I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be considered for a position on ATA’s Board of Directors.

I have a PhD in comparative literature from Vanderbilt University and an MA in audiovisual translation from the University of Cádiz, Spain. As a freelance translator and interpreter, as well as a university professor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve been deeply involved in promoting language studies and the language services industry. Notably, I served on the Utah Foreign Language Association’s Board of Directors for over a decade, including two years as President. Additionally, for the past seven years, I’ve organized the Annual Translation Week at Weber State University, featuring a week-long series of activities, webinars, and roundtables to raise awareness and promote the dynamic fields of translation, interpreting, and localization.

In recent years, I’ve volunteered for ATA in several roles. Within the Audiovisual Division, I’ve served as LinkedIn coordinator, helping the division connect with other translators and interpreters and share the latest news. I currently serve as Administrator of the Educators Division, following my term as Assistant Administrator from 2022 to 2024. In this role, I collaborate with colleagues to support members and provide resources through initiatives such as bimonthly virtual social hours. I’m also a member of ATA’s Education and Pedagogy Committee. Among all these roles, the most rewarding has been serving a one-year term on ATA’s Board of Directors. Since October 2024, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with this dedicated team, gain deeper insight into the association’s operations, and strengthen my commitment to its mission.

Across all my roles, I’ve embraced transparency as a core value and prioritized fostering an environment of open, informed decision-making. At the same time, I’ve had the privilege of learning from exceptional colleagues and contributing to discussions and initiatives by drawing on my experience as a university professor. I’m eager to continue offering this perspective as a member of ATA’s Board of Directors.

I believe the current Board is doing an excellent job. If elected, I hope to continue contributing to the following areas:

• Training and Professional Development Opportunities: Expanding meaningful opportunities for training and continuing education to enhance the value of ATA membership and attract new members.
• Visibility and Recognition: Raising the profile of ATA and its members to bring greater recognition to the fields of translation and interpreting in an evolving global landscape.
• Student Outreach: Engaging with high schools, colleges, and universities to inspire future professionals and educate students about the skills needed to succeed in the field.
• Collaboration and Communication: Strengthening collaboration among divisions and their leadership teams to address common concerns and amplify collective efforts.
• Leadership Opportunities: Creating more pathways for members to serve in ATA leadership roles, bringing in diverse voices and experiences.

Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to continue serving ATA as a Director and contributing to the continued success and growth of our association.