We are a Deaf collective of organisers, academics and creatives shaping culture and building spaces of belonging. Each of us brings lived experience, expertise and community commitment to the work, carrying forward a shared vision of justice, creativity and care.
Together, we are building the spaces of belonging we once searched for, spaces rooted in community care, culture, accountability and the spirit of Ubuntu.
Founder & Director
Lydia is a multi-award-winning community organiser, cultural strategist, educator and storyteller committed to reshaping narratives and building inclusive spaces for racialised and marginalised Deaf communities. As Founder and Director of SBTS, she drives initiatives that challenge exclusion, amplify underrepresented voices and push for systemic change.
Her leadership spans education, governance, policy, media and movement building. She has served on the boards of the Irish Deaf Youth Association (IDYA), the European Union of Deaf Youth (EUDY), and the Irish Deaf Society (IDS), as well as on the Gaisce Council. Since 2023, she has also been a member of the All-Island Women’s Forum under the National Women’s Council of Ireland, a cross-border body of 28 women leaders and activists from North and South working together on shared issues and building solidarity across the island.
Lydia founded the Ubuntu European Deaf Youth (UEDY) working group, creating one of the first continental spaces centring racialised Deaf youth. In partnership with the Council of Europe Youth Department, she directed a landmark study session on race, migration and xenophobia, advancing critical conversations that had long been absent in European Deaf spaces.
She went on to make history as the first Black woman to serve as President of the European Union of Deaf Youth (2022–2024), breaking a 35 year pattern of all white leadership at board and staff level. Her presidency not only challenged that exclusion but also centred the voices and experiences of racialised Deaf communities across Europe, embedding equity and inclusion at the core of EUDY’s work and strengthening its international partnerships.
Lydia holds a degree in Anthropology and International Development, grounding her practice in critical analysis of culture, identity and systems of power. Beyond advocacy, she is a creative force in media, using writing, photography and digital storytelling to ensure that underrepresented stories are told on our own terms.
She was named Black & Irish Educator of the Year and recognised as one of 100 women shaping Ireland’s future for her impact in media, advocacy and education.
From her hands to you: Some of us didn’t choose to become activists, we were activated.
Co-Director & Co-Founder
Romel is an educator, organiser, artist and activist committed to building spaces of belonging and reshaping narratives around Black Deaf identity, justice and inclusion. As Co-Director and Co-Founder of SBTS, he works to challenge exclusion, strengthen representation and create pathways where Deaf communities, especially racialised and marginalised, can lead and thrive.
His leadership spans education, health, advocacy, culture and performance. Romel has taught Physical Education and English at the Manilla School for the Deaf, is a certified personal trainer, and served as Sweden’s physiotherapist at the Deaflympics in Brazil. In Sweden, he contributed to policy and representation work with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), helping to advance equity and increase racialised visibility in Swedish Sign Language resources.
As an artist and cultural worker, Romel has performed in theatre productions, appeared on television and hosted programmes, bringing Black Deaf representation to cultural spaces where it has long been absent. His ability to move between classrooms, community organising and creative stages makes him a vital bridge between the different strands of SBTS’s work: media, advocacy and education.
From his hands to you: There is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone
Administrative Assistant
Izu is an organiser, advocate and academic dedicated to strengthening access, leadership and belonging within Deaf communities. As Administrative Assistant at SBTS, he ensures the organisation’s vision translates into practice, coordinating projects, supporting outreach, and keeping the team connected and aligned.
His leadership spans youth advocacy, governance, policy and social change. He has served as Secretary of the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS), President of the National Association of Nigerian Deaf Students (NANDS), and is currently a member of the European Union Youth Sounding Board, advising on youth, migration and equity issues.
In 2024, Izu launched EmpowerHer, a project funded by the Nigeria Youth Future Fund, raising awareness and combatting gender-based violence in Anambra State. His work at SBTS builds on this same commitment, ensuring advocacy, education and grassroots organising are supported by strong systems and clear strategy.
From his hands to you: If you run from your mistakes, growth will be further away from you.
Media Production Assistant
Kaleab supports SBTS’s storytelling work across film and digital platforms. He contributes through filming, capturing behind-the-scenes moments, and assisting with edits, including projects like the SBTS podcast. His role ensures that creative ideas are carried through to production, helping SBTS bring media and advocacy together to amplify the voices of racialised and marginalised Deaf communities.
Alongside his work with SBTS, Kaleab has built professional experience in television and digital media, contributing to projects that highlight culture and community. He has also served as a board member of his national Deaf youth association and worked as media manager for the Swedish Deaf Futsal Women’s National Team. His contribution to cultural storytelling was recognised with a Teckenbro Award in Media and Culture, highlighting his impact in visual media.
From his hands to you: Always strive to be 1% better every day!
