Arlinda Boland was born in Alexandria, VA but grew up in Maryland. She has been living on and off in the Beltway states of VA, MD and D.C. but is currently residing in Washington, D.C. Her interests in the field of development are researching within Deaf communities with a specific focus on equal rights without taking local culture/language away and studying the countries that are in need of tools as well as identifying methods with which to help Deaf local people to achieve equal rights.

Arlinda graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from Gallaudet University. Following her graduation, she worked at Gallaudet as a Staff Resident Advisor with Residence Life before leaving her job to attend the University of Bristol in England. While in England, she had the opportunity to volunteer as a British Sign Language (BSL)/ASL translator at the Bristol Deaf Club and the Royal Institute for the Blind in London. She enjoys reading books, hiking, traveling, appreciating fine food and meeting new people. Most recently, Arlinda has worked with MIUSA for her practicum, assisting them with their Women's International Leadership Training for women with disabilities.