I’m so honored to be nominated to run for a position on ATA’s Board of Directors. If entrusted with this role, serving ATA members and my co-workers would be a privilege.
I’ve been a freelance certified medical interpreter and translator for 25 years. I have a BA in translation and another in biology and an MA in forensic science. I’ve also been certified as a health care interpreter (CCHI-P™) by the Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI), and proudly serve as a CCHI commissioner.
As a dedicated language access advocate, I’ve worked both on-site and remotely as an interpreter, translator, grader, recruiter, and quality assurance specialist. I also have more than 10 years of experience as a health care provider (clinical staff) working directly with patients. Currently, I’m a member of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC), the International Association of Identification (IAI), and serve on the SAFE-AI Next Steps Committee.
I joined ATA in 2014 and have been volunteering and serving in several capacities ever since, including on the Nomination Committees of the Interpreters, Medical, Science and Technology, and Law Divisions. I’m currently a member of the Leadership Councils for ATA’s Government and Medical Divisions. I’ve also been a member of the National Capital Area Translators Association (NCATA), my local ATA chapter in Washington, DC. I’ve been attending ATA’s Annual Conference since I joined (with the exception of the pandemics years).
I had the honor of serving as the administrator of ATA’s Medical Division (2019-2023). As the administrator, I successfully organized and oversaw the division’s activities and events during each conference and moderated the Medical Division Forum session at the Miami conference. I initiated and promoted the free educational webinars and networking events within the division. My team provided medical translation resources through the division’s social media as a way to compile resources for our members, enrich their skills, encourage continuing education, and enhance the culture of excellence.
As a member of the Leadership Council of ATA’s Government Division, I promoted and started a free webinar series to help ATA members explore their options within their profession to prepare them to handle the fluctuations in demand that we may face with AI entering our world. I also proposed the first Government Division Forum, which will be presented at ATA65 in Portland. I believe that as an ATA director I can encourage a new generation of freelance translators who are government contractors to join ATA and advance our cause.
The invaluable experience I gained while serving as administrator of ATA’s Medical Division has equipped me with a profound understanding of the challenges our members, Leadership Councils, and administrators face. I’ll use insider knowledge as my asset to better serve as an ATA director. I aim to leverage this expertise to continue strengthening and broadening ATA’s benefits for members, related associations, and other stakeholders. I’m deeply committed to continue working with ATA’s leadership to contribute to our continued success. I’ll remain dedicated to promoting diversity, transparency, and accountability.