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I am enlightened

Melissa Yingst, '00

Host of Melmira
Melmira
Los Angeles, CA
Melissa returns to the Gallaudet studio, reminiscing about her years as a TV show host for “What’s up Gallaudet?” which enlightened her.
I am Gallaudet
Share your Story

Experience Gallaudet through the inspiring real-life stories of our own community members.

Melissa talks about how she went from being a student and hosting the “What’s Up, Gallaudet” show to having a successful career and her own online show.

All of this started at Gallaudet, where she learned to love the media, tell stories, and get involved with the deaf and signing communities. You’ll be enlightened, too.

From Melissa to Wawa: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future of #IAmGallaudet

In this special episode of #IAmGallaudet, new host Warren “Wawa” Snipe, ’94, sits down with the one who launched it all — Melissa Yingst, ’00, the original host of the series.

Melissa reflects on what it meant to spotlight Deaf stories, her journey at Gallaudet, and why authentic representation still matters today. From hosting to mentoring, she continues to shape the narrative — and now, helps usher in a new era with Wawa at the helm.

#IAmGallaudet Stories

Explore the stories of a variety of members of our Gallaudet community.

Two individuals are seated in front of a purple backdrop with the text "I am Gallaudet" and a graphic design element. One person, wearing a black t-shirt, is speaking while using sign language, and the other, also in a black t-shirt, is listening attentively. The setting appears to be an interview or discussion, with a camera visible in the foreground.

Scott Lehmann and Shayna Unger

Discover the inspiring journey of Scott Lehmann and Shayna Unger at Gallaudet University. Explore their contributions and experiences within the Deaf community.

A person sitting in a yellow chair, gesturing with their hands while speaking. The background features the hashtag "#iamGalaudet" in colorful text. There are cameras set up in the foreground, indicating a recording or interview setting.

Lorenzo Lewis

Discover Lorenzo Lewis’s inspiring journey at Gallaudet University, where he champions diversity and inclusion in the deaf community. Explore his impactful story!

A smiling male athlete wearing a blue and yellow "Gallaudet Bison" sports shirt, with a blurred background featuring the words "iamGallaudet." The atmosphere is positive and energetic.

Cas Mastropaolo, ’24

Discover the inspiring journey of CAS Mastropaolo at Gallaudet University. Explore their achievements, experiences, and contributions to the Deaf community.

A man with glasses and a beard smiles while wearing a dark t-shirt with text, underneath a light blazer. He is standing in front of a colorful backdrop with the hashtag #iamGlaudet and studio lighting.

Warren “Wawa” Snipe, ’94

Explore Warren “Wawa” Snipe’s inspiring journey at Gallaudet University, where he shares his experiences and insights as a proud member of the Deaf community.

The #IAmGallaudet campaign is part of The Gallaudet Promise, our ten-year vision to share the story from many different angles and show that there are many different ways to be deaf. These stories are moving, insightful, and often triumphant. These also reflect the importance of the space Gallaudet has offered to nurture the growth of a broad range of successful members of the deaf, hard of hearing, and signing community.

I Am Gallaudet
#iamgallaudet