Each year, Hamilton Relay recognizes an individual in each contracted state who is Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing, late-deafened or who has difficulty speaking and demonstrates strong leadership and volunteerism within their community. Additionally, an individual or organization that demonstrates leadership and volunteerism in the Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing or speech difference community may be considered.
We are pleased to announce that Vira Sisolak has been chosen as the 2025 Hamilton Relay Community Leader Award recipient for the District of Columbia.
Vira is a community member, advocate and member of Capitol Hill Village. She is a cochlear implant user and is passionate about helping other older adults get help with their hearing. In 2024, Vira founded the group What We’re Hearing through Capitol Hill Village. What We’re Hearing is an affinity group that meets monthly to discuss issues relevant to hearing loss, hearing impairment and deafness in older adults. Vira has led efforts to recruit participants, plan topics, invite guest speakers, facilitate the group, reach out to members of the group who are struggling, and generally be an advocate for older adults. The community is lucky to have her!
We are honored to recognize Vira for her advocacy and leadership and are proud to present her with the Community Leader Award. This leadership recognition has been brought to you by Hamilton Relay.
