Nyle DiMarco brings his vision for inclusion to the Miners Leadership Summit

Nyle DiMarco visited the University Feb. 28 and was the featured keynote speaker for the Miners Leadership Summit, hosted by the Student Engagement and Leadership Center at the Undergraduate Learning Center. Photo courtesy of Nyle DiMarco and his team.

Nyle DiMarco has never been one to wait for doors to open. He builds them himself.  

Since his breakthrough as the first Deaf contestant and winner on “America’s Next Top Model” in 2014, DiMarco has captivated audiences across multiple industries. He went on to win “Dancing with the Stars” in 2016 and has since built an impressive acting career with roles in “Difficult People,” “Switched at Birth,” “This Close” and “Station 19.” As an executive producer, he has championed projects like the award-winning docuseries “DEAF U" and the Oscar-nominated short documentary “Audible.”  

Beyond entertainment, his work through the Nyle DiMarco Foundation promotes bilingual education and improves access to resources for early language acquisition. 

On Friday, February 28th, DiMarco visited campus as the featured keynote speaker for the Miners Leadership Summit hosted by the Student Engagement and Leadership Center at the Undergraduate Learning Center.  

As a leader in the Deaf community and beyond, DiMarco defines leadership as a commitment to uplifting and empowering Deaf creatives.  

"True leadership is about spotlighting the Deaf community and ensuring that Deaf creatives have a seat at the table in all of my projects," DiMarco writes WIM over email.  

His philosophy is simple but powerful: true change happens when Deaf individuals have a seat at the table, not just as subjects of stories but as the storytellers themselves. His projects, such as “DEAF U” and “Deaf President Now,” exemplify this mission, employing historic numbers of Deaf crew members to ensure authentic representation.  

"Leadership, to me, is about being an open door; one that allows more Deaf creatives to enter and thrive in the industry. It’s about making sure our stories are told authentically, by us and for us,” he explains.  

Breaking barriers is nothing new to DiMarco.  

His journey in the modeling and entertainment industries was met with resistance; not because of his talent but because the industry lacked the infrastructure to tell Deaf stories authentically.  

"Ten years ago, I was meeting with writers, directors and producers, people who loved me, were fans of my work and wanted to write me into their projects,” he recalls. “But they didn’t know how. It was because the industry lacked Deaf creatives."    

Meeting with industry professionals who admired his work but didn’t know how to integrate Deaf characters made it clear that the industry did not just need Deaf actors, it needed Deaf creatives behind the camera as well. That realization led him to found Clerc Studios, where he is creating stories, as well as an entire ecosystem of Deaf professionals who can shape the narrative from the inside out.  

"Real change doesn’t happen in front of the screen, it happens in the decision-making rooms," he asserts. His dream is that, in a decade, Deaf creatives won’t have to fight for representation but will have built their own thriving industry. 

Shifting perceptions of Deaf individuals in media and professional spaces is another fight DiMarco has taken on.  

He challenges stigmas not only through words but also through action, ensuring that Deaf talent is central in his projects, both on-screen and behind the scenes.  

"I’ve always believed in showing, not just telling. That’s why I make sure Deaf talent is front and center in my work, both in front of and behind the camera," he writes.  

Whether it’s co-directing or producing films that elevate Deaf voices, he insists on authentic, not performative, representation. His social media platforms also serve as an educational space where he breaks down stereotypes, highlights Deaf culture and moves the conversation from inspiration to normalization.  

"The goal is to shift the narrative from ‘inspiration’ to normalization," DiMarco asserts.  

However, navigating industries that were not initially designed to be accessible has required a strategic mindset.  

DiMarco doesn’t wait for permission, he influences industries to evolve.  

"The biggest strategy is not waiting for permission. I don’t wait for industries to ‘catch up’ to accessibility, inclusion, and so on. I push them forward," he explains.  

Inclusion and accessibility are not optional for him, they are non-negotiable. He collaborates with people who share his vision for an inclusive future and refuses to accept anything less than meaningful representation, explaining he only works with people who genuinely believe in inclusivity.  

Despite his success in multiple fields -- modeling, acting, advocacy and business -- DiMarco maintains balance by staying true to himself.  

"Honestly, if I started treating this like some impossible balancing act, I’d lose sight of why I do it in the first place. I make sure I set time to date myself, go to the gym, go out on my bike, or spend time with my Deaf friends and Deaf community. Those things re-energize me and keep me inspired,” he adds.  

To young leaders, especially those from marginalized communities, DiMarco offers this advice: "First, know your worth. Don’t let industries, employers, or gatekeepers make you feel like you should be grateful just to be included. You belong. Keep in mind that change is slow but every barrier you break down makes it easier for the next person. Always stay true to your identity!" 

Looking ahead, he envisions a future where Deaf talent is no longer considered groundbreaking -- it’s simply the norm.  

He remains dedicated to developing projects that center Deaf stories and hiring Deaf creatives, ensuring that their visibility isn’t just a moment but a movement.  

"I want to see a future where Deaf talent is no longer groundbreaking,” DiMarco states. “I want it to just be normal."

About Me

Erin Coulehan is the advisor for Women In Media and may be reached at elcoulehan@utep.edu or @erin_coulehan on Instagram.