Michelle Anne Everson-Smith advances language access for Deaf students

Michelle Anne Everson-Smith, a San Diego-based ASL interpreter and education professional, is using more than 20 years of experience to expand access, literacy and equity for Deaf and hard of hearing learners. Her work spans K-12, community college, research and leadership, with an eye toward shaping better systems and policies.

Why it matters: - Michelle Anne Everson-Smith’s work helps Deaf and hard of hearing students access instruction in classrooms where language access can determine whether they are fully included. - Her career connects interpreting, literacy, research and leadership, making her role relevant to both day-to-day student support and longer-term education policy. - Her path also reflects a broader issue for women in education and interpreting: balancing career growth with family responsibilities.

What happened: - Michelle Anne Everson-Smith serves as a Senior Educational Interpreter and Global Educational Researcher with the San Diego Unified School District. - She also works as a Sign Language Interpreter for the San Diego Community College District. - Her daily work supports instruction across K-12 and higher education settings in San Diego. - Her background includes more than 20 years of experience in American Sign Language interpreting and educational work. - Influential Women highlighted her profile on November 12, 2026.

The details: - Michelle Anne Everson-Smith is certified in American Sign Language interpreting and has worked in language accessibility, literacy, equity and inclusion, higher education administration, and qualitative and quantitative research. - She is a member of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the National Society of Leadership and Success. - Her interest in ASL began during a high school dual-enrollment program that allowed her to earn college credits. - She earned an associate degree in Deaf Studies from the College of Southern Nevada and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Colorado Denver. - She recently earned a Master of Education in Global Education from Arizona State University with Distinction. - Her graduate studies focused on literacy, instructional leadership, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and action research. - She also completed the Foundations of Leadership Certificate, along with the Foundations of Leadership Orientation and Leadership Training Day. - She is preparing to move further into educational research and higher education administration. - She hopes to use that work to influence evidence-based policies, improve systems and processes, and expand educational opportunities. - She says her faith in Jesus, mentors, teachers, life experiences and her daughter have shaped her growth and resilience.

Between the lines: - Michelle Anne Everson-Smith’s career shows how interpreting can extend beyond translation into advocacy, research and institutional change. - Her focus on literacy and leadership suggests a broader effort to influence how schools and colleges serve Deaf learners, not just how they communicate with them. - Her comments on imposter syndrome, mentorship and community point to a professional culture where access to support can be as important as individual skill. - She also identifies childcare barriers, the motherhood wage penalty and traditional workplace expectations as obstacles that can limit women’s advancement. - Her community involvement with the University Heights Native Plant Initiative and the University Heights Women’s Walk Group adds environmental service and neighborhood engagement to her professional profile.

What's next: - Michelle Anne Everson-Smith plans to transition into educational research and higher education administration. - She wants to help shape more equitable systems for Deaf and hard of hearing students and broader educational communities. - She also hopes her journey will encourage her daughter and other young women to keep learning, seek mentors and apply for opportunities even when they feel underqualified.

The bottom line: - Michelle Anne Everson-Smith is building a career that combines access, research and leadership to improve outcomes for Deaf learners and broaden opportunities for women in education.