Tracee Albert on Representation and Advocacy for the Deaf Community

Tracee Albert, whose first language is American Sign Language (ASL), was influenced to become an advocate after witnessing the everyday situations her two deaf parents face. Noticing the lack of representation and advocacy for the deaf and hard of hearing community firsthand, Tracee created Feel Seen, a sanctuary that offers education, awareness, advocacy, and a safe space for the underserved populations yearning to be heard.

So what exactly is Feel Seen and who is it for? We recently chatted with Tracee ahead of her September 14 talk at TEDxBatonRouge to discuss her upbringing with deaf parents, her business and how others can learn more about ASL. Highlights of our conversation are below. 

You're an entrepreneur, baby sign language instructor AND a Masters degree student. Tell us more about what you are studying, how it affects your business, and how you hope to apply that knowledge post-graduation.

Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree in occupational therapy and I am expected to graduate this December so I am very excited about that. I am deeply passionate about serving underserved populations and aiding in the therapeutic process of making someone else’s life more functional. 

I find so much joy in discovering new ways to pour into and advocate for others and I believe that life is more about what you can give to the overarching experience rather than take. Post graduation, I plan to spend more time working on my business and expanding it. 

Your business is named “Feel Seen,” which is a simple, but powerful and emotional, statement. Can you explain what the name means to you?

The phrase “Feel Seen” was instilled in me by my father, who worked three jobs to provide for the household when I was much younger. Being that my parents were both deaf and we lived in a very small town that did not have many resources nor did my parents have many job opportunities, we struggled a lot financially. This would mean that my dad would be gone when I opened my eyes in the morning and would come home when I was fast asleep. Some nights, I would wake up when he entered the house and although he was extremely tired from long days at work, he still spent time teaching me sign language, perfecting my facial expressions, and telling me about his childhood at the Louisiana School for the Deaf, located right here in Baton Rouge. After our long talks, he would write me notes that stated, “Thank you for making me Feel Seen”. A phrase I’ve never heard from anyone so it stuck with me. Feel Seen to me is more than just a brand; it is a lifestyle that I want to bring awareness to. Helping others feel understood, seen, and heard. Dedicating time to making someone’s day better or even their life easier. Providing services to underserved communities. Bringing all communities together for the betterment of society as a whole.

I’m sure you are often approached by curious individuals wanting to learn sign language. Where do you tell them to start?

This is one of my most favorite interactions! I love when people are intrigued by how beautiful the language is and show interest in learning more about it. I tell most people to start with the basics! Learning the alphabet, numbers, and common phrases such as, thank you, nice to meet you, will take you very far. However, it is best to learn from someone that is part of the deaf community. Local deaf schools often host classes for the public to learn and online services such as “ASL University”, can be a great tool and starter for beginners.

With experience sharing your message on stages like the Drew Barrymore Show (how cool?!), how is prepping for your TEDx talk different or the same?

I am so grateful for my previous experiences because it has helped build my confidence. Drew Barrymore and her team gave me the most beautiful advice and I have carried it with me; “People are here because you have a beautiful and genuine idea. Stay true to yourself and to your purpose and you will succeed.” Preparing for my TEDx talk is very different because although I am here to be myself, this time it’s not about my business. I am here to encourage others to think again about assumptions, cancel out misconceptions, provide new insight, and share what I am most passionate about.

The 2023 TEDxBatonRouge theme is "think again." What does that mean to you? 

Growing up in a way that is unconventional to society resulted in me correcting a lot of misconceptions and advocating for the deaf community. To me, “Think Again” encourages everyone to challenge their thought patterns, redefine truths, correct misconceptions, and open their minds to different possibilities.

What are you most excited about for TEDxBatonRouge?

Firstly, I LOVE TED Talks. I am most excited to share my world with everyone. Growing up with two deaf parents has shaped the way I view life. In sharing my experience, I hope to leave everyone with learning points to take away. I am also excited to hear what the other speakers are passionate about. I absolutely love Baton Rouge, I am very grateful to be a part of this learning experience and journey.

To learn more about Tracee or about TEDxBatonRouge, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Secure your ticket today to experience her talk, as well as the talks of all other TEDxBatonRouge 2023 speakers.