Deaf Lady Emerges As First American Deaf Council Mayor in Sacramento State

Sacramento State has a new female mayor in the person of Amanda Folendorf who is a Sac State graduate. She was sworn in last month as she breaks barriers, INN reports

Folendorf is being recognized as not only the youngest member of the city council but the first female deaf mayor in American history.

Notable figure took time to shower her with praises for being the first female deaf to  enter the city council as Mayor, “I think Amanda is an inspiration to our community and an inspiration for others” said Melissa Eeds.

The elated Folendorf says, “It’s an honor that my peers appointed me and believed in me taking on this leadership role.”

INN learnt that she was born with a rare birth defect called diaphragmatic hernia, the 31-year-old had to take medications as a baby that ultimately damaged her hearing.

During her interview with CBS13, Folendorf says she can only pick up low-frequency noises, and she was reading lips to get through the questions.
But she does not see her deafness as a disability.

“Hearing impaired and disability, I’m trying to throw that label out. We’re no different than anyone else; we just can’t hear,” happy Folendorf said

We may be curious to know how she goes about her daily mayoral duties.

“There’s a team of interpreters. They help me get through my meetings. Without them, I’d be so lost,” she explained.

From interpreters to the use of various technologies Mayor Folendorf is able to get by. Growing up in Angels Camp, she credits her parents for never making her feel inferior.

In 2007, while advocating for deaf rights, she was crowned Miss Deaf California.
“There was never the word can’t, you can and you will. It was an amazing experience, helped me build confidence, confidence to be in front of people,” said Folendorf.

And now this hometown girl turned mayor wants to give back to her community and wants the deaf community to know, anything is possible.
“I think that if you believe it, and you want it, there should be no reason why you can’t get to that goal,” she further said.

Folendorf said that her first goal as mayor was to bring economic growth to the city.

And by sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others not to allow obstacles to stand in their way.