Rutgers Swimmer Brooke Thompson Becomes SHI International’s Newest Brand Ambassador
In a move that underscores its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation, SHI International, one of the world’s leading IT solutions providers, has named Rutgers University swimmer Brooke Thompson as its newest official brand ambassador. The announcement highlights not only Thompson’s impressive athletic achievements but also her advocacy for adaptive technologies and workplace inclusion for individuals with disabilities. As she prepares to compete in the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo this November, Thompson will represent SHI’s mission to empower people through technology.
A Rising Star in the Pool
Thompson, a rising junior at Rutgers University, has already made waves in the swimming world. She currently holds the USA Deaf Swimming Record in the 50-meter freestyle (23.53), which she set at the 2025 Big Ten Championships. Hailing from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Thompson has consistently demonstrated her prowess in the water, most recently capturing the ECAC 200 Medley Relay Championship in March. Her journey is particularly inspiring given that she was born completely deaf and received her first cochlear implant at just one year old, followed by a second implant at age four.
Despite these early challenges, Thompson discovered her love for swimming after her parents enrolled her in lessons for safety reasons. With Michigan’s abundance of lakes and summertime water sports, swimming became both a necessity and a passion. However, it wasn’t always easy—swimming posed unique challenges for beginners with cochlear implants, especially during emergencies when communication could be difficult. Determined to overcome these obstacles, Thompson worked tirelessly to become the best possible swimmer, transforming potential barriers into opportunities for growth.
Her hard work has paid off. Over the years, Thompson has won 11 medals across two World Deaf Swimming Championships and claimed five gold medals and three bronze medals at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil. These accomplishments have solidified her status as one of the top deaf athletes in the world.
Advocacy Beyond the Pool
While her athletic achievements are remarkable, what truly sets Thompson apart is her dedication to advocating for adaptive technologies and fostering workplace inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Majoring in business leadership and management, she uses her platform to raise awareness about the importance of ensuring businesses adopt inclusive policies and cultures. At an SHI End User Computing Summit in 2024, Thompson addressed a 300-person audience of customers, partners, and employees responsible for supporting tens of thousands of end-users globally.
During her presentation, she emphasized the profound impact simple accommodations can have on employees with disabilities. By sharing her personal story and experiences, Thompson highlighted how organizations can create environments where employees feel empowered to request the tools they need to succeed. Her message resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing SHI’s belief that success stems from collaboration, hard work, and a culture that values accessibility and inclusivity.
Joining SHI’s Team of Ambassadors
Thompson joins an esteemed group of SHI brand ambassadors, including LPGA Tour golfers Jennifer Kupcho, Gurleen Kaur, and Allisen Corpuz, as well as North Carolina Courage and U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper Casey Murphy. Each ambassador embodies the qualities SHI values most: dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
“Brooke embodies the qualities we value most at SHI: dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others succeed,” said Ed McNamara, Senior Director of Communications at SHI. “Her athletic achievements are remarkable, but what truly sets Brooke apart is her willingness to share her story, answer every question, and advocate for greater awareness of adaptive technologies that can help level the playing field. We’re thankful that Brooke is joining the SHI brand and look forward to supporting her journey to Tokyo and beyond.”
Competing on the Global Stage
As a member of the delegation the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADF) is sending to the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, Thompson will compete against deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes from around the world. All participants in the Deaflympics compete without hearing assistance to ensure equal competition conditions, showcasing their skills and determination on a global stage. For Thompson, this event represents another opportunity to inspire others and demonstrate that barriers can become stepping stones with the right mindset and support.
“Swimming has given me opportunities I never imagined, from competing at the highest level to connecting with the deaf community worldwide,” Thompson said. “Partnering with SHI feels natural because they understand that success comes from hard work, collaboration, and a culture that ensures all people have the tools they need to succeed—or the ability to request them. I’m eager to represent SHI while showing that with the right technologies and mindset, barriers can become steppingstones.”
Empowering Through Technology and Inclusion
Thompson’s partnership with SHI aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to provide innovative IT solutions that empower businesses and individuals alike. By highlighting the importance of adaptive technologies and inclusive workplace practices, she exemplifies how organizations can break down barriers and unlock human potential. Her advocacy serves as a reminder that even small changes—such as implementing accessible tools or fostering open conversations about disability—can lead to transformative outcomes.
As she prepares for the Deaflympics, Thompson continues to inspire those around her, proving that resilience and determination can overcome any challenge. With SHI’s support, she is poised to make an even greater impact, both in and out of the pool. Together, SHI and Brooke Thompson are paving the way for a future where technology and inclusion go hand in hand, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
About SHI
SHI International Corp. is a $15 billion transformational technology solutions provider serving the needs of more than 15,000 corporate, enterprise, public sector and academic customer organizations around the world. It helps companies achieve business goals through the use of technologies ranging from software licensing and end user computing devices to innovative cloud and edge solutions. With over 6,000 employees worldwide, SHI is the largest Minority and Woman Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) in the U.S.
