I’m honored to be nominated by the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee to run for an ATA Director position. If entrusted with this role, it would be a privilege to serve ATA members and colleagues. I believe ATA includes a significant number of professionals working with languages of lesser diffusion, and they deserve consistent representation on the Board of Directors.

I’ve been a freelance certified Farsi medical interpreter and translator for 25 years. I have a BA in translation and biology, an MA in forensic science, and the CCHI-P™ (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters) certification. 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 bring over 10 years of clinical experience working directly with patients.

Currently, I serve as a CCHI Commissioner, advocating for the certification of all medical interpreters. Recognizing my commitment to the profession, ATA’s Advocacy Committee invited me to join their efforts. Since then, I’ve contributed to opposing a Wisconsin bill seeking to eliminate human interpreters from state courtrooms and helped a major U.S. media outlet raise awareness about deported refugees who assisted American soldiers in recent conflicts.

I also serve actively on the SAFE-AI Task Force and have been a member of the SAFE-AI Next Steps initiative since its founding in 2023. In this role, I work to ensure that as the future of AI is being shaped, the voice and perspective of linguists and interpreters are represented—advocating for decisions that prioritize the needs and contributions of our profession.

Since joining ATA in 2014, I’ve actively volunteered in various capacities. I’ve served on the Nominating Committees of the Interpreters, Medical, Science & Technology, and Law Divisions. I’m also a member of my local ATA chapter, the National Capital Area Translators Association (NCATA), in Washington, DC, and currently serve on the Leadership Councils of the Government and Medical Divisions.

I had the honor of serving as Medical Division Administrator from 2019 to 2023, during which I initiated free educational webinars and networking events. Through strategic leadership and team building, I helped establish a clear, impactful direction that strengthened and revitalized the division.

As part of the Government Division Leadership Council, I launched a free informational webinar series to help ATA members explore professional opportunities and better prepare for the evolving demands brought on by AI. As an ATA Director, I aim to encourage a new generation of freelance and refugee translators to join our association and strengthen our shared mission.

The invaluable experience I gained through my years of service—particularly on the frontlines of ATA’s Medical Division—has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our members, leadership councils, and administrators. I intend to use this insider knowledge to serve more effectively as an ATA Director. My goal is to leverage this expertise to strengthen and expand the benefits ATA offers its members. I remain deeply committed to working with ATA leadership to support our continued success and will stay dedicated to promoting diversity, transparency, and accountability.