Author’s note: Some quotes are paraphrased or lightly edited from the original recorded interview. The recorded interview will be provided with a voice over and transcript when it becomes available. This is also reviewed and approved by the interviewee.
Chehally is a Deaf Puerto Rican woman focused on research, writing, and advocacy, especially when it comes to increasing Deaf representation in the medical field. As a master’s student in communication with a health focus at RIT, she is working to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and healthcare.
Her experience at the Center on Culture and Language (CCL), along with her background in social media and research, has given her a deeper understanding of communication. Her deep understanding now helps her develop her thesis to expand her work in this field. As she explains, she feels there is not enough Hispanic representation in healthcare research within the Deaf community. "I might be one of the first few Hispanic researchers [sic] to pursue this path."
Growing up in Florida and North Carolina, Chehally was part of a small Puerto Rican community. At RIT, she notices the lack of representation even more, especially in healthcare research. Her experiences navigating communication barriers, such as relying on lip reading and live transcription apps due to a shortage of interpreters, have pushed her to create change.
Her role model? Her mother. “She sacrificed everything for me when she found out I was Deaf,” Chehally shares. Moving their family across states, her mother ensured she had access to better education and opportunities. “The most important lesson she taught me? Fight for what you want. Don’t let anyone else decide your future.”
That lesson has shaped Chehally’s advocacy. From standing up for her rights in North Carolina to pushing for inclusivity at RIT, she has learned to hold her ground. “If you’re passionate about entering the healthcare field, fight for it. Show your passion, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.”
She sees herself in leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who is strong, determined, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Though she prefers to work behind the scenes, her research and work at CCL have given her more recognition. “There aren’t many Hispanic Deaf women in research,” she reflects. “But now, more people know who I am, and I’ve grown comfortable with that.”
Chehally’s advice to other Deaf Hispanic pursuing male-dominated and hearing-dominated fields? “Stay true to yourself. Recognize your worth, embrace your strengths, and take advantage of every opportunity. You will thrive.”
Since joining CCL in 2023, Chehally has found an environment that values diversity across race and hearing status. The collaborative atmosphere makes it a place where teamwork and inclusivity drive progress.
She will complete her master’s degree next year. Graduate school is more interactive than undergrad, with a focus on learning and communication. Some classes, like digital communication, are outside her main interests, but she continues to learn.
As for the future, a PhD is a possibility. “We’ll see.” What is certain is that Chehally is paving the way for Deaf Puerto Rican women in healthcare research.
