Dr. Amanda Oliva Inspires Mount L.E.O. Program Students with Insights on Leadership and Accessibility

Dr. Amanda L. Oliva, a certified Sign Language Interpreter and director of communication and accessibility for Deaf individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), recently inspired Mount St. Dominic Academy students participating in the school’s signature  L.E.O. Program with her powerful story of advocacy and resilience. 

Dr. Oliva shared her journey from learning basic ASL signs as a child to communicate with her grandfather, to becoming a leader in accessibility for the Deaf community. Her deeply personal connection to ASL, combined with her professional experiences, offered students a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Deaf individuals and the critical need for systemic change.

During her presentation, Dr. Oliva explored the barriers Deaf individuals encounter in education, employment, and daily interactions, including the scarcity of inclusive language programs and interpreter access at work. She shared compelling stories of advocating for equal rights, combating employment discrimination, and ensuring ASL interpreters are included in mainstream spaces. Her discussion of "Dinner Table Syndrome," which is the isolation Deaf individuals often experience within their own families due to communication barriers, deeply resonated with the audience and sparked thoughtful dialogue.

Dr. Oliva’s efforts to create an inclusive workforce through partnerships with major organizations and her push for awareness about Deaf culture left a lasting impression. She encouraged students to learn ASL and to become proactive allies in fostering accessibility and inclusion within their communities. The session served as a powerful reminder of the importance of breaking down communication barriers and promoting equity for all.

Her presentation aligns seamlessly with the goals of the L.E.O. Program, which challenges students to think critically, innovate, and lead with purpose. Mount St. Dominic Academy is proud to be the second school in New Jersey, and the first all-girls school, selected for the prestigious program. This two-year initiative immerses students in the entrepreneurial process, from ideation to business development, with mentorship from industry leaders and opportunities like the LionWorks "Shark Tank" Competition, where winners earn college scholarships.

“The Mount is thrilled to offer the L.E.O. Program, a transformative opportunity that immerses students in the entrepreneurial process. From developing business concepts to launching them, and presenting their ideas to panels of experts, our students gain invaluable real-world experience that prepares them for future success,” said Dr. Karen D’Avino, Principal of Mount St. Dominic Academy.

The L.E.O. Program is dedicated to the memory of Leonidas “Leo” Vagias, who passed away tragically in 2016, and was a Don Bosco Prep alumnus and brother of Mount alumnae Alexandra Vagias ’18. His passion for business and leadership lives on through this initiative, which empowers students to become the next generation of leaders. Through opportunities like Dr. Oliva’s presentation, students not only gain entrepreneurial skills but also develop a deeper understanding of how to make a meaningful impact on their communities.

About the L.E.O. Program
The Mount’s signature L.E.O. Program is a transformative two-year initiative that immerses MSDA high school students in the entrepreneurial process, from ideation to business development. With mentorship from industry leaders and opportunities like the LionWorks "Shark Tank" Competition—where winners earn college scholarships—the program equips students with real-world skills and prepares them for future success.

As the second school in New Jersey, and the first all-girls school selected for this prestigious program, Mount St. Dominic Academy is proud to foster critical thinking, innovation, and purposeful leadership among its students. The program is dedicated to the memory of Leonidas “Leo” Vagias, a Don Bosco Prep alumnus and brother of Mount alumna Alexandra Vagias ’18. Through the program, Leo’s passion for business and leadership inspires the next generation of leaders.
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Through experiential learning, mentorship, and initiatives like expert presentations, the L.E.O. Program empowers students not only to develop entrepreneurial skills but also to make meaningful impacts on their communities and beyond.

Original Source: www.tapinto.net/towns/west-essex/sections/education/articles/dr-amanda-oliva-inspires-mount-l-e-o-program-students-with-insights-on-leadership-and-accessibility