My fellow ATA members,

As a current member of your Board of Directors and the dedicated Administrator of the Interpreters Division, I’m honored to seek your support for the position of President-Elect of the American Translators Association. With certifications as both a translator and an interpreter in Spanish, French, and Italian, and conversational skills in Portuguese, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound transformations sweeping our profession, and I’m committed to leading our association through these challenging times.

The language profession in the U.S. stands at a critical juncture. While technological advancements offer new tools, they also present unprecedented challenges, particularly with the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI). We are seeing a growing discourse, influenced by recent policy discussions and emerging guidelines at both federal and state levels, that often oversimplifies the complexities of human language and cultural nuance. There is a palpable concern that AI is being eyed as a wholesale replacement for the indispensable human element in critical sectors, including our courtrooms. This will inevitably spill onto other areas, such as medical, educational, and community services.

This is not merely a theoretical debate; it is a live issue impacting our livelihoods and the quality of justice. That is why I’ve dedicated significant effort to proactive engagement. With other colleagues, I’ve been deeply involved in extensive outreach and lobbying work with state governments, specifically fighting against the premature and inappropriate use of AI to replace qualified human interpreters in legal settings, starting with Wisconsin. We advocate tirelessly, educating policymakers on the irreplaceable value of certified human interpreters in ensuring due process, accuracy, and fairness. Our message is clear: While AI can assist, it cannot replicate the nuanced understanding, ethical judgment, and cultural competency that only a human professional can provide, especially when lives and liberties are at stake.

My experience within ATA’s leadership, together with my direct engagement on the front lines of advocacy, uniquely positions me to champion our collective interests. I understand the intricacies of our work, the threats we face, and the strategic pathways to safeguard our profession’s integrity and future.

My presidency will focus on:

• Targeted Advocacy: Amplifying our voice in legislative and policy discussions at all levels of government to protect the human element in language services, and to preserve the quality of our work, both in the private and public sectors.
• Professional Development: Equipping members with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an evolving technological landscape.
• Ethical Standards: Upholding and promoting the highest ethical standards for both human and AI-assisted language work.
• Community Building: Strengthening our network to foster collaboration, mentorship, and mutual support.

The future of language professionals depends on our collective action and a strong, unified voice. I’m ready to lead that charge. I ask for your vote and your trust as we work together to secure a vibrant and respected future for the American Translators Association and its members.

Thank you.