I’m an ATA-certified Spanish>English translator, a certified Spanish health care interpreter (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters), and a licensed interpreter trainer. Originally from the Washington, DC, metro area, I lived in Argentina for 15 years (where my T&I experience began), and currently reside outside Raleigh, North Carolina.
I divide my time between freelance work and being the interpreter services education specialist at UNC Health, the largest health care network in North Carolina. At UNC Health, I develop in-house training for staff interpreters, language access education for hospital employees, and language vetting protocols and assessments for providers. In 2023, I presented sessions at the annual conferences of both ATA and the California Healthcare Interpreters Association. I’m preparing to take the North Carolina court interpreter oral exam at the end of 2024, which, hopefully, will serve as the start of my legal interpreting activities. I also spent many years working in nonprofits and philanthropy, so I’m well aware of the ins and outs of that sector.
In terms of my involvement with ATA, I currently serve on the Board of Directors, filling an unexpected vacancy that occurred in February 2024. I also serve on the Finance and Audit Committee (independent from the Board position). I would be honored to be re-elected to my position on the Board, which is why I decided to run for a complete, three-year term during this election cycle. I’m already fully committed to the Board activities. It would be a true privilege to continue to be a part of this extremely hard-working, dedicated group, which diligently strives to protect and advance the interests of translators and interpreters.
I’m a member of ATA’s Spanish Language Division, Interpreters Division, and Medical Division. I also serve as treasurer on the board of directors of the Carolina Association of Translators and Interpreters, an ATA chapter. I believe strongly in the power of professional associations and know that without people advocating for our professions and carrying out such important work, our professional standing in the sector will suffer, especially in light of recent technological advances.
It’s critical that we continue strengthening and broadening the support ATA offers its members and related professionals, as well as increasing the visibility of our professions. ATA truly is the voice of translators and interpreters, not only in the U.S. but around the world.
In my personal life, I’m a wife, mother of two human children, and chief of staff to one feline diva. I love having breakfast on my patio, and spending an entire day exploring the woods is the closest thing to heaven I can imagine.