Empowering the Deaf Community

Matt "The Hammer" Hamill and Signature Stars Bring The Hammer Deaf Expo to Central Washington University, Empowering the Deaf Community Nationwide

WASHINGTON — Sept. 26, 2026 — Matt "The Hammer" Hamill, a former Deaf UFC fighter and president of Signature Stars, is leading an effort to empower and support ASL students and members of the Deaf community nationwide through the traveling Hammer Deaf Expo series.

“Today, one of the most meaningful ways I advocate for the Deaf community is through The Hammer Deaf Expo,” Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matt "The Hammer" Hamill, said. “This event showcases Deaf and Deaf-supportive businesses, organizations, and advocacy groups while strengthening community connection and visibility.”

The nonprofit organization's flagship program will continue with its next expo event on Oct. 3 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. A Hammer Virtual Expo experience also launched on Sept. 22, providing an online platform for exhibitors and visitors to connect and access resources beyond the in-person event.

More than 1,300 tickets have been registered so far for the upcoming Washington event, including ASL students from high schools, colleges, and universities across Washington, along with members of the Deaf community. The event will feature ASL workshops, vendors, crafts, performers, community resources, networking opportunities, and family-friendly activities.

The series aims to expand accessible opportunities for ASL students, Deaf individuals, and supporters. The virtual companion event also allows businesses, organizations, and partners to share their stories, showcase products, feature videos, offer promotions, and connect directly with visitors online.

Signature Stars' mission is to break barriers and expand opportunities through community-driven expos and advocacy. The organization plans to host four to six expos each year in communities across the country, including in 2027. Each expo promotes education, networking, entrepreneurship, employment, advocacy, entertainment, and community celebration.

"Signature Stars is also working toward expanding to North Carolina, Florida, Las Vegas, Nevada, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas and California," Signature Stars information stated. "One of our goals for 2027 is to have an expo in Rochester, New York, as we continue expanding."

Hamill, a member of the Deaf community, navigated educational systems with limited support and learned sign language only in eighth grade. He became a championship wrestler at Rochester Institute of Technology and later competed in the UFC against athletes such as Tito Ortiz and Jon Jones. Now, Hamill leads efforts to connect and empower the Deaf community through the Hammer Expo as its founder.

As the program grows, Signature Stars needs additional support. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is seeking a grant writer and funding opportunities. A fundraising effort is currently underway to raise $50,000. Funds will help cover venue costs, performers, accessibility, travel, equipment, and other expenses for hosting expos nationwide.

“I invite you to support this effort through sponsorship, exhibitor participation, or a monetary contribution that helps make this event accessible and impactful for our community,” Hamill said.