The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) has announced creative storyteller, motivational speaker and thought change leader Storm Smith will be the keynote presenter at its 2021 commencement ceremony.
Storm’s virtual commencement address will be shared with TLC graduating seniors, families and guests on June 11 in a small outdoor ceremony following appropriate safety guidelines.
As the first Deaf woman to have been recruited by BBDO Worldwide in 2017, Storm’s storytelling work immediately helped shine a positive light on critical societal issues such as people with intersectionality of disabilities, youth, LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Her work on the “It’s Time to Redefine” campaign, as part of International Women’s Day generated 12 million impressions worldwide.
Most recently, Storm served her role as an Amazon Studios marketing consultant on 2021 Academy Award nominee Amazon film: Sound of Metal. Additional collaborations include working with Apple; Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales; Netflix's Politician actress Natasha Ofili; Academy Award winner actress Marlee Matlin; Tony Award nominee actress Lauren Ridloff for the largest Deaf non-profit organization; Harlem Globetrotter; social influencer Crissa Jackson on behalf of her advocacy for young girls in sports; Gallaudet University's first-time ever music video campaign: “We Belong,” and more.
Storm’s tireless efforts to promote diversity, inclusion and accessibility have earned her a special recognition from President Barack Obama for the 30th anniversary on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Variety's Social Impact Marketing for Film award, ADCOLOR Unsung Community Hero award, and a prestigious award from the City of Los Angeles. She has been featured in numerous major publication brands including PopSugar, Los Angeles Times, ABC's Localish, Billboard, Muse by CLIO, Campaign, TV Guide, Adweek and AdAge.