Mia Sanchez is a Clinical Assistant Professor of American Sign Language in the Department of Teaching and Learning at New York University Steinhardt. She holds a B.A. in Project Management and an M.S. in Deaf Education from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Professor Sanchez is currently pursuing an ASL Teaching Certification from The Ohio State University (OSU). As a Deaf Afro-Latina educator, artist, and accessibility consultant, she combines expertise in American Sign Language, Deaf education, visual arts, and community engagement.
In addition to teaching, Professor Sanchez is an author and illustrator of Deaf children's books that celebrate American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and diverse communities. She has developed children's books through grant-funded projects that promote literacy, language development, and authentic Deaf representation. She also serves as the Director of Artistic Sign Language for Access Broadway NY (ABNY). In addition, she works as a freelance Deaf Interpreter and Director of Interpreters for SignNexus, supporting accessibility in theater, media, and community settings.
Prior to joining New York University, Professor Sanchez served as a Lecturer of American Sign Language at The Ohio State University (OSU) and as an ASL Instructor at Sign Language Center (SLC) in New York City. She also taught at residential schools for the Deaf in New York and California and worked as a Deaf Teaching Artist with Urban Stages and The Jewish Museum. Her work has been recognized through art workshops, gallery exhibitions, and presentations for organizations and conferences. Outside of her professional work, Professor Sanchez enjoys traveling the world, exploring nature, and participating in water activities, which inspire her creativity and artistic perspective.