“Deaf People Can Do Anything”: Meet Morgan Staples, Master of Project Management Student

In celebration of National Deaf Awareness Month, Wake Forest SPS is proud to share the story of Morgan Staples, a Master of Project Management student and deaf woman. Our conversation with Morgan was facilitated by her interpreter, Erica Poole.

Morgan Staples sees opportunity everywhere, even in life’s biggest challenges.

Born deaf, she attended elementary school without any interpretation support as there was an emphasis on developing auditory communication first. “It was very frustrating and isolating,” Morgan remembered.

In the second grade, she taught herself sign language with a friend, which gave her a small window and ability to communicate. Then, she entered middle school and had her first experience with an interpreter.

“It was life-changing,” Morgan recalled. “It was just what I needed. Now, I could do all the things I never could before, like excel in my assignments and actively participate in classes with my teachers and classmates to a greater extent.”

With the necessary services and accommodations, the door had been cracked for Morgan. She proceeded to push it wide open.  

She went on to attend Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina where she earned a B.S. in Biology and Microbiology. More resources were available for her at college, including one that would end up being a constant and important figure in her life – Erica Poole, her personal interpreter.

“We’ve known each other for more than 15 years now,” Morgan recalled. “We’ve worked together and became good friends. She even interpreted my wedding.” 

Whether with the support of Erica interpreting for her live or technological tools such as note-taking apps, Morgan continued to strive forward in her career and began working in a lab as a scientist after college. She enjoyed the work, but a glimpse of the project management side piqued her interest. As someone who loves working with people and who is extremely organized, the work appealed to her. 

In 2021, Morgan officially made the transition from inside the lab to out, stepping into a project manager role for the first time. She now serves as a Project Manager for NeoGenomics Laboratories, which combines her scientific background with her newfound passion for managing projects and workflows. 

“I really enjoy the field, and I just want to continue moving forward in my career in project management,” Morgan communicated. “That’s why I looked to go back to school and earn a graduate degree.” 

She started researching programs, and the Wake Forest School of Professional Studies caught her eye right away. Morgan’s brother attended Wake Forest, and she had always admired the school. She knew it was the program for her. 

In the Spring 2023, she officially enrolled and began her journey as a Master of Project Management student. “I was a little scared at first, but right away, I realized I would be well-supported. I’ve had zero issues with the program and getting the necessary accommodations I need.” 

Not only did she find support from Wake Forest SPS faculty and staff, she also found camaraderie with other students. While attending the 2023 Wake360 event, Morgan met Heath Huggins, a student in the Master of Financial Technology and Analytics program, who is also deaf.

To her, awareness is key in changing the way people perceive deaf and hard-of-hearing people and their abilities.

Here are three suggestions from Morgan on spreading awareness:

•  Education and training. This can include organizing workshops and seminars to educate people about deaf culture/history, communication methods, and accessibility needs, as well as learning sign language to better facilitate communication with deaf people.

“Lingvano is a great app to learn sign language,” Morgan recommended. “Even learning just basic signs can encourage inclusivity.”

• Establish inclusive practices. In today’s world, many deaf and hard-of-hearing people rely on technological tools to facilitate professional communication.

“It’s important to be an advocate for the implementation of accessibility measures such as captioning services, transcripts, sign language interpreters, video relay services, text-based communication, flashing lights, and hearing loops,” Morgan explained, “adopting these mediums allows for full expression and representation of who we are”.

• Support deaf culture and businesses. Look for opportunities to partner with organizations that support the deaf community, promote awareness, and provide resources.

  “I think it’s vital to amplify deaf voices,” she noted. “Whether that’s supporting businesses owned by deaf individuals or following deaf artists, writers, and influencers and sharing their content, it helps to elevate their perspectives.”

At the end of the day, whether it’s in the classroom or the boardroom, Morgan wants to make sure one thing is clear: “Deaf people can do anything.” 

SPS Students who need support or accommodations can contact Wake Forest University’s Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success.