While you may know me as a plain language advocate, my professional journey has taken many twists and turns. (And since you’re an ATA member, chances are your journey has as well!) I’m running for a director position on ATA’s Board to help members like you stay relevant in today’s ever-evolving language services landscape through systems, education, and networking.
Whether you’re a student, newbie, or experienced professional, I want to help you work smarter, learn better, and network stronger to transition into a new career stage or niche.
How? First, by listening to your needs to guide ATA’s resource development. Second, by continuing my work toward professionalization in three areas: credentialing, standards, and legislative action. Third, by fostering a culture of innovation to help you implement evidence-based practices through continuing education on our craft and business, stay abreast of industry trends through expert presentations, and connect with one another through diverse networking opportunities on and offline.
Let me share a bit about myself. My professional journey began in science, transitioned to translation and interpreting, then to medical localization, and is now focused on communication strategies. I also layered teaching into my practice, including launching an innovative program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and co-founding the award-winning multilingual Plain Language Academies. And I’m constantly learning—in the past few years, diving into natural language processing to support clear communication. Along the way, I got married, had three kids, moved across countries and states, and learned to dance tango!
This experience of growth and rebirth makes me a candidate ready to serve you. I’ve had to adapt to new environments, find ways to make complex information accessible to diverse audiences, learn and implement new technologies, and synthesize diverse experiences to propel clients, organizations, and my family forward. This is what I want to help you do.
My leadership experience includes serving in various roles at ATA: as a member of the Nominating Committee for ATA’s Spanish Language Division, Twitter (X) admin for the Science and Technology Division, and the Basic Credential Committee (ad hoc) and Standards Committee at the association level. I’ve also served at organizations such as The Institute of Localisation Professionals, ACES: The Editing Society, Plain Language Association International, and International Plain Language Federation.
I believe systems like standards and legislation are key for professional excellence and growth. I’ve helped develop language standards at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and ASTM International. Since participating in Language Advocacy Days before Congress to promote multilingual education, I’ve continued working with my congressional representative to strengthen language-related laws.
In all these roles, I’ve served alongside dedicated, talented, and passionate colleagues, agreeing and disagreeing but always listening to each other, learning, and sharing ideas to better serve our communities.
If you choose me as Board director, I aim to serve and support you in an environment of continuous growth to help each other become the best translators and interpreters we can be. Thank you for considering me as your candidate.