Join us for an insightful episode featuring Dr. Bill Rivers, Principal at WP Rivers & Associates, as he delves into the world of language advocacy and access. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Rivers has an extensive background as an interpreter, translator, academic researcher, intelligence community leader, and consultant. He shares his journey from earning a Ph.D. in Russian to leading language advocacy projects for a diverse clientele.

Dr. Rivers discusses his significant contributions to the field, including his roles as Chair of the Stakeholders Advocating for Fair and Ethical use of AI in Interpreting Task Force (SAFE-AI TF), Treasurer and founding President of 7000 Languages, and Chair of ISO Technical Committee 232 on Education and Learning. He also highlights his work in second and third language acquisition, proficiency assessment, program evaluation, and language policy development and advocacy.

Tune in to explore the challenges and triumphs in the world of language services, and gain valuable insights from a seasoned expert dedicated to promoting language access and capacity worldwide.

⤷You can find Dr. Bill Rivers on the following platforms:

X (Twitter): @drbrivers

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-rivers-a35b5624/

In this episode of "Connected Conversations," we sit down with Anton Loboda, a remarkable individual whose journey spans war zones and global travels. Anton shares his experiences as an interpreter for wounded Ukrainian individuals during the Ukraine conflict and his vital role in assisting wounded warriors at Walter Reed in 2015-16. With a Master's degree in Economics and having visited over 60 countries, Anton brings a unique perspective to his work and personal life.

Join us as we delve into Anton's incredible story of resilience and dedication. He not only navigates the complexities of multiple cultures but also finds joy in his multicultural family, including his American/Filipino/Ukrainian child in Washington, DC. Anton's journey is further enriched by a heartwarming tale of meeting his wife through Ad Astra. Tune in to discover how Anton's diverse experiences and profound commitment to helping others have shaped his extraordinary life.

In this inaugural episode of Connected Conversations, we spotlight Dante Whitty, an active member of and an inspiring advocate for the Deaf community. Dante, a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, shares his unique journey, the challenges he faced during the pandemic, and the path to post-pandemic recovery. Joined by Stephen Isbell, who works closely with the Deaf community, this episode explores the resilience and strength of deaf individuals.

We delve into how technology has played a crucial role in connecting community members through various platforms, ensuring continued support and communication. Tune in to learn Dante’s powerful story and gain insights into building a more inclusive and empathetic society.