Zulma Y Santiago Zayas,

Zulma teaches American Sign Language and Deaf Culture and is the faculty advisor for the UF Signing Gator. She also serves as the DEI Coordinator for the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions. She currently holds a Master’s degree in Deaf Studies with an emphasis on Cultural studies from Gallaudet University. Before joining UF in August 2019, for over six years she taught ASL 1, 2, 3, Structure of ASL and Deaf Culture at St. Petersburg College, ASL 1 and 2 at Hillsborough Community College, and ASL 1 and 2 at the University of South Florida. She is a member of the American Sign Language Teachers Association, Florida American Sign Language Teacher Association (Central Regional Director), and Florida Deaf Art Show Board. Zulma is an active volunteer at the Deaf Literacy Center where she assists in developing and presenting programs and events to create awareness and educate the community. Zulma is multilingual (fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language) and loves history and cultures. As a multilingual person, she understands the importance of second or third-language acquisition.