I am Candas Ifama Barnes, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Cross Cultural Communication (The IC3). We envision a world where everyone freely communicates with anyone they choose because we each practice bold self expression and compassionate listening.As a Linguistic Alchemist I intentionally use words to change perspectives, align energy and get results. For about 41 years I have served as a transformational author, dynamic speaker, American Sign Language/English interpreter and passionate educator focused on helping people understand themselves, and each other, better. I constantly seek to master and powerfully implement the craft of speaking and writing. Currently, I am laser-focused on exponentially increasing the number of highly-qualified interpreters of color. I am also working diligently on equipping all professionals who work with people who are Deaf with current, evidence-based knowledge, skills and proficiencies in social justice, equity, inclusion, intersectionality and restorative practices. The IC3 houses my "Sponsor a Student Interpreter of Color Initiative" which has provided over $25,000 in educational funding for students of color to develop their professional portfolios. The IC3 also houses programs and services dedicated to changing the literal face of ASL/English interpreting in the United States and to contributing to the transformation of the lived experienced of Deaf People of Color.One of my proudest accomplishments is establishing an endowed scholarship fund at Gallaudet University honoring the legacy and life of Dr. Shirley Childress Johnson, the first nationally certified African American interpreter.