Brand the Interpreter

Unlock the secrets of integrating AI in language services with our latest episode featuring Dr. Holly Silvestri from the Safe AI Task Force. Gain insights into the innovative applications of AI in translating and interpreting, particularly in community settings. You'll discover how AI is transforming industry standards and explore the ethical and security considerations of using AI when handling sensitive materials. Dr. Silvestri shares her expertise on harnessing AI effectively, helping language professionals navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

Our conversation takes you through the journey of AI's evolution, from early neural networks to today's sophisticated large language models like ChatGPT, and their impact on public perception. We tackle the challenges AI poses, including its role in lesser-diffused languages and the broader implications for language access. Learn about the formation of the Safe AI Task Force, which aims to implement best practices and guidelines that prioritize fairness and ethics in the language industry.

Join us as we explore the future of AI in language services, the emergence of new roles, and the importance of staying informed and adaptable. We address the misconceptions about the cost-saving nature of large language models and highlight the environmental and resource considerations. This episode also offers opportunities for involvement, inviting you to contribute to the pioneering efforts of Safe AI. Don't miss this insightful conversation that promises to equip you with the knowledge needed for informed decision-making in an AI-augmented world.

SAFEAI Taskforce: safeaitf.org
CSA Research - View
Guidance Focument:Guidance - SAFE AI

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Ever wondered how a young girl from Uruguay could rise to become a leading figure in the U.S. interpreting and education world? Join us as Judy Cortés opens up about her captivating journey from her early days in Paysandú and Montevideo to the unexpected cultural shocks of Los Angeles. Judy recalls her family's vibrant international restaurant, her strict yet enriching education, and the linguistic skills she honed along the way—all of which set the stage for her remarkable career.

Discover the twists and turns of Judy's professional path, from working at the Defense Language Institute to teaching at the Modern Institute of Foreign Studies. Balancing her ambitions with family commitments, Judy transitioned into public school bilingual education, all while maintaining her credentials as a summer court interpreter. Her story is one of versatility and resilience, navigating diverse roles and making impactful contributions in each.

Judy also sheds light on the pressing need for interpreting services in schools, detailing her efforts to enhance language access for families. Listen as she discusses the development of bilingual assessments, her comprehensive guidebook for educational interpreters, and the crucial distinction between translation and interpretation. Plus, don’t miss out on Judy's insights from her book "Introduction to Educational Interpreting and Translation" and a special promo code for our listeners. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about languages, education, or both. 🤓

Get the guidebook today!
www.cultureandlanguage.net/products/ieit

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Unlock the secrets of a rewarding career in translation and interpreting with our special guest, Corinne McKay. From her fascinating childhood across Southern California, New York, and New Jersey to her family's incredible feat of fostering over 110 animals since COVID, Corinne's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how her childhood dream of being a poet evolved into a thriving career in translation and interpreting, complete with a humorous high school memory of translating French poetry.

Follow Corinne's unconventional path from teaching high school to becoming a full-time translator and later a court interpreter. Despite initial discouragement, she found her calling in the translation industry after a transformative year in France and a backpacking adventure across Asia. Learn about her pivotal decisions, like joining the Colorado Translators Association and the American Translators Association, and the life-changing advice and support that set her on the path to a successful freelance career.

Tune in for an episode brimming with wisdom on how to stand out in the translation and interpreting world. Corinne delves into the necessity of strong business skills, effective marketing strategies, and the invaluable role of strategic volunteering. Whether you're looking to specialize, build credibility, or simply get inspired by a seasoned professional’s journey, this conversation promises to leave you with a treasure trove of ideas and encouragement to take your career to the next level.

Connect with Corinne!
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Training for Translators

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What happens when a childhood spent resisting a second language transforms into a compelling career? Maru Lozano, our guest for this episode, shares her fascinating journey from her upbringing in Puerto Rico to becoming a professional translator, interpreter, and coach. Raised by a US-born father and an influential grandmother who taught English, Maru’s early aversion to learning English took an unexpected turn, molding her into an accomplished interpreter. This episode highlights the twists and turns of career paths, demonstrating how seizing unforeseen opportunities can lead to rich and rewarding professional lives.

As we delve deeper into Maru’s story, we uncover the intricate differences between translation and interpreting through her experiences. From the nerve-wracking moment of her first interpreting assignment to her structured education at Nestor Wagner's School of Interpreting, Maru talks candidly about the mental rigor and practical experiences that shaped her abilities. This segment is a testament to the importance of thorough training, practical exposure, and the role of mentorship in overcoming the initial hurdles and growing into a competent interpreter, particularly in community and medical settings.

Finally, we shed light on the challenges interpreters face within medical and educational environments, and the necessity for specialized training and support systems. Maru discusses the balancing act of freelance work, the financial intricacies of being a solopreneur, and the indispensable value of mentorship and networking. Her advice for aspiring interpreters includes fostering industry-wide awareness about professional standards and actively seeking shadowing opportunities to gain real-world insights. Join us for an enlightening conversation that celebrates the noble yet demanding profession of interpreting, offering practical guidance for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners.

Connect with Maru
LinkedIn

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Can you imagine uprooting your life in pursuit of language and culture, only to find yourself aiding in disaster-stricken Haiti? In this riveting episode of Brand the Interpreter, we sit down with Gennike Mayers, a multilingual language professional whose journey spans from the sugarcane fields of Trinidad to the serene shores of Tobago. Gennike's linguistic prowess in English, French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole has not only fueled her career as an interpreter but also as an author, speaker, and CEO. Listen as she recounts her formative years in Trinidad and her deployment during the catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti, sharing how these experiences have shaped her professional and personal life.

Follow Gennike's academic and professional trajectory, ignited by a childhood fascination with her aunt's jet-setting life as a flight attendant. From her studies at the University of the West Indies to an unexpected opportunity in Martinique, Gennike's story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of following one's passion. Discover how her language skills have opened doors to various career paths, from teaching in Martinique to facilitating political integration in the French Caribbean. Supported by her family and guided by insightful mentors, Gennike's journey underlines the importance of embracing one's interests and the serendipity of career opportunities.

Uncover the nuances of Genike's professional endeavors, where she transitioned from an untrained interpreter to a seasoned professional who emphasizes the significance of booth etiquette and commitment. Hear about her role in bridging cultural gaps, her time in the interpreting booth, and the importance of relationships over status. Gennike’s story is a powerful reminder that personal connections and professional dedication can lead to extraordinary opportunities, making this episode a treasure trove of insights for language professionals and enthusiasts alike. Join us to explore the profound impact of linguistic skills in our interconnected world.

Connect with Gennike:
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Join me,  as I kick off Season 7 of Brand the Interpreter with a heartfelt recount of a challenging period that saw me lose my voice for over a month. This unexpected hiatus taught me the critical importance of listening to our bodies and taking necessary breaks. Amidst this, I navigated significant personal and professional changes, including a sudden move to the East Coast and embracing a new role. This season, I return with renewed energy and an unwavering commitment to bringing you insightful and inspiring content.

This opener boasts an enriching conversation with Denise Bobadilha, a Portuguese conference interpreter who has carved a unique niche in broadcast interpreting. Denise shares her fascinating journey from journalism to interpreting at CNN Brazil, revealing the passion for world events that drives her. We delve into her personal growth, including her battles with imposter syndrome and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way. Denise’s story is a testament to the power of preparation, risk-taking, and continuous learning, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to excel in this field.

As we explore the high-pressure world of live broadcast interpreting, Denise provides a candid look at the emotional and psychological toll of covering sensitive events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. We discuss coping mechanisms and the profound human connection inherent in our work. This episode is a poignant reminder of the resilience required in our profession and the crucial role interpreters play in connecting people and improving lives. Tune in to explore these themes and more as we embark on another exciting season.

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As your guide through the intricate world of language and interpretation, I, Mireya Pérez, extend a warm invitation to join an auditory expedition into the heart of our profession on the Brand the Interpreter Podcast. This season's tapestry weaves emotional self-care with Francisca "Mana" Hoce's wisdom, historical dives into the deaf community's technological strides, and the labyrinths of Indigenous languages with Eulogio Espinoza. Together, we've navigated the personal and systemic; from the rebranding of patients in healthcare to the cold touch of AI on our field, each narrative thread is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of interpreters.

Prepare to challenge your perceptions as we dissect the poisonous mantras that threaten to undermine our self-worth within the interpreting landscape. We shed light on the shadows of doubt that can envelop even the most seasoned professionals, advocating for paths paved with authenticity. The saga of La Malinche unfolds, beckoning us to explore the interpreters' place in history, while the urgent narrative of human trafficking demands our attention, highlighting the interpreter's role in this global fight. These conversations are more than discussions—they are calls to action, reminders of the weight our words carry, and the importance we must place on understanding and sharing our own history.

As Season 6 draws to a close, I express deep gratitude for the stories shared and the communal growth fostered. The anticipation for Season 7's transformation is palpable, with promises of a renewed format and dynamic production to enrich your listening experience. So, as we bid farewell to this chapter, remember to subscribe for the upcoming season and immerse yourself in the narratives that bind us, inspire us, and remind us of our collective journey in the vast world of language and interpretation.

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As we approach the final stretch of Brand the Interpreter's sixth season, I am thrilled to share an answer episode to a question submitted by listener Laura González in Pennsylvania, a query that mirrors many of your own curiosities and experiences. This exchange symbolizes the interactive and dynamic nature of the podcast, where listener engagement has continually shaped the conversation. I hope you find this episode relevant and useful in understanding the world of associations and certifying bodies.
I also encourage you to submit your question to the Brand the Interpreter Podcast for an opportunity to get featured in an upcoming episode.
 
Thank you for joining me today. I'll see you back next episode!

Only on the podcast that shares your stories about our profession!
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Certifying Entities:
NBCMI
CCHI
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Associations:
NAETISL
AAITE

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Ever wondered about the difference between being a qualified interpreter and a certified interpreter? Perhaps you're an interpreter looking to further your career or maybe you're an individual or business in need of interpreter services? Either way, we promise you'll gain clarity in our latest episode of the Brand the Interpreter Podcast. 

As we navigate further into the labyrinth of interpretation qualifications, we reach out to two seasoned professionals in the field - a language access consultant in healthcare and a federally certified court interpreter. They each bring a unique perspective, highlighting the nuances of certification in the medical and legal field, and how they differentiate from being a qualified interpreter. Through their eyes, we see the true value of striving for certification. Not only does it build credibility, but also instills confidence in the interpretation profession. So, lend us your ears for this enlightening episode and don't forget, your insights and experiences are always welcome here!

Only on the podcast that shares your stories about our profession! Brand the Interpreter!

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Today's enriching conversation with Alisa Pifine, director of language access services for Catholic Charities in Louisville, Kentucky, gives a detailed insight into the evolution of language access in her community. From working at a credit union to becoming a crucial part of a non-profit organization, Alisa's journey is truly inspiring. She talks about the language access program at Catholic Charities, underlining the vital role of trained interpreters, especially in legal settings for victims of crime.

Among the many topics we cover, the significance of mental health for interpreters stands out. We discuss practical techniques to prevent burnout and establish the importance of understanding culture and heritage in the professional life of an interpreter. Emphasizing the need for resources that cater to interpreters' mental health, aiming to create a supportive environment for these critical language professionals.

Tune in! Only on the podcast that shares your stories about our profession; brand the interpreter!
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Connect with Alisa Pifine
languagecclou.org
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesofLouisville
https://twitter.com/CC_Louisville
https://www.instagram.com/cclouisville/

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