“One person can make a difference. It takes many people to make a lasting difference.”
These words are a personal and professional philosophy. By working together, we accomplish so much.
I am honored to announce I have joined thousands of trailblazing professionals as part of Influential Women, an organization that amplifies women’s voices and inspires change through storytelling, leadership, and creative expression.
Here are examples of what community means to me as a professional woman living with deafness:
🔹 In 2009, I wrote a book about my experiences with the deaf and hearing loss community. At a book event, four of us decided to start a hearing loss support chapter in our community, which became the Kansas City chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). We plan local advocacy and social events in our community.
🔹 In 2020 at the height of the Covid pandemic, I was invited to serve with the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. We meet quarterly to promote communication access and inclusion initiatives in Kansas.
🔹 In 2026, I published How I Hear, a book about how being part of a strong community helped me accept my progressive hearing loss as a young mom so many years ago.
I encourage you to check out Influential Women and its inspiring trailblazers who are making a lasting difference through this growing community.
Please take a moment to watch my Influential Women video and read why I joined this organization.
Image description:
On a pink banner are the Influential Women logo and a photo of Shanna Groves, who has blonde hair and is wearing a blue blazer. Words are: Influential Women recognizes Shanna Groves, M.Ed., Author and Communications Consultant, Shanna Groves Communications. Influential Women verified. Amplifying the achievements and influence of women who lead, innovate, and inspire.
Lipreading Mom 