Meet the Trustees

ALEX VANN

Alex is a Wolverhampton business owner and all round creative with broad experience in graphic design, music, marketing communications, education and art workshops. His companies are Alex Vann Design and Real Arts Workshops.

Alex is a graduate of The University of Wolverhampton and was a key artist on the high profile ‘Wolves In Wolves’ public art project in 2017.

He is qualified at level 6 in BSL: his partner is profoundly Deaf and together they created a Deaf interest film called ‘Two Worlds’ which was screened at Deaffest Wolverhampton; Toronto; Seattle and Hong Kong.

CAROL SALTER

Carol Salter has a vast experience of working in the banking industry where she was in charge of transactional mailings for over 1 million customers. She currently holds a position as the Head of Finance overseeing the management of the budget, keeping records and receipts of expenditure and coordinating invoices and payments in line with the business plan in conjunction with finance support. This included budgets and forecasting.

IONA FLETCHER

Iona has a primary role as a technical officer for Wolverhampton City Council Sensory Team and additionally is an assistant to the rehabilitation officers for visual impairment. Iona has professional qualifications  as a DeafBlind Assessor and in Rehabilitation Work with the Deaf. She works in partnership with West Park Hearing Services, specialist suppliers and providers. She has a passion for access, inclusion and equality and as an inclusion champion, she has actively campaigned for British Sign Language (BSL) recognition.

Iona was a professional actor  and teaching practitioner for thirteen years , specialising in Theatre in Education (TIE) and has taught British Sign Language. Iona is passionate about improving access and communication.

Iona has represented the Deaf GB Badminton team at various international tournaments and in 2018 established the Wulfrunian’s Deaf Badminton Club, a mixed Deaf and hearing social club to promote health, wellbeing and inclusion. 

LOUISE RHODES

Louise Rhodes, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter at the university, has played a key role in making sure deaf students at the university have the same level of education provision as other students. By providing interpreting and note-taking services to students, alongside training internal and external candidates in deaf awareness and note-taking for deaf people; Louise has played a key role in making sure deaf students at the university have the same level of education provision as other students.

As well as her in-class support for students and training in the region, Louise supports the deaf community, providing assistance and interpreting at University events such as graduation ceremonies, open days, Pride, Student Union awards, the annual House of Lords event, and staff awards. Louise’s support of the Deaf community in Wolverhampton does not stop when her work day ends as she also supports local Deaf community where she can. 

As a result of this hard work and dedication, Louise has been nominated for various awards including being part of a team shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award. Louise received her MBE in November 2022, at King Charles’ first investiture ceremony as monarch.

Marilyn is from a deaf family of many generations and is a Deaf native BSL user.  She also has over 25 years experience working throughout the UK as a sign language trainer. 

Formerly a Senior Lecturer in BSL/English Interpreting at the University of Wolverhampton, Marilyn is best known for working as a TV presenter, reporter and BSL consultant for programmes such as BBC’s See Hear and Channel 4’s VEE TV.  Marilyn is also a filmmaker having directed and produced short films and documentaries as well as being an award-winning actress. 

Marilyn’s passion for accessibility in the Deaf community led her to co-found Zebra Access CIO in 2005. She also co-founded Deaffest in 2006, the UK’s leading Deaf-led Film & Arts Festival.

Marilyn is Co-Director of Zebra Uno Limited, a media company whose core focus is digital media and communication, training and consultation across the UK. 

In her spare time she volunteers with Surfers Against Sewage and World Wildlife Fund. She has formed a BSL/Deaf Group to help clean beaches and has given many talks on saving the Earth.

Nikki comes from a Deaf family of three generations and is a Deaf native sign language user.  She has an in-depth and authentic understanding of the barriers and frustrations Deaf people and communities face.

Nikki gained a BA (Hons) in Deaf Studies and Linguistics in 2000 at the University of Wolverhampton resulting in a career working as a Presenter and Translator in corporate videos, television and broadcasting programmes such as Channel 4 Vee TV and BBC See Hear to name but a few. Nikki also won a Best Female Presenter award in 2005. 

In 2003, Nikki co-founded her interpreting/translation and media business, Zebra Uno Ltd.  Nikki then co-founded charity Zebra Access CIO in 2005 which as has gone from strength to strength.  Zebra Access CIO looks forward to organisational growth, development and providing new opportunities focussing on delivering high quality services for the Deaf community.

Nikki is passionate about championing Deaf talent, especially in Films and Arts, which led her to co-founding Deaffest in 2006. She is an advocate for British Sign Language to become officially recognised in England and is currently studying for an MA in Interpreting.

Sebastiana is proud BSL user and comes from a large Deaf family consisting 5 generations. She has extensive knowledge and personal experiences of the Deaf community and people. 

Sebastiana has a Foundation Degree in Video Production enabling her to develop a career as a Film and Video Editor for media production projects. In addition to this, she has also headed various design projects, developing her expertise with the field over a six-year period. Recently, Sebastiana has also become a qualified a Crystal Healer as a part of diversifying her career ambitions and improving Deaf people’s wellbeing..

Sebastiana is very passionate about Deaf community, BSL access and wellbeing resulting her being a staunch supporter of Zebra Access’ charity work.

We are pleased to say that Wendy will shortly be joining the Board of Trustees, and her biography will be available soon.

Wendi is a proud BSL user and is also an accomplished qualified Teacher for the Deaf and brings a wealth of background experience to enhance the Trustees’ knowledgeable understanding of Deaf culture.