In October 2022, after 23 years as a member and having served in many different volunteer positions, I was elected to ATA’s Board of Directors. Your vote of confidence honored me. One month later, on November 30, 2022, ChatGPT, an initial version of artificial intelligence (AI) for mass consumption, was released to the public. I don’t have to explain how this was a major disruption to our profession.
In February of this year, we were saddened that our President, Veronika Demichelis, resigned for health reasons. As a result, Geoff Koby became president and I was honored and humbled by the Board’s vote to appoint me president-elect. I’m now running to fill the remainder of that term.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible resilience and strength of our Association—a strength that stems from the passion, dedication, and expertise of each and every one of you.
Throughout my journey with ATA, I’ve seen our community come together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities with an unwavering commitment to excellence in our craft. Today, as we stand on the brink of a new era shaped by AI and other disruptive technologies, I believe it’s more important than ever to harness the collective power of our membership.
Rapid advancements in technology present both challenges and opportunities for our profession. I know we can navigate these changes together, ensuring that our voices are heard and that our skills remain indispensable. I’m committed to fostering an environment where innovation and tradition coexist and where we can continue to elevate our profession while embracing the tools that can enhance our work.
As president-elect, I will focus on:
Empowerment through Education: We need to be masters of our craft to demonstrate that AI is merely a tool which by itself cannot replace competent professional translators and interpreters. The focus of the next conference will be advanced learning in our languages and subject matters.
Advocacy and Representation: We need to stress the importance of translators and interpreters, distinguishing our roles from that of AI. We must ensure that the interests of T&I professionals take center stage in AI and tech discussions.
Community and Collaboration: We need to strengthen the bonds within our ATA community through networking among divisions, holding division meetings, and encouraging collaboration with other associations.
Our Association is strong because of you—the passionate professionals who are the heart and soul of ATA. Together, we can face any challenge that comes our way and continue to shape the future of our profession with confidence and integrity.
I’m honored to be part of this community and would be privileged to serve as your president-elect. Thank you for your support.