2026 EHDI FAMILY CONFERENCE

William Frentz is a nonprofit leader, former professional athlete, and national advocate for inclusion and accessibility. He currently serves as Senior Manager, Circle Insiders and Annual Fund at the U.S. Soccer Federation, where he leads supporter engagement and philanthropic initiatives that expand access to soccer nationwide. Born profoundly deaf and now a bilateral cochlear implant user, William played 16 years with the United States Deaf Men’s National Soccer Team and served as team captain for five years, competing in Deaf World Cups and Deaflympics. He brings both lived experience and professional expertise to his advocacy, and currently serves on the board of Hands & Voices – Kentucky Chapter, supporting families and advancing inclusive opportunities for children who are Deaf and hard of hearing.

Mariana was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. She is the mother of two children, her youngest was born profoundly deaf. She serves as the Guide By Your Side Program Coordinator and the ASTra Program Coordinator in Indiana. Her biggest passion is to ensure that every child with hearing loss in Indiana has access to and receives qualified services to meet their needs and achieve successful outcomes. She has a deep passion for supporting families through the different stages of the educational process that often require the parents to become skilled advocates.