Joseph Duarte

About Joseph Duarte

Accomplished Executive | Board Member | Consultant | Innovator in Accessible Communication TechnologiesI am a seasoned executive and thought leader with a lifelong commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion through innovative communication solutions. Born in Portugal and developing progressive hearing loss at age 3, I’ve turned challenges into opportunities to inspire change, shaping my career and leadership philosophy.My journey began at IBM, where I excelled in technical roles and identified accessibility gaps in telecommunications. Determined to drive change, I founded my first company, pioneering accessible audiovisual and telecommunication systems to empower diverse communities.Today, as Co-CEO of InnoCaption, I lead a team dedicated to revolutionizing accessible telecommunications, providing real-time captioning for millions globally. By fostering collaboration and championing innovation, I’ve positioned the company as an industry leader.Key Strengths • Board Leadership: Expertise in governance and strategic oversight for corporations and non-profits. • Innovation & Strategy: Turning technical challenges into scalable solutions aligned with organizational missions. • Advocacy & Public Speaking: Championing accessibility and influencing policy change. • Team Empowerment: Building high-performing, mission-driven teams.EducationB.S. in Biomedical Electronics Engineering – University of Rhode IslandPersonal InsightAs a bilingual professional with deep roots in Portugal and the U.S, I bring a multicultural perspective to leadership and collaboration. A lifelong learner, I began studying sign language at 25 and received a cochlear implant in my 50s, enriching my ability to connect and inspire.Occasional Consulting, Board Roles, and Startup SupportWhile my primary focus is leading InnoCaption, I occasionally take on consulting and board roles for organizations—both non-profits and for-profits—that align with my values. I also support startups as an investor and advisor when their mission reflects my passion for innovation, accessibility, and impact.These opportunities are carefully considered to ensure they complement my primary responsibilities while allowing me to contribute strategic insights and governance experience to help organizations and entrepreneurs thrive.I’m always open to opportunities for collaboration, with the goal of making a positive impact on improving lives and creating a more inclusive world.

Experience

1. Co-CEO

   InnoCaption

   Jan 2016 — Present · Fairfax, VA, US

   InnoCaption is dedicated to empowering the deaf and hard of hearing community with unmatched real-time captioning on smartphones. Our mission is to break communication barriers, ensuring accessibility and inclusion in everyday telecommunications.As the only company offering both AI-powered captioning and live stenographers, we provide users with the unique ability to switch seamlessly between these options during phone calls or teleconferences, ensuring accuracy and adaptability in every conversation.Our vision is to lead the industry in accessible telecommunications by leveraging innovative technology, cutting-edge solutions, and exceptional customer care. We take pride in our passionate workforce, united by a shared commitment to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals who face challenges in understanding speech on phone calls and teleconferences.By providing reliable and user-friendly captioning services, we strive to create opportunities for seamless communication and connectivity, enabling a more inclusive world for all.

Education

• Trenton State College

  Electronics Technology

  1977 — 1978

• University of Rhode Island

  B.S. Biomedical Electronics Engineering, Biomedical/Medical Engineering

  1978 — 1981

Skills

• Coaching
• Program Management
• Strategic Planning
• Research
• Customer Service
• Community Outreach
• Training
• Access
• Public Speaking
• Social Networking
• Public Relations
• Policy
• Teaching
• Integration
• Project Management
• Marketing
• Leadership
• Social Media
• Program Development
• Management
• Team Building
• Fundraising
• Nonprofits