Celeste Owens-Samuels is a lifelong community organizer, Deaf community advocate, and nationally certified American Sign Language Interpreter with over 35 years of professional experience. Born in Harlem and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she is a proud Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) whose life’s work is rooted in equity, access, and representation within the Deaf and interpreting communities.

Throughout her career, Celeste has addressed systemic gaps affecting Black Deaf individuals and Black Interpreters. She founded the Stuyvesant Association for the Deaf and the New York City chapter of the National Alliance of Black Interpreters (NAOBI). She also founded the New York City CODAs of Color group, which specifically addresses the unique experiences of CODAs of color in the community.

Celeste has served on both local and national boards, contributing her expertise to the broader Deaf and interpreting communities. Outside of her community work, Celeste enjoys photography, traveling, and is a member of the National Women's Sailing Association. She is a mother of two children and four grandchildren and was married for 27 years to her beloved late husband, Thomas Samuels, who was also a Deaf leader and an important part of her involvement in the Deaf Community.

Celeste’s lifelong commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and community-building continues to uplift Deaf, CODAs, and Interpreters within the New York City community.