RID: 0,7 CEUs.
Healthcare: 7 CCHI CE hours, 6.45 IMIA/NBCMI contact hours (0.645 CEUs), 2 DSHS CEUs.
Court: 7 CIMCE. 7 CO, KY, MD, MI, MO, NE, NC, OR, PA and WA CEUs, and 5 UT CEUs. 9.25 CEUs with NM for live sessions only.
Language Access: Visibility of the Profession
Location: Online
Date: June 24-25, 2021
Time: 4-6 PM EDT on Thursday
10 AM-6:15 PM EDT on Friday
COVID-19 has exposed several problematic realities, one of which we can all professionally relate to – the unequal, inequitable provision of language access to people who need the life-preserving skills of our profession, a profession that is not always the most visible. Hence, the theme for LEO’s Third Virtual International Conference is visibility.
Why is visibility of our profession more important than ever? The worldwide pandemic definitively answers this question. Yet we remain the biggest industry no one knows about, even in today’s times when our knowledge and abilities are so compellingly in demand. While we are larger in size than the music industry, the public still doesn’t understand what we do. Let’s change that!
Join us to be a part of the discussion, get answers, and network with the best in the industry. Learn from our expert speakers and get inspired. Looking for new skills to expand your career? We got you covered. Rushing to get your CEUs? We are here to help! See the CEUs available for the conference below.
Your participation automatically enters you into LEO’s raffle where you can win an LEO course of your choice without instructor evaluation ($109-$1,100 value) or LEO Plus membership ($99 value).
Can’t attend the live event? No worries, the recorded video of the conference will be available to everyone registered!
The conference starts in...
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Part of the proceeds
will be donated to:
OUR SPONSORS
Platinum
Gold
Agenda*
*hover on a presenter's name to see the full bio
June 24, Thursday: Preconference
16:00-17:00 EDT
The Decennial Census 101 – What it all Means
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau undertakes a precise count of everyone in the United States. Decennial U.S. Census figures are based on actual counts of all living people in the U.S. – adults, children, citizens, non-citizen legal residents, non-citizen long-term visitors and undocumented immigrants. Census figures are used to determine Congressional representation, legislative districts, federal funding and much more. Census data also have significant implications for language access opportunities and requirements. Learn what this massive undertaking is all about in Bruce Adelson’s presentation.
Presenter:
Presenter:
Bruce Adelson, Esq.
Bruce is a CEO of Federal Compliance Consulting LLC, and nationally recognized for his compliance expertise concerning federal laws. Mr. Adelson is a former U.S Department of Justice Senior Attorney. During his Justice career, Mr. Adelson had national enforcement and policy responsibility.
, Federal Compliance Expert
Bruce is a CEO of Federal Compliance Consulting LLC, and nationally recognized for his compliance expertise concerning federal laws. Mr. Adelson is a former U.S Department of Justice Senior Attorney. During his Justice career, Mr. Adelson had national enforcement and policy responsibility.
17:00-18:00 EDT
Voice-Over Skills 101
Voice-over talent and podcaster Rafa Lombardino will talk about the growing need for multilingual voice-over services and how translators and interpreters can acquire the necessary skills to diversify with this additional service. Rafa will bring attention to proper breathing, pausing, and tone of voice; how to control mouth noises, and the required hardware and software for a successful audio-recording session at a home office.
Presenter:
Presenter:
Rafa Lombardino
Rafa holds a BA in Social Communications and majored in Journalism. She started working as a translator in 1997 and is certified by the American Translators Association (English > Portuguese) and by the University of California, San Diego Extension (Spanish > English), where she teaches classes on the role of technology in translation. Currently the President and CEO of Word Awareness, a small network of professional translators established in 2004 and incorporated in 2009, she specializes in technology, communications and literature.
, Certified Translator and Voice Over Talent
Rafa holds a BA in Social Communications and majored in Journalism. She started working as a translator in 1997 and is certified by the American Translators Association (English > Portuguese) and by the University of California, San Diego Extension (Spanish > English), where she teaches classes on the role of technology in translation. Currently the President and CEO of Word Awareness, a small network of professional translators established in 2004 and incorporated in 2009, she specializes in technology, communications and literature.
Silver
June 25, Friday
10:00-10:05 EDT
Opening remarks by
Jinny Bromberg
Jinny is the Executive Director of Linguist Education Online and the Founder of Bromberg & Associates, a Language Solutions Company, a WBE and DBE certified business and holder of the GSA Federal Supply Schedule award. Jinny is the first court-certified Russian Interpreter in Michigan, Corp Magazine’s Most Valuable Professional awardee and a passionate advocate for language access for all. To improve quality of interpreting services worldwide, she developed Linguist Education Online training platform in 2009 and has grown it into the cutting edge globally known organization. Jinny’s strongest quality is tenacity. She is a workaholic whose favorite thing about her job is having never-ending opportunities to learn, as well as seeing the passion of people in this industry.
, Executive Director of Linguist Education Online
Jinny is the Executive Director of Linguist Education Online and the Founder of Bromberg & Associates, a Language Solutions Company, a WBE and DBE certified business and holder of the GSA Federal Supply Schedule award. Jinny is the first court-certified Russian Interpreter in Michigan, Corp Magazine’s Most Valuable Professional awardee and a passionate advocate for language access for all. To improve quality of interpreting services worldwide, she developed Linguist Education Online training platform in 2009 and has grown it into the cutting edge globally known organization. Jinny’s strongest quality is tenacity. She is a workaholic whose favorite thing about her job is having never-ending opportunities to learn, as well as seeing the passion of people in this industry.
10:05-11:00 EDT
What the Future Holds
With the end of the pandemic in sight what will the future of the profession look like? This panel will discuss a variety of topics, from changes being brought by the current Administration and the 117th Congress, affecting interpreters and translators to technology advancements and the growing movement to educate LEP persons on their rights to language access.
Panelists:
Panelists:
Katharine Allen
Katharine Allen is a healthcare and community interpreter with over 3 decades of experience interpreting, training, and designing curricula. She is the co-president of InterpretAmerica. She is the lead developer and licensed trainer for The Indigenous Interpreter® 60-hour training and helped embed professional interpreting into medical missions in Mexico. She has also designed curricula for the military. She teaches for the Glendon College Masters in Conference Interpreting and The Professional Interpreter Online. Katharine is the co-author of The Community Interpreter® International: An International Textbook, The Medical Interpreter-A Foundation Textbook for Medical Interpreting and Breaking Silence: Interpreting for Victim Services. Katharine speaks and trains nationally. She has an MA in Translation and Interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
, Interpreter, Translator and Trainer,
Katharine Allen is a healthcare and community interpreter with over 3 decades of experience interpreting, training, and designing curricula. She is the co-president of InterpretAmerica. She is the lead developer and licensed trainer for The Indigenous Interpreter® 60-hour training and helped embed professional interpreting into medical missions in Mexico. She has also designed curricula for the military. She teaches for the Glendon College Masters in Conference Interpreting and The Professional Interpreter Online. Katharine is the co-author of The Community Interpreter® International: An International Textbook, The Medical Interpreter-A Foundation Textbook for Medical Interpreting and Breaking Silence: Interpreting for Victim Services. Katharine speaks and trains nationally. She has an MA in Translation and Interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
Dr. Bill Rivers,
Dr. Rivers is the immediate past and founding Chair of ASTM Technical Committee F43, Language Services and Products, and chairs the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to ISO Technical Committee 232, Education and Learning Services. He serves as a member of the America’s Languages Working Group of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is an honorary member of the Association of Language Companies, and recipient of the ALC Bill Graeper Award in 2019.
Before establishing WP Rivers & Associates, Dr. Rivers served for eight years as the Executive Director of the Joint National Committee for Languages – National Council for Languages and International Studies, leaving a legacy of significant legislative and policy accomplishments, including the establishment of the Congressional Caucus on America’s Languages, and the passage of the World Languages Advancement and Readiness Program, among many others.
Principal at WP Rivers and Associates,
Dr. Rivers is the immediate past and founding Chair of ASTM Technical Committee F43, Language Services and Products, and chairs the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to ISO Technical Committee 232, Education and Learning Services. He serves as a member of the America’s Languages Working Group of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is an honorary member of the Association of Language Companies, and recipient of the ALC Bill Graeper Award in 2019.Before establishing WP Rivers & Associates, Dr. Rivers served for eight years as the Executive Director of the Joint National Committee for Languages – National Council for Languages and International Studies, leaving a legacy of significant legislative and policy accomplishments, including the establishment of the Congressional Caucus on America’s Languages, and the passage of the World Languages Advancement and Readiness Program, among many others.
Natalya Mytareva
Natalya Mytareva, M.A., CoreCHI™ is the Managing Director of the Certification Commission of Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) since October 2013, one of its founding Commissioners, and the past Chair of CCHI. Since 2003, Natalya has been teaching a variety of courses to healthcare interpreters of various facilities in Ohio. She is the author and instructor of courses for interpreters of languages of lesser diffusion. Natalya has delivered a variety of presentations for healthcare and social service providers on cultural competence, working with interpreters, and serving refugee populations.
, CCHI Director,
Natalya Mytareva, M.A., CoreCHI™ is the Managing Director of the Certification Commission of Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) since October 2013, one of its founding Commissioners, and the past Chair of CCHI. Since 2003, Natalya has been teaching a variety of courses to healthcare interpreters of various facilities in Ohio. She is the author and instructor of courses for interpreters of languages of lesser diffusion. Natalya has delivered a variety of presentations for healthcare and social service providers on cultural competence, working with interpreters, and serving refugee populations.
Caitilin Walsh,
Caitilin is an ATA-Certified French-English translator who delights in producing publication-quality translations for the computer industry and food lovers alike. A graduate of Willamette University (OR) and the Université de Strasbourg (France), and the past President of the American Translators Association, she currently chairs the ATA Education & Pedagogy Committee. She brings her strong opinions on professionalism as an instructor of Ethics and Business Practices at the Translation and Interpreting Institute at Bellevue College, Chair of the T&I Advisory Committee for the Puget Sound Skills Center (both in Washington State), and the President-Elect of the Joint National Committee for Language (JNCL-NCLIS). When not at her computer, she can be found pursuing creative endeavors, from orchestra to the kitchen. You can follow her on Twitter @caitilinwalsh.
Certified Translator, President-Elect of JNCL
Caitilin is an ATA-Certified French-English translator who delights in producing publication-quality translations for the computer industry and food lovers alike. A graduate of Willamette University (OR) and the Université de Strasbourg (France), and the past President of the American Translators Association, she currently chairs the ATA Education & Pedagogy Committee. She brings her strong opinions on professionalism as an instructor of Ethics and Business Practices at the Translation and Interpreting Institute at Bellevue College, Chair of the T&I Advisory Committee for the Puget Sound Skills Center (both in Washington State), and the President-Elect of the Joint National Committee for Language (JNCL-NCLIS). When not at her computer, she can be found pursuing creative endeavors, from orchestra to the kitchen. You can follow her on Twitter @caitilinwalsh.
11:00-11:50 EDT
Complicated Encounters and Research on a Tool that Measures Interpreter Mental Fatigue
Healthcare interpreters' work can be taxing. However, we are often uncertain as to what precisely contributes to our mental fatigue, outside of the obvious issue of long workdays. This presentation provides information on the various factors at play in an encounter that can affect both concentration and performance and thus contribute to mental fatigue. It also sheds light on precedents in other industries that make the case for use of a measurement tool to address such factors as mental fatigue in a more sophisticated way. Ultimately, the presenter will share information about research carried out at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta on use of a tool that measures the relationship between mental fatigue and encounter complexity.
Presenter:
Presenter:
Andrea Henry
Andrea Henry has been active in healthcare interpreting for 25 years. She began her career in 1994 as a freelance interpreter for Pacific Interpreters and later worked as a full-time OPI interpreter at their headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Andrea earned her B.A. from the University of Oregon in Spanish and International Studies with a minor in Ethnic Studies. After relocating to Atlanta, she worked for six years in development and management of interpreter services departments for two hospital systems. She has received over 150 hours of interpretation education and has attended 30+ conferences regionally, nationally, and internationally. Andrea regularly presents on advanced interpreter practice and research on interpreter mental fatigue. One of the most satisfying aspects of Andrea’s career has been working as a full-time staff interpreter at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta while carrying out grant-funded research on interpreter mental fatigue.
, Interpreter and Researcher
Andrea Henry has been active in healthcare interpreting for 25 years. She began her career in 1994 as a freelance interpreter for Pacific Interpreters and later worked as a full-time OPI interpreter at their headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Andrea earned her B.A. from the University of Oregon in Spanish and International Studies with a minor in Ethnic Studies. After relocating to Atlanta, she worked for six years in development and management of interpreter services departments for two hospital systems. She has received over 150 hours of interpretation education and has attended 30+ conferences regionally, nationally, and internationally. Andrea regularly presents on advanced interpreter practice and research on interpreter mental fatigue. One of the most satisfying aspects of Andrea’s career has been working as a full-time staff interpreter at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta while carrying out grant-funded research on interpreter mental fatigue.
11:50-11:55 EDT
5 MINS COFFEE BREAK
11:55-12:25 EDT
Interpreters: Pandemic Lessons Learned – How the Lockdown Affected Our Profession
While consecutive 1-on-1 interpreting for healthcare grew in the US, conference interpreters lost income under lockdowns. LEO has supported a survey of conference interpreters to find out how they endured under these unprecedented conditions. Konstantin Dranch, one of the researchers on this project, will present findings and explain the trends behind the figures. Learn about the impact of lockdowns on work and actions that allowed an entrepreneurial minority of interpreters to grow business and thrive despite all odds.
Presenter:
Presenter:
Konstantin Dranch
A specialist market researcher in the localization industry since 2012, Konstantin has provided annual coverage and insights on markets in Europe. Formerly a business journalist and a strategist at a language technology company, he is currently working on global rankings of language services and technology providers, and has a collection of data on financial performance, practices and model from businesses all around the world.
, Language Industry Researcher
A specialist market researcher in the localization industry since 2012, Konstantin has provided annual coverage and insights on markets in Europe. Formerly a business journalist and a strategist at a language technology company, he is currently working on global rankings of language services and technology providers, and has a collection of data on financial performance, practices and model from businesses all around the world.
12:25-13:00 EDT
Acquiring Transcription Skills
Certified translator Rafa Lombardino will talk about the growing need for transcription services due to an increasing amount of audiovisual content being developed since the professional world became more remote. Rafa will mention the types of requests that clients may have, the difference between monolingual transcription and audio-to-text translation, and the subtleties involved in translating for the audiovisual segment. Learn how you can gain theoretical knowledge and hone your practical skills.
Presenter:
Presenter:
Rafa Lombardino,
Rafa holds a BA in Social Communications and majored in Journalism. She started working as a translator in 1997 and is certified by the American Translators Association (English > Portuguese) and by the University of California, San Diego Extension (Spanish > English), where she teaches classes on the role of technology in translation. Currently the President and CEO of Word Awareness, a small network of professional translators established in 2004 and incorporated in 2009, she specializes in technology, communications and literature.
Certified Translator and Author of Tools and Technology in Translation
Rafa holds a BA in Social Communications and majored in Journalism. She started working as a translator in 1997 and is certified by the American Translators Association (English > Portuguese) and by the University of California, San Diego Extension (Spanish > English), where she teaches classes on the role of technology in translation. Currently the President and CEO of Word Awareness, a small network of professional translators established in 2004 and incorporated in 2009, she specializes in technology, communications and literature.
13:00-13:30 EDT
LUNCH BREAK
13:30-14:30 EDT
What's Next? The Biden Administration and Language Access
14:30-15:00 EDT
Mentoring: Making a Difference on Somebody’s Path
With the inauguration of a new president, things change in D.C. There are new leaders, new policies, new priorities, and new initiatives. The beginning of the Biden administration is no different, with significant signals already about equity and discrimination enforcement changes. What does it all mean? What about language access issues in this new environment? Learn more about the changes happening in Washington and the changes that may be coming in our timely session.
Panelists:
Panelists:
Bruce Adelson, Esq.
Bruce is the CEO of Federal Compliance Consulting LLC, and nationally recognized for his compliance expertise concerning federal laws. Mr. Adelson is a former U.S Department of Justice Senior Attorney. During his Justice career, Mr. Adelson had national enforcement and policy responsibility.
, Federal Compliance Expert,
Bruce is the CEO of Federal Compliance Consulting LLC, and nationally recognized for his compliance expertise concerning federal laws. Mr. Adelson is a former U.S Department of Justice Senior Attorney. During his Justice career, Mr. Adelson had national enforcement and policy responsibility.
Carla Fogaren
Carla has served as the System Director of Diversity Initiatives, Interpreter Services and ADA/504 and Section 1557 Coordinator for 35 hospitals in 9 different states for Steward Health Care. A registered nurse since 1988, Carla oversees the implementation of best practices across the Steward system including maximizing interpreter efficiency and creating diversity training programs. Carla’s experience as a trained medical interpreter and certified medical interpreter trainer afford her an interdisciplinary awareness of health care priorities. In 2015 Carla received her certification as an ADA Coordinator from the University of Missouri.
, System Director of Diversity Initiatives and Interpreter Services at Steward Health Care
Carla has served as the System Director of Diversity Initiatives, Interpreter Services and ADA/504 and Section 1557 Coordinator for 35 hospitals in 9 different states for Steward Health Care. A registered nurse since 1988, Carla oversees the implementation of best practices across the Steward system including maximizing interpreter efficiency and creating diversity training programs. Carla’s experience as a trained medical interpreter and certified medical interpreter trainer afford her an interdisciplinary awareness of health care priorities. In 2015 Carla received her certification as an ADA Coordinator from the University of Missouri.
Taking someone by the hand, leading them where they need to be can make us feel good. But that is not the role of a mentor. Mentors guide, they don't lead.
Mentoring requires selflessness, a good ear, and future-vison goggles while depending on past knowledge and experience to help someone leap forward.
Are you ready to be a mentor or to be mentored?
Presenter:
Presenter:
Giovanna Lester
Giovanna (Gio) Lester is a conference interpreter, speaker, translator, and a writer with a 40+ years career. Gio is a member of a number of professional organizations and is currently the President of Abrates (Brazilian Association of Translators and Interpreters), where she has served as General Secretary and Mentor. She is the immediate past Chair of Miami-Dade College's Translation and Interpretation Advisory Committee (2017-2019), which she joined in 2014. Gio is one of the co-founders of the current ATA Florida Chapter, ATIF, for which she served as President (2 terms) and Director. She is the immediate past co-chair of NAJIT's Public Relations Committee and Editor/Curator of its blog, The NAJIT Observer. Gio has contributed articles to online and print publications for ATA, NAJIT, Abrates, ATIF on various subjects related to interpreting and translation.
, President of Brazilian Association of Translators and Interpreters
Giovanna (Gio) Lester is a conference interpreter, speaker, translator, and a writer with a 40+ years career. Gio is a member of a number of professional organizations and is currently the President of Abrates (Brazilian Association of Translators and Interpreters), where she has served as General Secretary and Mentor. She is the immediate past Chair of Miami-Dade College's Translation and Interpretation Advisory Committee (2017-2019), which she joined in 2014. Gio is one of the co-founders of the current ATA Florida Chapter, ATIF, for which she served as President (2 terms) and Director. She is the immediate past co-chair of NAJIT's Public Relations Committee and Editor/Curator of its blog, The NAJIT Observer. Gio has contributed articles to online and print publications for ATA, NAJIT, Abrates, ATIF on various subjects related to interpreting and translation.
15:00-16:00 EDT
Your Voice Matters: the Power and Promise of T&I Grassroots Advocacy
Do you want to speak up for our profession and the people we serve, but aren't sure where to start? Come be inspired by a diverse panel of California language professionals, many without prior advocacy experience, who in response to recent labor law Assembly Bill 5 were compelled to stand up for their freedom to freelance. Working together as part of a broad coalition, they forged new bonds with colleagues, supported one another in their visits to lawmakers, and were ultimately successful in securing an exemption from AB 5. By hearing their stories, you will be empowered to make a difference both on a state and national level.
Panelists:
Panelists:
Jennifer Santiagos
Jennifer holds a BA in Spanish from Wheaton College (IL) and is a freelance Certified Healthcare Interpreter™ with 12 years of professional experience. When California Assembly Bill 5 threatened her livelihood and put language access at risk in September 2019, Jennifer decided to become a grassroots advocate with CoPTIC (the Coalition of Practicing Translators and Interpreters of California). She met with lawmakers multiple times, mobilized colleagues, and wrote an op-ed which was published in CalMatters in August 2020 during the home stretch of CoPTIC's advocacy efforts. Jennifer currently serves on the ATA Advocacy Committee. She resides in Orange County, California with her husband and their son.
, Certified Healthcare Interpreter™,
Jennifer holds a BA in Spanish from Wheaton College (IL) and is a freelance Certified Healthcare Interpreter™ with 12 years of professional experience. When California Assembly Bill 5 threatened her livelihood and put language access at risk in September 2019, Jennifer decided to become a grassroots advocate with CoPTIC (the Coalition of Practicing Translators and Interpreters of California). She met with lawmakers multiple times, mobilized colleagues, and wrote an op-ed which was published in CalMatters in August 2020 during the home stretch of CoPTIC's advocacy efforts. Jennifer currently serves on the ATA Advocacy Committee. She resides in Orange County, California with her husband and their son.
Lorena Ortiz Schneider
Lorena Ortiz Schneider, CT is an ATA-certified Spanish>English translator (since 1996), an ATA-credentialed interpreter, and a California state-certified administrative hearing interpreter. She has worked for the U.S. Department of State as a liaison and seminar interpreter, as a conference interpreter for private industry, and as a community interpreter in mental health and workers’ compensation settings. She is also an interpreter trainer, a practicing translator and interpreter, and a business owner. She founded the Coalition of Practicing Translators and Interpreters of California, a nonpartisan nonprofit advocacy group. She was a board member of the California Workers’ Compensation Interpreters Association, interfacing with government agencies and state lawmakers to improve working conditions and pay for interpreters. She is a Chair of ATA’s Advocacy Committee and served as an assistant administrator of ATA’s Interpreters Division for four years. She has an MA in translation and conference interpreting from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
, ATA Director, Chair of the ATA Advocacy Committee and Founder of CoPTIC,
Lorena Ortiz Schneider, CT is an ATA-certified Spanish>English translator (since 1996), an ATA-credentialed interpreter, and a California state-certified administrative hearing interpreter. She has worked for the U.S. Department of State as a liaison and seminar interpreter, as a conference interpreter for private industry, and as a community interpreter in mental health and workers’ compensation settings. She is also an interpreter trainer, a practicing translator and interpreter, and a business owner. She founded the Coalition of Practicing Translators and Interpreters of California, a nonpartisan nonprofit advocacy group. She was a board member of the California Workers’ Compensation Interpreters Association, interfacing with government agencies and state lawmakers to improve working conditions and pay for interpreters. She is a Chair of ATA’s Advocacy Committee and served as an assistant administrator of ATA’s Interpreters Division for four years. She has an MA in translation and conference interpreting from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
Kseniia Topolniak,
Kseniia is a freelance Conference & Certified Russian Medical Interpreter based in Los Angeles, CA. She holds an MA in Conference Interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) and has 13 years of professional experience in the language industry in Russia and the United States. After California Assembly Bill 5 was passed, her workload started to drop and her existing agency clients put a hold on the work with California-based freelancers. That's when Kseniia began her involvement with CoPTIC, where she met other colleagues and made connections. Together with her colleagues she met with local politicians and discussed issues regarding AB5. She shared her experiences with a professional FB group and inspired other interpreters and translators to make their voices heard. After language professionals got their exemption from AB5, Kseniia continues to enjoy the freedom of being a freelancer serving the Russian-speaking community in Los Angeles.
Conference Interpreter,
Kseniia is a freelance Conference & Certified Russian Medical Interpreter based in Los Angeles, CA. She holds an MA in Conference Interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) and has 13 years of professional experience in the language industry in Russia and the United States. After California Assembly Bill 5 was passed, her workload started to drop and her existing agency clients put a hold on the work with California-based freelancers. That's when Kseniia began her involvement with CoPTIC, where she met other colleagues and made connections. Together with her colleagues she met with local politicians and discussed issues regarding AB5. She shared her experiences with a professional FB group and inspired other interpreters and translators to make their voices heard. After language professionals got their exemption from AB5, Kseniia continues to enjoy the freedom of being a freelancer serving the Russian-speaking community in Los Angeles.
Stephanie Webb,
Stephanie Webb has worked as a professional American Sign Language/English Interpreter for 24 years. Having a close relationship with her deaf grandmother who did not use sign language, while in college Stephanie signed up for an ASL class out of curiosity and immediately found an unanticipated life path. Multiple circumstances allowed for an immersive experience rare for sign language interpreters not raised in a Deaf family, and set the foundational framework of her work as a professional interpreter.
Stephanie currently works as a full-time freelance interpreter in Southern California, maintains a business that offers educational and professional development materials for ASL interpreters, and serves as the President of the Southern California Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. It was this board service that led to her involvement in AB5 efforts.
ASL Interpreter and President of SCRID
Stephanie Webb has worked as a professional American Sign Language/English Interpreter for 24 years. Having a close relationship with her deaf grandmother who did not use sign language, while in college Stephanie signed up for an ASL class out of curiosity and immediately found an unanticipated life path. Multiple circumstances allowed for an immersive experience rare for sign language interpreters not raised in a Deaf family, and set the foundational framework of her work as a professional interpreter.
Stephanie currently works as a full-time freelance interpreter in Southern California, maintains a business that offers educational and professional development materials for ASL interpreters, and serves as the President of the Southern California Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. It was this board service that led to her involvement in AB5 efforts.
Previous conference feedback
I tried to write about all the things that I appreciated, but 400 characters wasn't enough! There were so many great presenters, but I especially enjoyed the legal presentation and the underserved communities ones. And I appreciated ending it all with #WFH, #WTF as the closing one because it was a light way to end it all. Even as an ASL interpreter I found the spoken language information interesting, if not necessarily all applicable.
The conference was absolutely a success! I would be interested in remote interpreting webinars for court. Thank you very much!
Thank you for your part in putting on such an excellent conference! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Considering the impact that the pandemic has had on our normal clinical operations, it was helpful to hear an expert's opinion about the future of in-person interpreting versus VRI. Technology is changing the interpretation landscape and it is good to be informed of the current demand for VRI and how to better adjust to what the future holds regarding our profession.
Very informative. Good info for the unknown future.
All the sessions were really informative. The last session by Caitilin was the best for me, not just because she was adorable and funny, but also very informative.
The whole conference was great, there was a ton of information to absorb and most of that useful for us as interpreters
Eliana Lobo gave very good tips as well as Rafa and Caitilin Walsh. Overall, the Conference was very interesting, informative and for the future.
I will be looking for more webinars from IEO.
Each session was informative and provided current issues, opportunities and resources for further review.
Great Conference! I loved it! All presentations provided useful information. Can't wait for the next one.
The conference was amazing, it was packed with information. I've been working as an OPI and VRI in US for 5 years, and the platforms are provided by the companies I work for, so it was interesting to learn how freelance interpreters arrange their encounters.
Thank you for the very interesting lectures. Now that the things are changing drastically, the views of experts from different fields were quite useful. And it was so nice to share this feeling with colleagues from all over the world. Thank you again.
The sessions were very informative. I am looking forward to reviewing the video and slides. The last session was very entertaining. The selection of speakers was well balanced. Thank you.
The entire conference was great. So many great ideas and tips. It was informative to know how to work from home. I like what Ms. Lobo talked about knowing my limits. Rafa and Flor: the session was amazing on subtitling. The session of Translations without borders was very interesting.
Enlightened with new ideas of how to utilize my current profession / talent in the audiovisual field.
I love the tips for remote interpreting, and also feel reassured after hearing what the future holds for interpreters and translators. Thank you.
This was a fantastic conference! Thanks for making CEUs available at such an affordable price. My income has slowed down to a trickle these last few months, so this was a windfall!
My court administration already asked for recommendations based on what I learned today!!!
All the sessions were very helpful and insightful. The speakers were all well versed and looked like they enjoyed giving us the session talks.
All the information provided was of great knowledge. I appreciate all the effort, the gathering of all intel, support of the professionals gathered to inform us all. One of the most important sessions to me was the Subtitling, done by Rafa. I think she does an amazing job. I pause the movies and see the translation provided on the screen, it's something I'd definitely consider doing in the future. Thank you.
Thank you for organizing the conference! It was interesting, inspiring and contributed to my learning.
I just loved this workshop, everything was very important to me.
The conference was very informative, and I look forward to listening to it again next week. Thank you very much.
I really appreciated the content, and there were great presenters and topics. I found especially helpful the fact that you addressed the abrupt change we all are facing and what all it means and the ways to best deal with it and handle all these new scenarios we've found ourselves thrown into. Thank you for a meaningful afternoon!
The barrage of information presented by so highly qualified Speakers. I intend to listen to the recording again...and again. Thank you.
This conference was packed with relevant, cutting-edge info from start to finish. For me personally, Evaluation of Language Proficiency Standards and Requirements was the most beneficial. A valid and reliable tool to assess language proficiency in language X through English is something I've been looking for and needing for a very long time. I can't share adequately how excited I am by CCHI's work and look forward to engaging with this tool myself.
All the panelists were very knowledgeable, eloquent, and engaging. The whole day was full of information, and I enjoyed every session. I learned, and now have many more resources to choose from. I didn’t know what to expect (with the virtual conference). It was very much worth it!
I really enjoyed all of your speakers. It was absolutely outstanding! They were very knowledgeable and the information they gave is probably one of the best I've seen from the past.
Everything was very interesting and incredibly well organized. Loved the last segment. I look forward to many more opportunities. Thank you!
16:30-16:40 EDT
10 MIN BREAK
16:40-17:40 EDT
How to Be Successful as a Professional Freelancer
The global pandemic disrupted the interpreting profession at all levels. We are still discovering what our “new normal” will be. It’s clear, however, that professional freelance interpreters need to evolve to keep up with changing trends in our field. This presentation focuses on two rapidly-changing areas – technology and professional branding, and provides tips and strategies on how to position yourself to thrive in the evolving professional landscape.
Presenter:
Presenter:
Katharine Allen
Katharine is a community and conference-trained interpreter with over three decades of experience interpreting, training, and designing curricula. She is a licensed trainer and co-author for The Indigenous Interpreter® and The Community Interpreter® International training programs. As co-founder and co-President of InterpretAmerica, she worked for 10 years to raise the profile of interpreting. Katharine’s current work includes her role as a founding member of the Interpreting and Translation in Education (ITE) Workgroup, a national organization working to professionalize language services in education. Katharine is a frequent speaker at conferences and professional events. She has an MA in Translation and Interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. You can find Katharine on her new platform at: www.wordsacrossborders.com.
, Interpreter, Translator and Trainer
Katharine is a community and conference-trained interpreter with over three decades of experience interpreting, training, and designing curricula. She is a licensed trainer and co-author for The Indigenous Interpreter® and The Community Interpreter® International training programs. As co-founder and co-President of InterpretAmerica, she worked for 10 years to raise the profile of interpreting. Katharine’s current work includes her role as a founding member of the Interpreting and Translation in Education (ITE) Workgroup, a national organization working to professionalize language services in education. Katharine is a frequent speaker at conferences and professional events. She has an MA in Translation and Interpretation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. You can find Katharine on her new platform at: www.wordsacrossborders.com.
Effective Communication – A Balancing Act
Every multilingual (spoken and sign) interaction requires a new approach each time; it’s never a one-size-fits-all. What is an interpreter’s role? What do interpreters need to look for? How can we go about supporting/delivering? How can we lay the groundwork before, during and after the interaction? Let’s discuss the strategies and mindset to be better champions of effective language access.
Panelists:
Panelists:
Danielle Meder
Danielle Meder is a nationally certified ASL interpreter with over 15 years in VRS and video remote interpreting as an interpreter and operations leader. She completed the Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting program at RIT-NTID in 2017 and has presented on the ethical application of VRI in medical settings, as well as published an article on the subject for Street Leverage in 2017. Danielle is currently the Senior Director of Vendor Management and Interpreter Quality at United Language Group, a language access solutions agency that provides interpreting in over 200 languages via phone, video, and face-to-face. Danielle is a licensed interpreter trainer, and is passionate about advocating for quality and effective language access, supporting the advancement of interpreter training for spoken language interpreters, and supporting the communicative autonomy of all.
, ULG's Director of Quality,
Danielle Meder is a nationally certified ASL interpreter with over 15 years in VRS and video remote interpreting as an interpreter and operations leader. She completed the Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting program at RIT-NTID in 2017 and has presented on the ethical application of VRI in medical settings, as well as published an article on the subject for Street Leverage in 2017. Danielle is currently the Senior Director of Vendor Management and Interpreter Quality at United Language Group, a language access solutions agency that provides interpreting in over 200 languages via phone, video, and face-to-face. Danielle is a licensed interpreter trainer, and is passionate about advocating for quality and effective language access, supporting the advancement of interpreter training for spoken language interpreters, and supporting the communicative autonomy of all.
Paul Tracy,
For the past ten years Paul has led business development and operations at Partners Interpreting. He's been a nationally Certified ASL interpreter for over 22 years. Paul’s introduction to the language and Deaf community was through family: his father is Deaf-blind, and Paul is a native/heritage user of ASL (CODA). He provides consultation to language companies on industry technology as well as on management of sign language interpreting services. Paul is active in the language industry both locally and nationally, serving on various committees. Currently he serves on the RID Diversity Council and is the Co-Chair of RID’s Interpreter Service Managers Member section. Paul is also on the Board of the Association of Language Companies (ALC) serving as a Treasurer.
CI & CT, Co-Founder of Partners Interpreting
For the past ten years Paul has led business development and operations at Partners Interpreting. He's been a nationally Certified ASL interpreter for over 22 years. Paul’s introduction to the language and Deaf community was through family: his father is Deaf-blind, and Paul is a native/heritage user of ASL (CODA). He provides consultation to language companies on industry technology as well as on management of sign language interpreting services. Paul is active in the language industry both locally and nationally, serving on various committees. Currently he serves on the RID Diversity Council and is the Co-Chair of RID’s Interpreter Service Managers Member section. Paul is also on the Board of the Association of Language Companies (ALC) serving as a Treasurer.
17:40-18:10 EDT
Self-care for language professionals
Self-care for the language professional goes beyond taking breaks, eating well, and staying hydrated; it’s also ensuring we create work boundaries. Oftentimes, creating boundaries feels like saying no to work or not being a team player. In reality, setting boundaries allows us to create a healthy work environment both for ourselves and those around us. In this session, we will share and expand on five key elements for creating boundaries as a self-care approach: establish and honor your working hours, set parameters for responses and turnaround times, create and share communication, learn how to say no without saying no, consistency creates habit.
Presenter:
Presenter:
Mireya Pérez,
Mireya has been a professional interpreter for over 10 years. She began her interpreting career as a certified medical interpreter after obtaining her certification from NBCMI. Currently, she works as a K-12 school district interpreter/translator in California, where she’s led the efforts in development of district-wide systems and procedures to help brand the role of the interpreter and translator in education. Mireya holds a Master’s of Science in Communications from Purdue University. In February 2020 she launched the Brand the Interpreter Podcast, a platform dedicated to assisting language professionals in telling their stories.
K-12 Interpreter and Translator, Owner and Host of Brand the Interpreter
Mireya has been a professional interpreter for over 10 years. She began her interpreting career as a certified medical interpreter after obtaining her certification from NBCMI. Currently, she works as a K-12 school district interpreter/translator in California, where she’s led the efforts in development of district-wide systems and procedures to help brand the role of the interpreter and translator in education. Mireya holds a Master’s of Science in Communications from Purdue University. In February 2020 she launched the Brand the Interpreter Podcast, a platform dedicated to assisting language professionals in telling their stories.
18:10-18:15 EDT
Closing remarks by
Jinny Bromberg
Jinny is the Executive Director of Linguist Education Online and the Founder of Bromberg & Associates, a Language Solutions Company, a WBE and DBE certified business and holder of the GSA Federal Supply Schedule award. Jinny is the first court-certified Russian Interpreter in Michigan, Corp Magazine’s Most Valuable Professional awardee and a passionate advocate for language access for all. To improve quality of interpreting services worldwide she developed Linguist Education Online training platform in 2009 and has grown it into a cutting edge globally known organization. Jinny’s strongest quality is tenacity. She is a workaholic whose favorite thing about her job is having never-ending opportunities to learn, as well as seeing the passion of people in this industry.
, Executive Director of Linguist Education Online
Jinny is the Executive Director of Linguist Education Online and the Founder of Bromberg & Associates, a Language Solutions Company, a WBE and DBE certified business and holder of the GSA Federal Supply Schedule award. Jinny is the first court-certified Russian Interpreter in Michigan, Corp Magazine’s Most Valuable Professional awardee and a passionate advocate for language access for all. To improve quality of interpreting services worldwide she developed Linguist Education Online training platform in 2009 and has grown it into a cutting edge globally known organization. Jinny’s strongest quality is tenacity. She is a workaholic whose favorite thing about her job is having never-ending opportunities to learn, as well as seeing the passion of people in this industry.