Meet the Trustees

MARILYN WILLRICH

Marilyn is from a deaf family of many generations and is a Deaf native BSL user.  She also has over 25 year’s 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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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LOUISE RHODES

Louise has been a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter at the University of Wolverhampton for over 30 years and has played a key role in ensuring that deaf students at the University receive the same level of educational provision as their hearing peers. This has been achieved through the delivery of high-quality interpreting and note-taking services alongside training both internal and external candidates in deaf awareness and note-taking for deaf people.

In addition to her in-class support for deaf students, Louise provides interpreting support for a wide range of University events, including graduation ceremonies, open days, Students’ Union events, House of Lords events, and the staff and alumni awards ceremonies. Beyond the University, Louise also supports the Deaf community in Wolverhampton by providing interpreting services within the local community whenever possible.

In recognition of her dedication and long-standing contribution, Louise has been nominated for several awards, including being part of a team shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award and a Signature award. In November 2022, Louise was awarded an MBE in the Late Queen’s New Year Honours List, with her investiture taking place at Windsor Castle during King Charles III’s first investiture ceremony as monarch.

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SEBASTIANA MAZZOCCHIO

Sebastiana is proud BSL user and comes from a large Deaf family consisting of 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.

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WENDI BRICKLIFFE

Wendi is a proud Deaf person and British Sign Language (BSL) user, with extensive experience in Deaf education and strong connections across Deaf communities and networks. Wendi is honoured to serve as a Trustee of Zebra Access and is committed to supporting the charity’s mission, championing accessibility, and promoting inclusive practice.

Wendi is delighted to see the positive impact Zebra Access continues to make within Deaf communities across the Black Country, including Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. Born and raised in Walsall, Wendi feels a strong personal connection to the area and continues to value the lasting influence of the Walsall Deaf Club on her life and community involvement.