Genelle Sanders
Corpus Christi,TX
Summary
Knowledgeable Communication and Marketing executive with proven history of leading high-performing teams and executing strategic initiatives that drive organizational and educational growth. Successfully directed cross-functional projects that resulted in significant process improvements and operational efficiencies. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills in fostering collaborative environments and delivering impactful results.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of CSD Learns and Development
Communication Service for the Deaf
01.2024 - Current
- In my current role at CSD Learns, I lead the strategic planning and execution of integrated marketing and communications initiatives that support educational equity and access for diverse learners.
- I oversee all grant- and contract-based projects, ensuring that each aligns with organizational objectives, funding requirements, and measurable impact.
- Within this role, I am responsible for curriculum development and content creation while overseeing capability and learning impact assessments.
- I work closely with the Program Director and senior leadership to develop and manage financial and budgetary strategies that sustain growth and innovation.
- A key part of my role involves establishing and implementing operational guidelines that streamline communications, improve workflow, and ensure consistency across programs.
- I lead a collaborative, cross-functional team, developing and providing training, performance management, and mentorship to foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and accountability.
- I also support organization-wide communications efforts, from internal messaging to external outreach, ensuring that all content reflects our brand values and resonates with key audiences.
- My work emphasizes data-informed decision making, inclusive messaging, and alignment with strategic priorities, skills I look forward to bringing to a higher education environment focused on community impact and academic excellence.
SKI-HI State Trainer, Deaf Mentor and Role Model Program
Texas School for the Deaf
01.2023 - Current
- I am nationally certified to train individuals to become Deaf Mentors and Role Models using the SKI-HI Deaf Mentor and SnapShots curricula.
- In this role, I coordinated the development and delivery of comprehensive training programs and course materials designed to equip trainees with the skills needed for effective mentorship.
- I provided education and ongoing support to families of deaf and hard of hearing children, focusing on enhancing language acquisition, communication strategies, and relationship-building.
- This work required clear, culturally sensitive communication and a collaborative approach to empower families and trainees, skills that contribute to effective integrated marketing and communications strategies aimed at diverse audiences.
Mentor, Deaf Mentor and Role Model Program
Texas School for the Deaf
01.2019 - Current
- In this contract role, I conducted weekly visits with families of deaf and hard of hearing children, providing guidance and support to enhance parent-child relationship-building and communication skills.
- I delivered instruction in American Sign Language (ASL), Early Visual Communication strategies, and Deaf culture to promote inclusive, culturally responsive engagement.
- Through this direct family support, I developed strong skills in clear, empathetic communication and community outreach-capabilities that are essential for designing impactful, audience-centered integrated marketing and communication initiatives.
Senior Director of Operations
Communication Service for the Deaf
01.2023 - 01.2024
- I led the strategy and execution of programs and services across multiple mission-driven brands, including CSD Learns, Dripple, CSD Access, and CSD Works.
- In this role, I managed strategic relationships with a wide range of external partners, including Deaf-owned businesses, corporate stakeholders, and government agencies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
- I provided support for capability assessments, curriculum development, and content creation.
- I directed the development and launch of forward-thinking learning systems and organizational frameworks designed to increase engagement, accessibility, and impact.
- My work emphasized user-centered design and inclusive communication practices, with a focus on developing interactive digital experiences that enhanced reach and effectiveness.
- Through cross-functional leadership and collaboration, I helped position these programs as trusted, innovative platforms that advanced equity and visibility for underserved communities.
- My collaborative leadership and approach to communications and content strategy was grounded in data, informed by audience needs, and aligned with long-term strategic priorities.
Director of Programming
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDI)
01.2022 - 01.2023
- At TDI, I coordinated and promoted national programs and community awareness initiatives that supported strategic goals and elevated the organization's visibility among key stakeholders.
- I led accessible, inclusive communication efforts to engage members, partners, and the broader Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, gathering insights on accessibility barriers and translating them into actionable recommendations for the Policy Director.
- I contributed to public relations, media engagement, and external communications strategies to amplify TDI's mission and advocacy efforts.
- As Board Liaison, I facilitated seamless communication and collaboration between the board of directors and organizational leadership, ensuring transparency and alignment on priorities.
- I planned and executed a successful in-person conference hosted at the University of Maryland in July 2023, which welcomed over 300 participants and highlighted key accessibility and policy issues.
- I utilized Google Workspace, Constant Contact, Trello, and Monday.com to support project planning, communication workflows, and event logistics.
- During a critical leadership transition, I also served as the temporary CEO, managing day-to-day operations and providing strategic direction to maintain organizational stability.
- My work emphasized relationship building, adaptive leadership, and mission-driven communication strategies that informed public dialogue and advanced accessibility on a national scale.
Digital Content Developer
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
01.2022 - 01.2023
- As a contract consultant with the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes, I contributed to the development and coordination of communication strategies aimed at improving access and success for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in higher education.
- I collaborated with cross-functional teams to design inclusive outreach initiatives and training materials that supported institutional partners nationwide.
- My role involved creating clear, accessible messaging and content to engage diverse audiences, including students, educators, and administrators.
- Through this work, I applied strategic communication principles and project coordination skills to advance the Center's mission of fostering equitable postsecondary outcomes for Deaf learners.
Program Coordinator, Deaf Mentor and Role Model Program
Texas School for the Deaf
01.2019 - 01.2023
- As a contract consultant with the Texas Early Detection Hearing Intervention (TEHDI) program, I collaborated with cross-functional teams to design, pilot, and coordinate a statewide mentoring and role modeling program for families with deaf and hard of hearing children ages 0 to 10.
- I obtained and maintained personal SKI-HI Deaf Mentor certification to support program credibility and consistency.
- From September 2020 to September 2023, I managed contracts totaling $425,000, providing strategic oversight for the program's expansion and service delivery.
- I supervised a team of 13 certified Deaf Mentors and 10 Deaf Role Models, ensuring quality, consistency, and alignment with state goals and early intervention best practices.
- Over the course of the project, we successfully delivered 1,456 hours of direct mentoring and role modeling services to more than 50 families across Texas.
- This role required clear and inclusive communication, strong leadership, and detailed project planning-skills that directly support my ability to lead integrated outreach and communications initiatives in diverse and mission-driven environments.
Communication and Publishing Assistant
Major Press, LLC
01.2015 - 01.2018
- As a contract consultant for a South Texas author, I managed and optimized professional social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, driving engagement through data-informed strategies.
- Utilizing platform analytics and Amazon Author Central insights, I developed and managed targeted social media advertising campaigns with average budgets of $1,000, maximizing reach and impact.
- I wrote, edited, and produced a monthly newsletter using Constant Contact, complemented by quarterly e-blasts timed around novel releases to boost audience engagement.
- Additionally, I designed and maintained a comprehensive database of visual assets using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite, ensuring consistent and compelling brand imagery across all channels.
- I also provided proofreading and editorial support as needed, reinforcing clear and polished communications.
Interim Executive Director
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center of Corpus Christi
01.2016 - 05.2016
- As a current Board Director, I was nominated to serve as Interim Director for a nonprofit community center during a four-month leadership transition.
- In this capacity, I provided operational oversight and strategic direction, ensuring continuity across all programs and services.
- I managed a $1 million annual budget, maintained vendor and partner contracts, and oversaw the operations of the center's for-profit interpreting agency.
- I worked closely with community stakeholders, hosting two well-attended town halls with over 100 participants to foster transparency, gather feedback, and communicate priorities.
- I also supervised the planning and execution of summer camp programming that served 20 local deaf children, ensuring high-quality, inclusive experiences for all participants.
- Additionally, I collaborated with the Accounts Receivable team to successfully collect approximately $20,000 in outstanding invoices.
- This interim leadership role required strong communication, community engagement, and financial stewardship.
Communication and Marketing Specialist
Anita Mallory Designs, LLC
01.2012 - 01.2015
- I provided communication support for a local direct-selling start-up during its initial launch phase.
- I directed and contributed content for both the front-end and back-end website design to ensure consistent messaging and a seamless user experience.
- I wrote copy for catalogs, promotional materials, recruitment brochures, and advertisements to support marketing and outreach goals.
- I also managed social media scheduling and engagement to build brand awareness and foster community interaction.
- Additionally, I provided account executive support for the owner's Mary Kay business, contributing to client relations and business operations.
- This experience enhanced my skills in integrated marketing, content development, and multi-channel communication strategies.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
College of Business, Texas A&M University
Corpus Christi, Texas01.2024
Ph.D. - Interpersonal Communication
The University of Texas At Austin
Austin, Texas01.2022
M.A. - Communication Arts
Texas A&M University
Corpus Christi, Texas01.2012
A.A. - Deaf Studies
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, Texas01.2012
B.A. - English; Rhetoric
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas01.2009
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Collaborative Leadership
- Project Management and Collaboration
- Sales and Marketing Acumen
Accomplishments
- Expanded CSD Learns educational offerings and programming by 20% by securing grant funding and overseeing curriculum development and production with accuracy and efficiency.
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification, 2024-01-01, 2027-01-01
- Safeguarding God's Children Certification, Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, 2024-01-01, 2029-01-01
Languages
American Sign Language (ASL)
English
Research
Graduate Research Assistant, National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes, 2018-01-01, 2021-01-01
Awards
- Graduate School Dissertation Writing Fellowship, The University of Texas at Austin, 2022-01-01
- Jesse H. Jones Fellowship, University of Texas at Austin, 2021-01-01
- Honoree, Corpus Christi's Top 40 Professionals under 40, 2015-01-01
- Nominee, Teacher of the Year, Del Mar College, 2012-01-01
Publications
- Garberoglio, C. L., Guerra, D. H., Sanders, G. T., Community-based strategies for strengthening postsecondary outcomes for deaf people, American Annals of the Deaf, 165, 369-392, 2020-01-01
- Sanders, G. T., Rodriguez, S. R., Connecting visual communicators with an auditory world: Exploring communication accommodation processes in deaf - hearing interactions, Iowa Journal of Communication, 46, 33 - 51, 2014-01-01
- Timperlake, B. H., Sanders, G. T., Parenting with high expectations, Odyssey: New Directions in Deaf Education, 15, 62 - 65, 2014-01-01
Timeline
Director of CSD Learns and Development
Communication Service for the Deaf
01.2024 - Current
SKI-HI State Trainer, Deaf Mentor and Role Model Program
Texas School for the Deaf
01.2023 - Current
Senior Director of Operations
Communication Service for the Deaf
01.2023 - 01.2024
Director of Programming
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDI)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Digital Content Developer
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
01.2022 - 01.2023
Mentor, Deaf Mentor and Role Model Program
Texas School for the Deaf
01.2019 - Current
Program Coordinator, Deaf Mentor and Role Model Program
Texas School for the Deaf
01.2019 - 01.2023
Interim Executive Director
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center of Corpus Christi
01.2016 - 05.2016
Communication and Publishing Assistant
Major Press, LLC
01.2015 - 01.2018
Communication and Marketing Specialist
Anita Mallory Designs, LLC
01.2012 - 01.2015
M.A. - Communication Arts
Texas A&M University
A.A. - Deaf Studies
Del Mar College
MBA - Business Administration And Management
College of Business, Texas A&M University
Ph.D. - Interpersonal Communication
The University of Texas At Austin
B.A. - English; Rhetoric
Texas A&M University
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