Roberta “Bobbi” Cordano champions sign language equity in education, economic opportunity, innovation, and belonging. As leader of the world’s only birth-to-PhD institution using American Sign Language (ASL), she advocates for embracing deaf people as part of human diversity while showcasing their contributions and the power of sign language.

Under her leadership, Gallaudet is evolving to meet 21st-century demands. President Cordano is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment that prepares students to be active citizens in their communities and beyond. Her career includes roles as Minnesota assistant attorney general, vice president of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, University of Minnesota administrator, and co-founder of two charter schools.

A trailblazer, Cordano is the first deaf woman and openly LGBTQ president of Gallaudet. With a deep commitment to transforming education and opportunities for marginalized communities, she looks forward to amplifying Gallaudet’s impact globally.