Because it is important to know what YOU need and want, Sorenson has always put an emphasis on our relationships with Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, including:

• participation in and sponsorship of community events
• staff dedicated to community relationships
• Deaf leadership within the company

Our Chief Relationship Officer (CRO) is responsible for community relationships. Our previous CRO recently retired, and Sorenson has promoted Wendy Adams to fill that position.

Wendy talked to us about her history with Sorenson, plans for her new role, why it’s important for Sorenson’s CRO to be Deaf, and Deaf leadership in Sorenson.

Transcript:

[Steven: White male with short-trimmed hair and wearing glasses and polo shirt with Sorenson logo
Wendy: White female with blond, shoulder-length hair and wearing dark colored sweater with necklace on top]

Steven: Hello. I’m here for our Employee Spotlight with Wendy Adams (shows sign), who was recently announced as Sorenson’s Chief Relationship Officer (CRO). We’re going to ask her some questions. Welcome!
Wendy: Hello. Thanks for having me. I look forward to talking with you today.

Wendy’s journey with Sorenson

Steven: Can you briefly explain how/why you joined Sorenson and how your roles have changed over the years?
Wendy: Sure! I recognized Sorenson as an opportunity for me to apply and saw potential growth for my career as I went on that journey. I saw it as a way to make a meaningful impact in the community, and internally as well. I began my journey with Sorenson in 2009 as a Call Center Director. Then I became the East coast Regional Manager and then Senior Design Consultant with the Enterprise team. Next, I became Vice President of Advocacy and Policy. And now I am the CRO. I am honored to serve in this role.

Duties and responsibilities

Steven: Wonderful. For those that don’t know, what is involved in being the CRO?
Wendy: Sure. I continue to escalate customer retention and make sure we’re in line with the company objective of lifetime customer value and support the mission of functional equivalence by working closely with customers, the FCC, and employees. Also to engage them to identify issues, provide valuable insight and solutions to challenges related to Sorenson’s products. That’s where I come in: to help everyone move in the same direction and work together.

Steven: That sounds like a challenging yet important job for Sorenson’s relationship with the community.
Wendy: Yes, and exciting! Not just challenging.

Deaf leadership at Sorenson

Steven: Why do you feel it is important for Sorenson to have a CRO that is Deaf?
Wendy: Having a Deaf CRO is — it’s important to have a subject matter expert in this field to help share firsthand experience with the challenges we face today, tomorrow, and the future in the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities so we can efficiently collaborate with the different hearing and deaf communities to make sure accessibility benefits everyone. Having a Deaf CRO will help foster the culture of inclusion and collaboration as a whole.

Steven: What internal impact do you see deaf people having in leadership positions at Sorenson?
Wendy: Deaf leaders bring a unique and valued perspective at Sorenson. Our presence recognizes the great inclusivity and support of the needs and experience of deaf and hard-of-hearing communities where we are fully represented in the decision-making process with our leadership that promotes cultural diversity, collaboration, and striving for innovation to escalate Sorenson’s overall effectiveness with services and products.

Steven: How do these Deaf people in leadership help Sorenson interact with the Deaf/hard-of-hearing communities we serve?
Wendy: Yes. Deaf leaders at Sorenson play an important role by building strong relationships to prevent gaps — I mean, to bridge the gap between the company and Deaf/hard-of-hearing communities. Our experience and deep understanding of the challenges will help all of us and the company (Sorenson) to work together to develop more effective communications and services. So that aligns with the true needs of the communication and community relationships. And from that, it can lead to a result of increased trust and strengthen the relationships internally and externally.

Steven: Great! I’ve seen us do that over the years and I look forward to seeing that continue.
Wendy: For sure, yes.

Goals and advice

Steven: Do you have any specific goals you want to achieve as CRO?
Wendy: Yes, I have many goals but I will limit it to a few. Build and maintain relationships in the community and with the government agencies working with Sorenson. Networking with the community, contributing to the organization’s marketing strategy planning, and mentoring others. And working closely with customers to support the effort of enhancing the customer experience throughout the different platform interactions. And, really, advocating for the needs of our community.

Steven: Really worthwhile goals and I look forward to seeing how they are accomplished as you progress in your job.
Wendy: Yes, and it takes a village to make it work.

Steven: Is there anything you want to add that you think is important?
Wendy: As a Deaf leader, I want to let everyone know they shouldn’t wait for an opportunity to come to you. Be proactive. Go after your dream. Schedule time with your supervisor or cross-department colleagues and work together to achieve your goals. When you take the initiative, a lot of doors will open. Make sure you take the initiative and do your goals and chase your dream.

Steven: Wonderful. A very touching sentiment that I’m sure will help a lot of people in their careers.
Wendy: Yes, thank you.

Steven: Thank you for your time, Wendy. I look forward to working with you closer going forward.
Wendy: Likewise. Thank you for having me on your spotlight.
[End of transcript]

Another exciting addition to Sorenson leadership

Wendy’s not the only new executive at Sorenson. We’ve recently welcomed our new Chief Information and Technology Officer, Maria Lensing! Maria’s spent her career helping companies like AT&T and Walgreens lead with technology innovation. Now she’ll use her passion for the potential of technology to advance accessibility with Sorenson.

See how else Sorenson is leading the conversation on technology and accessibility.