Phd Student
Howard University
Zibora Gilder, MSW is the Executive Director of Empowered Hands and a current PhD student in Social Work at Howard University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language (ASL) from Lamar University and completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Howard University in May 2025.
Zibora has over 15 years of experience in disability advocacy, specializing in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) accessibility, employment services, and mental health equity. She works as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant, Deafness Relations Specialist, American Sign Language Professional, Employment and Supported Employment Specialist, Business Consultant, and Author.
Her expertise includes training professionals on audism, bias, and systemic barriers within social work, education, and employment systems. As an experienced workshop facilitator, Zibora leads sessions on intersectionality, countertransference, and accessible service delivery.
Dedicated to dismantling ableism and promoting equity, Zibora’s work aligns with the Council on Social Work Education’s mission to ensure culturally competent, justice-centered practices in social work education and professional development.
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