ASL and Deaf studies through intense training, internships, and educational advancement. This has allowed me to be a positive leader with the exceptional ability to encourage students and bridge communities. As such, I’m honored to be an educator for a local high school to teach beginners’ ASL to level 1 and 2 students.
I’ve been known to live and breathe what I do. I’m proud that I’ve been able to serve in schools throughout Texas by sharing my story, inspiring others, and empowering them to find their voices. I have reached 26k+ statewide to promote accessibility, inclusion, and Deaf awareness.
My passion and talent for ASL allowed me to perform in live productions for Miss Texas, community ASL shows, local theaters and has been spotlighted on local news. My talent has separated me from others by providing a unique skill that has connected linguistic communities and evolved into an entertaining, theatrical performance. This included the use of ASL with a focus on body language, choreography, and sharing an outlet of self-expression. This has influenced students and others to find joy and inspiration through my workshops and performances.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.herenergyspeaks.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajxbates/?hl=en
- Facebook: Angelica-Jasmine Bates, Miss DFW, Miss Texas for America
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-jasmine-bates/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ajxbates?lang=en
