ATA CHRONICLE CHOOSING AND BUILDING A SPECIALIZATION* - A Publication of the American Translators Association
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ATA CHRONICLE
September/October 2021 | Vol. 50 No. 5 A Publication of the American Translators Association
CHOOSING AND
BUILDING A
SPECIALIZATION*
*when starting from scratch
can seem daunting!
Contents September/October 2021 • Volume 50, Number 5
22 26
Features
11 22
ATA 2021 Elections: Choosing and Building
Candidate Statements a Specialization
Connect with ATA Calling all Voting members! In our experience, the best way to
www.atanet.org Participating in ATA’s annual elections ensure quality and a sustainable
(in person and virtually) is your business practice is to specialize.
www.twitter.com/atanet opportunity to help shape the future of Whether you arrived in the industry with
the Association. Learn what this year’s a specialization or are currently working
http://bit.ly/ATA-Facebook
candidates for ATA’s Board of Directors to build one, you’ll find it’s a marathon,
http://bit.ly/ATA-Instagram have to say. Remember, the Annual not a sprint. Regardless of how you
Meeting of Voting Members will be held choose a specialization, you must work
http://bit.ly/ATA-LinkedIn October 28, 2021. to build, maintain, and transform your
http://bit.ly/ChannelATA areas of expertise to attract great clients
and earn top dollar.
http://bit.ly/ATA-Pinterest
See more from this issue at
www.ata-chronicle.online.
Columns American Translators Association
225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590
4
Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
Tel: +1-703-683-6100
From the President Fax: +1-703-683-6122
chronicle@atanet.org • www.atanet.org
7 Editorial Board
From the President-Elect Jost Zetzsche (chair), Paula Arturo, Lois
Feuerle, Ben Karl, Barbara Inge Karsch,
Ted Wozniak
9
Publisher/Executive Director
From the Executive Director
Walter Bacak, CAE • walter@atanet.org
33 Editor
Jeff Sanfacon • jeff@atanet.org
Resource Review
Advertising
38 advertising@atanet.org
Tel: +1-703-683-6100, ext. 3007
Certification Forum Fax: +1-703-683-6122
Design & Production
Blue House DC • www.bluehousedc.com
Looking for Member News
and Humor and Translation? The ATA Chronicle (ISSN 1078-6457) is
published six times per year by the American
These columns are found in the Translators Association, 225 Reinekers Lane,
Chronicle-Online edition: Suite 590, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA.
www.ata-chronicle.online! Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria,
Virginia, and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to
The ATA Chronicle, 225 Reinekers Lane,
Suite 590, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA.
The American Translators Association (ATA)
See you in was established in 1959 as a not-for-profit
26 Minneapolis professional society to foster and support the
Audio Transcription: for ATA62! professional development of translators and
What It Is, What It Is Not, And interpreters and to promote the translation
and interpreting professions. The subscription
Why It Is in High Demand
rate for a member is $25 (included in the
As people continue to favor a fully virtual dues payment). The U.S. subscription rate for
or hybrid model when it comes to holding a nonmember is $65. Subscribers in Canada
conferences, workshops, webinars, group and Mexico add $25; all other non-U.S.
discussions, and networking events, subscribers add $45. Statements of fact or
the demand for transcription will only opinion are the responsibility of the authors
increase. This might be the sector to help alone and do not imply an opinion on the part
diversify your services! of the officers or the members of ATA.
Reprint Permission
29 Requests for permission to reprint articles
Is Applying ISO Standards to should be sent to the editor of The ATA
Information Security the New Chronicle at jeff@atanet.org.
Black in Translation? ©2021 American Translators Association
Machine translation has grown
exponentially. Translators need to
adjust their standard practice to this
new reality to provide high-quality
translation services.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Tough Decisions
As my term as president nears an end, I’m pleased to report that ATA’s
Board of Directors held its first in-person meeting since February 2020,
with an informal Strategy Day on Friday, August 6, and a formal Board
meeting on August 7–8 in Nashville, Tennessee.
TED R. WOZNIAK
E
president@atanet.org veryone—but especially committees meet the Of more immediate
the new directors Board’s needs? Could interest to you are the
elected last October who something be changed decisions made during
had yet to have an in-person to make reporting more the Board meeting, which
meeting—was delighted to efficient for both the report included decisions on
experience the extremely writers and the Board? membership dues, Bylaws
positive difference between a amendments, the final
y Board of Directors
virtual and in-person meeting budget for fiscal year (FY)
Meetings: How often
in terms of productivity, 2021-22 and the draft
and when should we hold
the exchange of ideas, team budgets for FY22-24.
Board meetings? Are there
building, and camaraderie.
any changes needed?
The intangible benefits of Finances: Our financial
talking face-to-face, not y Succession Planning: projections in the final
only during the meeting When the time comes, and draft budgets are not
but at meals and informal what should the process positive. A combination of
get-togethers in the evening be for selecting the next declining membership, losses
over three days, are simply executive director? on the Annual Conference,
missing from the greatly and increasing costs result in
y Future of the Annual
abbreviated four- to six- projected losses for the next
Conference: This is almost
hour online meetings with no three fiscal years of about
a perennial topic that
additional interaction. In my $649,000. A major driver
included new aspects this
perfect world, there would of these projected losses is
year due to streaming
never be another virtual the relationship between
options that are now
Board meeting except in the dues revenue and general
available.
case of an urgent need for and administrative (G&A)
rapid decision-making on a y Professional Special expenses. Dues revenues are
limited agenda. The benefits Interest Groups (PSIGS): expected to be fairly constant
far outweigh the costs. Could PSIGs provide a way
over the next three years at
Strategy Day is an informal for groups of members
about $1.75 million each year.
brainstorming meeting that to have a “home” or
G&A expenses are forecast to
gives the Board a chance community within ATA
average about $2.0 million
to take a longer-term look without having to become
each year, leaving a shortfall
at ATA, discuss what’s a division? How would a
of about $259,000 each year
working and what needs PSIG be formed? For what
just from G&A expenses.
improvement, or what new purpose? What resources
But dues revenue pays
directions or activities the should they receive?
for far more than just our
Association should review. There was a lively and administrative expenses. The
This year’s topics were: only major program intended
fruitful discussion on each
y Reports to the Board: of these topics, and some of to be fully self-supporting
Does the current reporting them will receive additional (and hopefully contribute
system for divisions and attention in the near future. a profit) is the Annual
4 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2021 www.atanet.org
Conference. Everything
else—divisions, The ATA
Association has done in just
the past couple of years to
substantive and three
are “housekeeping”
Consider what the
Chronicle, professional increase the value of your amendments. Association has done
development, certification, membership. The number At my suggestion, one
and membership services and quality of professional amendment would add in just the past couple
are all subsidized to a
greater or lesser extent
development offerings has
increased substantially,
the Ethics Committee as
a committee on which the
of years to increase
from dues revenues. Our with more than triple the president and president- the value of your
Professional Development number of online webinars elect are NOT ex-officio
and Certification programs at the same cost. The virtual members. Robert’s Rules of membership.
are (now) almost self- conference was offered Order Newly Revised, our
supporting—at least at a very affordable price, governing parliamentary
when compared to The especially considering authority, recommends that
ATA Chronicle, the Annual the total cost of virtual executive officers not be
Conference, and divisions. attendance does not include members of any nominating
If dues revenue is not travel or lodging expenses, or disciplinary committees,
sufficient to cover even our making it financially feasible and this amendment would
administrative expenses, that to many more members. bring ATA in line with that
means there is no money And years of work by the recommendation.
available to pay for any of our Certification Committee has The other substantive
other programs. And there now resulted in an online amendment would expand
will be no surplus from the certification exam, again eligibility to serve on
conference to make up for the removing travel costs. Of a standing committees to
shortfall in dues revenue. more intangible nature is the
corresponding and associate
Under the existing dues increase in ATA’s advocacy
members (and, by extension,
work over the past few years,
policy, there would have to student members). This
during which we fought for
been an inflation-driven right is currently restricted
you in California with AB5,
$5 increase in individual to active members. It would
on Capitol Hill for increased
dues for 2022. There also also extend eligibility to
funding for language
should have been a $5 chair standing committees
access, and we’re currently
increase last year, which the to voting members (i.e.,
advocating for our members
Board forewent to give our active and corresponding
with respect to the PRO Act
members a break during the members), which is also
and additional legislation
peak of the pandemic. So, currently restricted to active
relating to language
dues should have risen by members. This proposal was
access and translating and
$10 next year just to keep triggered by a clarification
interpreting. ATA provides
up with inflation. But given of Robert’s Rules on what
more than $249 in value
the circumstances described constitutes a standing
per year. And as one Board
above, the Board made committee, which expanded
member asked during the
the difficult but necessary the number of standing
discussion, “How long does
decision to override the committees, most of which
it take the average member
automatic dues increase had non-active members.
to earn $249?” So, I ask
policy and unanimously The proposal to restructure
you to ask yourself, how
approved an overall increase our membership was also
long does it take you to earn
of $45 in regular individual advanced at the Board
$249 to pay for 365 days of
dues, from $204 to $249/ meeting. The Board approved
benefits from ATA?
year, with corresponding releasing the draft proposal
increases for the other Bylaws Amendments: on the restructuring of
membership classes. In other business, the membership classes and
The Board is aware that Board approved placing benefits to the membership
this increase will not be a number of proposed for comment and feedback.
popular. Nobody wants Bylaws amendments on Please read this proposal
to pay more for anything. this year’s ballot. Two of carefully when released and
But consider what the these amendments are provide your constructive
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 5
Individual Translators and
Interpreters Committee,
which contains its findings
and recommendations
concerning establishing
such a registry for worker
classification purposes. The
Board thanks the committee
for its speedy work and will
continue its work on this
topic based on this report.
“Basic Credential” Ad Hoc
Committee: The related
“Basic Credential” ad hoc
committee also submitted
a report on its progress
on the establishment
of a basic credential for
members who cannot
become certified under the
current program. To my
surprise, the committee was
able to come to a general
consensus that such a
credential may be possible,
criticism and feedback to the these proposals among as I expected disagreement
Board. Remember, this is a yourselves, and feel free on fundamental questions of
draft, not a final proposal, so to contact me or any other the criteria and methods for
your input is vital in shaping Board member directly with evidencing qualifications. So,
the final proposal. The Board your concerns or questions. I give my personal heartfelt
hopes to have sufficient (To subscribe to ataTalk, thanks to this committee
feedback from members to for its outstanding work to
email ataTalk+subscribe@
decide on a final proposal in date. I now have hopes that
groups.io.)
2022. Please help the Board it may well be possible for us
meet that goal! Government Linguist to offer this important new
Outreach Task Force: benefit in the future.
The other amendments
are housekeeping in nature The Board also approved Lastly, even given the
and concern references to a short extension of both present uncertainty arising
committee chairs in the the Government Linguist from the seemingly endless
Bylaws (removal of gender- Outreach Task Force (GLOTF) pandemic, I look forward to
specific language and and the temporary military seeing many of you in person
standardization of the term dues discount to give the at ATA62 in Minneapolis
“chair”), standardization and GLOTF additional time (October 27-30), where I’ll
clarification of references to to conduct work that was hand over the gavel to the
“two-thirds” votes by the curtailed or made impossible more-than-competent hands
Board, and removal of the by the pandemic. of President-Elect Madalena
term “membership facilities” Sánchez Zampaulo and
from the Bylaws (none exist National Registry of return to being an ordinary
and are unlikely to ever exist). Individual Translators and member. If you haven’t done
Details of these proposed Interpreters Committee: so already, please check out
amendments appear in this Finally, the Board received the conference website at
issue on page 19. Please use the final report from the https://ata62.org. It promises
the ataTalk listserv to discuss ad hoc National Registry of to be a great event!
6 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2021 www.atanet.org
FROM THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
The Final Countdown
Who else is counting down the days until we reunite in Minneapolis
(and virtually) at ATA62? Surely it isn’t just me!
T
his year’s Annual MADALENA
Conference model will SÁNCHEZ ZAMPAULO
be another new one
madalena@accessibletranslations.com
for ATA as we hold a hybrid
conference for the first time.
@mszampaulo
Registration opened in late
July, and the full conference
schedule is online. Here’s
what you can expect.
Safety Measures
We and our host hotel, the
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis,
are prioritizing the safety
and well-being of on-site
attendees. The hotel staff All conference
continues to wear masks,
regardless of vaccination registrants will
status. Masks are highly
recommended for vaccinated
have access to the
guests and required for virtual component.
unvaccinated guests.
In addition, all in-person Day sessions in the Thursday
attendees MUST provide morning and afternoon, 14
We’ll kick off the first
proof that they are fully of which will be streamed
full day of the Annual
vaccinated OR have a negative and recorded for virtual
Conference with Breakfast
COVID-19 test result within attendees. These sessions
with the Candidates, the
72 hours prior to checking are a mix of workshops for Student Meetup, Zumba,
in at conference registration. translators and interpreters and Mindful Movement for
We, of course, encourage looking to enhance on-site attendees. These
everyone, even those who are language-specific or will be followed by the
fully vaccinated, to get a test business-related skills. Opening Session and the
before arrival to maximize There will be a midday Annual Meeting of Voting
safety. We'll continue to Buddies Welcome Newbies Members and Election.
follow the guidelines set forth event and an evening The Annual Meeting is
by the Centers for Disease Stronger Together open to all members (i.e.,
Control and Prevention and Networking session for conference registration is
the Hyatt Company. virtual attendees. On-site not required). Members will
attendees may attend the receive instructions from
Wednesday evening Buddies Welcome ATA Headquarters on
We’ll have 15 Advanced Newbies event before the how to attend the
Skills and Training (AST) Welcome Celebration. governance meetings.
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 7
Useful Links If you’re a voting member,
please watch for an email
This year’s Annual What Else Will On-Site
ATA62 Conference Website so you can vote by proxy. Conference model will Attendees Get?
www.ata62.org We’ll be electing officers and The Exhibit Hall will be open
ATA62 Advanced Skills directors this year, in addition be another new one throughout the conference.
Find new business and get
and Training Day to voting on five proposed
Bylaws amendments. (You
for ATA as we hold a your questions answered
https://ata62.org/astday
ATA62 Exhibitors
can read the statements from hybrid conference for by vendors and sponsors.
We have worked to improve
this year’s candidates and the
https://ata62.org/ proposed amendments in this the first time. the line of communication
exhibitors issue, starting on page 11!) between attendees and
Once the morning virtual format based on last exhibitors this year, and
ATA62 Networking
year’s positive feedback. we hope you’ll enjoy the
and Events meetings end, we’ll have
updates to the virtual
https://ata62.org/ 30 educational sessions for
conference platform. The
networking you to enjoy. The Business Saturday
Tool Support Stations and
Practices Education On Saturday morning, we’ll
ATA62 Registration Committee will host a virtual
the Dictionary Exchange
have one more chance for
https://ata62.org/ Brainstorm Networking
will also be back! Watch the
you to fit in some Mindful
registration event for remote attendees,
conference schedule to find
Movement and Zumba
out where to go.
ATA62 Session Schedule while those who attend in before a full day at the
Are you in need of a new
https://ata62.org/ Minneapolis can participate conference. The ATA Military
professional headshot? Our
education in the on-site Stronger Veterans Circle Meetup and
headshot photographer is
Together Networking event. the Newbies Meetup will
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis back! Get three headshots
take place on-site during
Host Hotel Information for $40 and update this
https://ata62.org/hotel Friday breakfast. The day will
important piece of your
On Friday, we’ll hold continue with 50 educational
marketing while you’re in
ATA Elections 2021 Breakfast with the Board,
sessions, followed by the
Minneapolis. Appointments
www.atanet.org/about-us/ the TweetUp, Zumba, and
Closing Session for all
can be made directly
board/elections Mindful Movement for
attendees in the evening.
through the conference
To round out our Annual
Meet Minneapolis on-site attendees. This will event schedule.
Conference reunion, on-
Visitor Center be followed by the Annual Before I wrap up my
site attendees can attend
http://bit.ly/visit- Meeting of All Members and penultimate column as ATA
the Closing Reception to
Minneapolis Awards Ceremony. You don’t president-elect, I’d like to
say farewell to friends and
want to miss hearing about extend my personal thanks to
colleagues before heading
our new award winners the ATA Headquarters staff.
to dinner and the new
this year! Without their countless hours
Game Night hosted by
We’re changing up this of hard work and sweat, the
the American Foundation
year’s Job Fair by holding it conference would not be the
for Translation and
during lunchtime on Friday. incredible event we all know
Interpretation (AFTI).
So, be prepared to meet it to be. If last year and this
with companies looking for year have shown us anything,
your expertise and language Who Can Access the it’s that the flexibility and
pair(s)! All attendees will have Virtual Conference? support of our staff have
the opportunity to choose All conference registrants carried us through!
from 40 educational sessions will have access to the Thank you, our members,
before the evening networking virtual component. for putting your trust in me
events: on-site Brainstorm Attendees will retain access as your conference organizer
Networking (thank you, to the educational sessions again this year with two new
Business Practices Education after the conference, so conference models in a row!
Committee!) and Virtual don’t worry if you can’t It will be a joy to be reunited
Speed Networking. Later in make it to a session at the in person again with those
the evening, the Literary same time it’s being held, or who can make it. I hope to
Division will host the After if there are two you want to see as many of you in person
Hours Café in its popular watch at the same time. this year as possible!
8 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2021 www.atanet.org
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Board Meeting Highlights
The ATA Board of Directors met August 7–8, 2021, in Nashville,
Tennessee—the first in-person Board meeting since February 2020.
T
he meeting was 2022–24 draft budgets. The housekeeping in nature.
WALTER BACAK, CAE
preceded by the Board’s budget includes funds for (Please see page 19 for
offering the certification the proposed Bylaws
walter@atanet.org
annual Strategy Day.
Strategy Day allows the exams online and a hybrid revisions and the supporting
Board to discuss in-depth conference. commentary.) The proposed
aspects of the Association Bylaws amendments
and the translation and Dues will be voted on in this
interpreting professions. The Board approved a dues year’s elections.
The event is coordinated increase for 2022. The new
and led by ATA’s president- rate will be $249 for active/ Investment Policy
elect, who, by office, is the corresponding/associate The Board approved revisions
chair of the Governance and members. Other categories to ATA’s Investment Policy.
Communications Committee. will increase proportionally. This policy outlines, among
This year, President-Elect
other things, permissible
Madalena Sánchez Zampaulo
Bylaws Amendments investments and the targeted
guided the Board through
The Board approved asset allocation for these
discussions about Board
five proposed Bylaws investments. ATA maintains
reports and the structure of
amendments for approval a conservate approach to
Board meetings; a succession
by the membership. The safeguard the Association’s
plan for the executive
amendments are primarily capital.
director; the future of the
Annual Conference and
how it’s structured; and a
look at how professional
special interest groups
could be incorporated
into the Association while
complementing divisions.
Strategy Day discussions
do not necessarily lead
to concrete action plans,
but they do serve as the
foundation for working
through the Board’s activities
for the year.
Here are some highlights
from the Board meeting.
Budget
The Board approved the
July 1, 2021–June 30,
2022 final budget and the
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 9
Proposed Membership Committee Chairs By approving the
committee chairs at this
Classes The Board approved the meeting, the chairs have
The Board approved putting
appointment of several time to get their committees
forward Proposed Changes
committee chairs, who in place and start planning
to Membership Categories
for the coming year.
and Benefits to the will take their positions
The Board meeting
membership for feedback. following the Annual summary is posted online.
Any proposed changes to Meeting of All Members, The minutes will be posted
membership categories October 29, 2021. once they are approved at
would need to be approved
the next Board meeting. Past
by a membership vote. Advocacy Committee:
meeting summaries and
Ben Karl minutes are also posted
Remote Interpreting Business Practices Education online at www.atanet.org/
Position Paper Committee: Danielle Maxson
membership/minutes.php.
The Board approved the The next Board meeting is
ATA Position Paper on Certification Committee: set for October 30-31, 2021,
Remoting Interpreting. The Michèle Hansen in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
paper is posted online in As always, the meeting is
the Member-Only section
Chapters Committee: open to all members, and
(https://bit.ly/ATA-position-RI) Yolanda Secos members are encouraged
to attend.
Divisions Committee:
Professional Special Lebzy Gonzalez
Interest Groups
The Board approved
Education and Pedagogy
establishing an ad hoc Committee: Caitilin Walsh
Professional Special
Ethics Committee:
Interest Groups Exploration
Robin Bonthrone
Committee. This action
follows the Board discussions Honors and Awards
from Strategy Day. Committee: Beth Smith
Interpretation Policy
Advisory Committee:
Elena Langdon
Membership Committee:
Meghan Konkol
Professional
Development Committee:
Veronika Demichelis
Public Relations Committee:
Jamie Hartz
Standards Committee:
Alaina Brandt
Strategy Committee:
John Milan
Translation and Interpreting
Resources Committee:
Jost Zetzsche
10 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2021 www.atanet.orgATA 2021 Elections:
the Back to Business Basics
series: free monthly webinars
Candidate Statements
for ATA members focusing
on business-related topics.
We piloted virtual workshops
and are working on a
ATA will hold its regularly scheduled elections (in person and
concept for online courses.
virtually) at the upcoming ATA 62nd Annual Conference in Minneapolis, We made significant strides
Minnesota, to elect a president-elect, secretary, and treasurer for a two- in ensuring the quality and
financial sustainability
year term, as well as three directors for a three-year term. In addition,
of ATA’s professional
members will vote on five proposed amendments to ATA’s Bylaws. The development program. I’m
Annual Meeting of Voting Members will be held October 28, 2021. proud to see that continuing
professional development
opportunities offered by our
Association have become a
Languages Division, as a development director from
President-Elect member of the Membership 2018 until 2020.
significant member benefit.
My volunteer experience
Two-Year Term Committee and Honors In my role as chair in ATA has given me a solid
Veronika Demichelis, CT and Awards Committee, as of ATA’s Professional understanding of what’s
chair of ATA’s Professional Development Committee, important to members,
veronika@veronikademichelis.com
Development Committee, I lead a team of volunteers how to communicate and
I’m honored to and as a director on ATA's who revamped and re- work together with fellow
be nominated Board. I’ve gained many energized ATA’s professional volunteers and staff, and
for ATA
valuable insights and great development program. Since how to put in the time and
president-elect.
appreciation of how our 2020, we pivoted to grow effort to achieve tangible
I joined ATA in 2016 Association works and what our virtual programs and results. Those who have
and realized that I found my goals and challenges lie tripled the number of ATA worked with me know that I
professional home ahead. In addition to my webinars, providing high- value integrity and openness,
and community. role in ATA, I supported my quality continued learning and that I like to roll up
Since then, I’ve been active local affiliate, the Houston opportunities to translators my sleeves, get to work,
in shaping our Association: Interpreters and Translators and interpreters working in and create something that
as a volunteer in the Slavic Association, as professional various fields. We introduced members will appreciate.
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 11I enjoy dialogue and such as California’s many years. I served on the
collaboration and thrive
President-Elect AB5. The thought is to Education and Pedagogy
when working on tasks that Two-Year Term register all independent Committee and as chair of
professionals so that we The ATA Chronicle Editorial
help improve the future of Geoff Koby, CT
our profession. can keep our freedom as Board, and currently
Geoff@KobyTranslation.com independent contractors. serve on ASTM standards
As a freelance ATA-
I’m honored to The other committee committees and the Finance
certified English>Russian be nominated is studying a basic ATA and Audit Committee,
translator, I understand the for president- credential for translators dealing financially with
joys and challenges of our elect. More than to possibly create ways the pandemic and carefully
profession. And thanks to my a livelihood, translation is for translators to be stewarding member
previous corporate career, my passion, which is why recognized for competence assets. I’m president of
I have a strong background I’ve served ATA in a number in languages not available the American Foundation
in administration, human of different roles. In 1995, for certification. On both for Translation and
resources, communications, while teaching translation of these committees, Interpretation (AFTI), ATA’s
and social responsibility. I at Kent State University, I I’m working for our foundation for charitable
believe that my skills in these started working as a part- individual members. activities, education, and
areas will be useful in taking time translator to keep my Another area where I’ve research. Since 2018, I’ve
knowledge and skills current. been working for members
ATA to the next level. led AFTI to co-sponsor
Over the past 25 years, I’ve is on the Governance and
If elected, I will continue a summer school for
focused on business, legal, Communication Committee,
to work tirelessly to translation graduate
and financial translation while helping to draft new Bylaws
strengthen ATA. To this students and award 10
researching translation quality proposals to update the
effect, I would focus on: student scholarships for
and training translators. membership structure. Our conference attendance.
y Ensuring the high quality If elected, I will focus on membership structure has I promise to work for all
of educational and member needs, specifically not kept up with changing ATA members across all
networking sessions and on advocacy. Advocating times and no longer reflects languages. I ask for your
the financial success of for our individual members the founders’ idea of an vote, and, as I’ve done since
ATA’s Annual Conference. is a fundamental task of association where all first volunteering with ATA
our Association to raise translation and interpreting
y Growing member services in 2006, I promise to serve
the profile of professional professionals have a voice.
and programs to satisfy energetically and faithfully
translation and I believe changing the in the future.
the needs of our members interpreting. Advocacy also structure is necessary to
and position ATA as a means using the combined give all translation and
place to be for translators, voice of over 9,000 ATA interpreting professionals Secretary
interpreters, and other members to work toward equal standing in Two-Year Term
language professionals. improving the larger the Association.
translation and interpreting And now a little about
Alaina Brandt
y Providing a variety of
professions. Since finishing me. An ATA-certified abrandt@miis.edu
avenues for members to
two terms on the Board translator (Dutch>English, I’ve been an
network and support
in 2020, I’ve continued to German>English), I became ATA member
each other.
work for the Association. a German>English grader for eight
y Promoting ATA’s mission This January, the Board in 2006, then served the years. When
and raising the profile of appointed two ad hoc Certification Committee I first joined, the need
professional translators committees to consider as secretary and chair (six for professionalization of
and interpreters and aspects of our professional years), and still work on translation and localization
our commitment to lives. As chair of both, I the committee and serve project management was a
high standards of nominated members with a as a grader. I served two gap I felt passionate about
wide variety of viewpoints. terms on the Board and filling. I continue to feel
practice, ethics, and
One committee explored chaired the Compensation passion for professionalizing
professional development.
a National Registry of Survey Committee, the fields of translation/
I would be honored to Individual Translators and addressing previous surveys’ localization, and over the
get your vote and use my Interpreters to respond shortcomings. I hope the years I’ve directed my
expertise and skills for the to legislation classifying new survey will fit the passion toward stakeholder
benefit of ATA. freelancers as employees, Association’s needs for education. These efforts
12 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2021 www.atanet.orghave included co-editing the to continue developing their I’ve developed the ability of the local organizational
newsletter of the Midwest skills. Within ATA, I shared to actively listen and take committee that helped
Association of Translators research on processes, best actionable notes while make that a very successful
and Interpreters—the ATA practices, and contemporary contributing my perspective conference. I’ve served two
chapter for which I served theory, most recently in to discussions. Thanks to my full terms on ATA’s Board,
as a director from 2013- a webinar (“Introduction work on standards, I seek and it has been my pleasure
2016—presenting at ATA to Localization”) to help out conflicting perspectives
and privilege to serve the
conferences, contributing to members meet their clients’ when trying to contribute to
Association on a number
industry standards through changing localization needs. the consensus that balances
of different committees. I
ASTM Technical Committee As a member of the the needs of the stakeholders
currently serve as chair of
F43 on Language Services Leadership Council of materially affected by
the Interpretation Policy
and Products, and teaching the Translation Company decision-making processes.
Advisory Committee.
about translation and Division, I have co-
localization management edited and written for One of the most satisfying
as an assistant professor of the newsletter that we Secretary achievements of my work
professional practice in the collectively launched. I’m Two-Year Term on the Board has been the
translation and localization also collaborating with establishment of ATA’s
management program at esteemed colleagues in the
Cristina Helmerichs Advocacy Committee, which
the Middlebury Institute of ad hoc Basic Credential
cristina@cristinahelmerichsd.com today plays an important
International Studies Committee to see if we can It’s an honor to role representing the
at Monterey. build a model that ATA be nominated
interests of interpreters and
As membership secretary could follow to recognize to run for the
translators. I’m also proud
of the standards organization the professionalism of position of
of having helped develop and
ASTM F43, I prepare members for whom ATA secretary of ATA. I welcome
implement the credentialed
reports on the state of our certification is not available. this opportunity to expand
interpreter identification
membership for our monthly My contributions there are my contributions to ATA and
program. As a result of my
executive committee based on my experience our professions.
Since the 1990s, when I experience as a member of
meetings. In the reports, I and research in localization
established myself as a full- the Board of Directors, I’m
identify our strengths, which vendor management. I serve
time freelance interpreter confident I can work well
include slowly increasing as an expert for Technical
Committee 37 on Language and translator, I’ve worked with both incoming and
membership to expand the
subject areas our standards and Terminology of the as a volunteer at the local, continuing members of the
cover, and our areas for International Organization state, and national level Board in a productive and
improvement. I’m also for Standardization (ISO), to advance this beautiful transparent way.
working to disseminate on the Leadership Council profession. In addition If elected secretary,
information about of ATA’s Government to my long work for ATA, my goal will be to
translation/localization Division, and as a member I’m past president of the continue to build upon
standards within the U.S. of the steering committee of National Association of the professionalism,
government. To that end, I the Coalition of Practicing Judiciary Interpreters transparency, and
helped plan an ASTM F43 Translators and Interpreters and Translators, and effectiveness of my
Membership Orientation held of America. In each of these I helped found and
predecessors. As a member
in August 2021. This was the roles, I connect the advocacy continue to be active in
of the Executive Committee,
first webinar of its kind to be campaigns under way for the Texas Association
I will strive to be the voice
held within F43. increasing awareness of of Judiciary Interpreters
of and defend the interests
My work in ASTM F43 is the professionalism of and Translators. I’m also
of all ATA members while
reported to ATA through translators, interpreters, a member of my local
also continuing to speak out
my membership in ATA’s and localizers. association, the Austin
on behalf of all freelance
Standards Committee. I I understand the Area Translators and
responsibility that the Interpreters Association. members of our Association.
also share my research in
localization with ATA and secretary of ATA holds to My volunteer efforts with I look forward to serving
the broader translation accurately document the ATA began many years you and ATA as secretary
and localization industries decision making of the Board ago (before and during) as well as a member of the
with the hope that these so that communication the Annual Conference in Board. Thank you for your
contributions will help of our activity remains Austin, Texas, in 1994. It consideration and I ask for
members and practitioners transparent. Over the years, was my pleasure to be a part your vote.
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 13quality content. Since so they know their dues thinking actions have
Treasurer 2018, I’ve served on ATA’s are being put to good prepared us for this reality.
Two-Year Term Membership Committee use. Wherever possible, I’ve been committed to both
and as the Membership I would seek to optimize since being elected treasurer
Ben Karl, CT
Committee representative to ATA’s resources to benefit in 2017, and prudent financial
ben@bktranslation.com the Government Linguistic members and work to ensure management will continue to
I’m honored Outreach Task Force. During ATA’s financial statements guide my decisions if I’m re-
to have been my time on the Membership elected to this post for a final
are accurate and clear.
nominated for Committee, I’ve contributed two-year term.
Finally, I believe
the position of to the rollout of new For those who don’t
strongly in taking steps
ATA treasurer. I’ve been member orientations, know me, I’m an ATA-
to embody and fulfill
an ATA member since 2016 military linguist outreach, certified Portuguese>English
ATA’s 2017 Resolution
and am grateful to be a countless new member translator, economist,
Supporting Diversity and
part of a community that benefit initiatives to consultant, and former
2020 Statement on Racism
works tirelessly to support, ensure members are taking adjunct professor of
and Inequality, and would
professionalize, and advance full advantage of their economics, with 25+ years
advocate for the Board to
the careers of language memberships, and most of professional experience
allocate financial resources
professionals in the U.S. recently, a guide to help in multiple countries. I’ve
to initiatives that support
and around the world. This new translators get their served on ATA’s Finance
our underrepresented
past year and a half was initial foothold in our and Audit Committee (FAC)
members and the
especially difficult for so exciting industry. since 2015, chairing it since
communities they serve.
many, and ATA was there to In addition to my work I became treasurer. The FAC
I’m grateful to be
lend support, guidance, for ATA, in 2018 I was oversees our finances and
considered for this position
and hope. nominated by ATA to ensures accurate financial
and hope to be able to serve
I’m a Mandarin>English serve on the Translatio reporting. I’m also the chair
you all as treasurer.
and ATA-certified Standing Committee of the of ATA’s Strategy Committee,
French>English translator International Federation which takes a step back
and copywriter based in of Translators (FIT), which Treasurer from day-to-day operations
Long Beach, California, I also currently chair. I Two-Year Term to examine longer-term
specializing in marketing, coordinate a team of a dozen trends in our profession and
corporate, and financial volunteers and suppliers
John Milan, CT help the Board of Directors
communications. to publish FIT’s quarterly john@milanlanguageservices.com make decisions about the
I started my freelance newsletter, Translatio, which ATA membership Association’s future.
career in 2013 after several features articles from FIT has been slowly My background includes a
years at a major language member associations around declining for over Master of Science in applied
services provider. I the world, including ATA. a decade, while microeconomics from Ohio
promptly joined the Nevada If elected treasurer, I conference attendance (even State University, where I was
Interpreters and Translators would work closely with before the pandemic) has a foreign-language fellow
Association (NITA) and the Finance and Audit trended smaller. These two specializing in Portuguese
quickly learned the value Committee and ATA's items—membership dues translation and linguistics. I
of association membership. in-house accountant, and the Annual Conference— also hold degrees in Spanish
In 2015, I was elected to financial advisor, and account for more than and international political
NITA’s board of directors auditors to ensure the 80% of our revenue. Since economy from Indiana
and named public relations solid financial foundation neither is growing, we need University, and I finished up
chair, a position I held until laid by my predecessors to continue to manage our my undergraduate studies
moving to California in 2019. is made even stronger, in finances prudently, making in Madrid, Spain, at the
I currently volunteer for full transparency, without sure that funds are optimally Institute of European Studies.
ATA in a variety of ways. I passing an undue financial allocated to serve members’ For 11 years, I lived in
serve as the editor of the burden onto ATA members. interests and objectives. Brazil, where I was on the
French Language Division’s My MBA and experience as Fortunately, the faculty of a university in
blog and as a member of a financial translator give Association is financially São Paulo, concomitantly
The ATA Chronicle Editorial me a solid background in sound in terms of its balance working as a freelance
Board, supporting efforts finance to convey ATA’s sheet, investments, and translator, interpreter,
to make sure ATA’s financial information to all strategic reserves. Good editor, and consultant.
magazine features relevant, ATA members effectively, governance and forward- Among other experience,
14 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2021 www.atanet.orgI was the financial range of media outlets, ATA as an organization,
administrator of a Director developed marketing pieces and the services that
nonprofit organization that Three-Year Term for buyers of translation members provide.
employed eight people with and interpreting (T&I)
Eve Bodeux, CT y Work actively in ATA’s
a $1 million budget, and services provided by ATA
eve@bodeuxinternational.com Advocacy Committee
I’ve run three businesses, members, and organized
Actively involved to help monitor laws,
one of which employed external events for ATA to
with ATA for over regulations, and policies
45 people and had a $3 promote its members. I’ve
20 years, I’m that affect translators and
million budget. also participated in advocacy
proud to have interpreters in the U.S. and
From 2009-2016, I efforts aimed at informing
served as an ATA director for abroad and help translators
served on the board of Congress and state and
the past three. It would be a and interpreters make their
the Carolina Association local officials about issues
privilege to serve a second voices heard.
of Translators and that matter to our members
Interpreters, ATA’s local term and help lead ATA as and affect their livelihoods. y Continue to actively engage
chapter in the Carolinas, we face the challenges and Successful advocacy takes with members to be able
as director, vice president, opportunities presented by action at all levels. to understand their needs
and president. During the changing conditions in I’ve been active in the and execute programs that
that time, we developed a our world and our profession. Divisions Committee (2015– will help them be successful
local mentoring program, I thank the Nominating and 2019) and in the Governance translators and interpreters.
expanded outreach efforts Leadership Development and Communications
It would be my honor to
to universities, held Committee for allowing me Committee (2018–2021),
continue to serve you and I
quarterly meetups for this opportunity. helping to evaluate ATA
thank you for your support.
translators and interpreters, I’m an ATA-certified policies and procedures and
updated and digitized French>English translator ensure efficient governance.
operating procedures, took specializing in international Past volunteer positions Director
the chapter paperless, development, corporate include having served as Three-Year Term
and, most significantly, communications, and tech newsletter editor and two
organized well-attended marketing. Throughout my terms as administrator of the Robin Bonthrone, CT
annual conferences in career, I’ve been committed French Language Division in rb@robinbonthrone.com
partnership with foreign- to professional associations addition to two terms as vice Being invited to
language and interpreter- and the value that they bring. president (and numerous run for a position
training programs in As a Board member, I’ve other positions) with on ATA’s Board
the region. served as chair of ATA’s the Colorado Translators of Directors is a
I’ve drawn on this Public Relations Committee Association, an ATA chapter. singular honor that not only
experience to make (2018–2021). My overarching The author of Maintaining acknowledges what you’ve
sure that ATA has a goal has been to inform the Your Second Language, a book already accomplished as
solid budget, sufficient public and media about the for language professionals, an active ATA member, but
funding, accurate financial importance of translators and I also co-founded and co- also underscores that your
statements, and an open interpreters in society. I’ve hosted the podcast Speaking peers think you’ve a lot
channel of communication focused on educating potential of Translation from 2008 more to give. That’s why
with the membership. buyers about the importance to 2021. I’m delighted to be asked
If re-elected treasurer, of using professional providers As an ATA director, in to be a candidate in this
I shall continue to seek and specifically about the addition to helping to year’s elections.
out areas to improve the value of using services execute the governing Despite the excitement
stewardship of ATA’s provided by ATA members. responsibilities of the about opening up again this
resources, ensuring I’ve been fortunate Board, I plan to: year, I think it’s important
that our Association to work with devoted y Assist the new Public to consider that our
remains financially committee members whose Relations Committee chair professions, and ATA itself,
sound, transparent, and efforts benefit all of ATA. and maintain a presence are moving into uncharted
duly audited. I’ve interfaced with the on the committee, waters. The challenges we
I look forward to national and regional media providing continuity face—for example, neural
this opportunity and to spotlight ATA and its and working on special machine translation, remote
am honored to be members, worked with projects. Public relations interpreting, the PRO Act
considered once again the ATA Writers Group to activities are important to and similar state legislation,
for this position. publish articles in a wide promoting T&I in general, and the pandemic-related
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 15economic disruption to reflected by my work to involved in the conference
target markets—are matched educate ATA members about planning committee of the
by concerns affecting ATA. federal funding programs Japanese Language Division
These concerns include the available to them during the (JLD) in 2014. I served as
steady shrinkage of our pandemic, in particular the division secretary in 2016,
member numbers, questions Paycheck Protection Program and I became the JLD
about the profitability of (PPP). As well as regular administrator in 2019. Much
future in-person events, updates on the Business has changed in the JLD since
and the need to realign the Practices listserv, I authored that first introduction.
Association and its support several versions of a Guide to Despite COVID heavily
structures to safeguard ATA’s PPP, which were published impacting my first year as
long-term future as the in The ATA Chronicle Online administrator, ATA61 served
national home for translators section of ATA’s website. as a catalyst for our current
and interpreters. I’m proud to have helped offering of division events.
I believe the wealth of many ATA members secure An online meetup during
experience I’ve accumulated financial assistance when ATA61 has grown into a
not only as a professional they needed it most. webinar series, roundtable
German>English financial- Finally, my position since discussion, and coffee hour,
legal translator for over January 2021 as president of with our division hosting
32 years, but also as an the Austin Area Translators more than 22 events. The JLD
active member of ATA’s and Interpreters Association has also collaborated with the
Professional Development has given me a ringside view Chinese and Korean Language
and Business Practices Divisions to jointly host
of nonprofit governance. I’ve
Education Committees—and future conference sessions,
gained an excellent insight
what I have learned as a webinars, or get-togethers.
into what it means to guide
member of the Finance and As the outgoing JLD
and support a diverse team of
Audit Committee—will make administrator, it’s an honor
volunteers, and my awareness
me a valuable team player on to be nominated to run for
of nonprofit challenges and
ATA’s Board of Directors. a position as an ATA Board
opportunities was broadened
I’m particularly proud of director. I’ve lived in Japan
and deepened by a virtual
the collective achievements from a young age as a non-
training event for nonprofit
of the Professional native bicultural resident. I’ve
board members I attended.
Development Committee made a living as an adult as
I’m asking you to vote
in 2020 and 2021, proving a minority interpreting in a
for me so I can help shape
how much a well-balanced, minority language. Thus, I’ve
the future of ATA in a fast-
diverse team of professionals had first-hand experience
changing world and work
can accomplish when they on the impact of diversity
with fellow Board members
share the same objectives, and bicultural experiences,
to advance the interests of all
enthusiasm, and motivation. while gaining proficiency in
of our members.
We’ve helped make ATA a my heritage culture, as well
global leader when it comes as of the culture of Japan,
to high-value, affordable, Director where I settled. It’s my
deepest hope to bring more
online continuing education, Three-Year Term awareness and appreciation
and I firmly believe that
encouraging ATA members Céline Browning to the diversity within the
to be subject area specialists celine@fitincservices.com various divisions of ATA.
with wide-ranging business I remember
knowledge and “soft” vividly the pure Goals
skills—and supporting them passion and y Outreach to educate
across all stages of their excitement clients on our professional
professional journey—is emanating from the standards and values,
probably ATA’s most critical attendees at my first ATA especially in the new
mission in the coming years. Annual Conference in 2012. post-pandemic normal, by
My commitment to ATA Soon after becoming an serving on the Advocacy or
and its members is also ATA member, I became Standards Committee.
16 The ATA Chronicle | September/October 2021 www.atanet.orgy Creating more cross- and interpreters within schools, three junior high for our profession to deal
collaboration within ATA’s the U.S. small-business schools, and two high with these changing and
divisions by serving on the community, bringing schools before graduating challenging times. As an
Divisions Committee. recognition where linguists from Tokyo’s Sophia association professionally
are underrepresent. University with a BA in representing global
y Serving on the
Interpretation Policy English literature. I learned languages and cultures, we
If elected, I hope to bring
Advisory Committee to make friends everywhere are in a unique position to
more equality, visibility, and
to work to prevent the I went to school, a trait help the U.S. understand
appreciation to language
exploitation of interpreters that became invaluable and appreciate the diversity
professionals. I believe
in the new-normal of the for networking later in that makes our country
my background is ideally
post-pandemic world. life. After working as an strong. I hope to help ATA
suited to maintaining and
Some of the impacts have English-language journalist in that role, both within and
fostering organizational
included price cuts of in Tokyo, I transitioned to beyond the Association.
resilience through nurturing
normal fees and unrealistic being a Japanese>English
collaboration and in-depth
expectations on working translator in the U.S.,
communication.
hours and conditions. being ATA-certified in that Director
direction as soon as I joined Three-Year Term
Education: I attended Director the Association. Now that
Meghan Konkol, CT
the Japanese obligatory Three-Year Term my children are grown, I’ve
meghan@fr-en.com
education system from been working primarily as
elementary through
Manako Ihaya, CT an interpreter, traveling I appreciate the
middle school as the only
manako@ihaya.org wherever my assignments opportunity to
This is my take me. I also act as an continue serving
non-native Japanese in
second year agency when I have large on ATA’s Board
my school. I returned
running for projects that require of Directors. Since joining the
to Japan for university
ATA’s Board of multiple translators Board in 2018, I’ve had the
studies in international
Directors. While I’m honored and interpreters. privilege of serving alongside
relations with an emphasis
once again to be nominated, At ATA, I made use of truly remarkable hard-
on human rights. I then
I also know that it’s a tough my experience as a staff working colleagues, and I
obtained a master’s degree
election, with half of us editor and writer at The look forward to continuing
in intercultural conflict
guaranteed to lose. So why Japan Times Weekly to serve this work if re-elected.
management in Germany. I
am I taking the risk again? as the editor of the JLD Over the past three years,
next attended the Middlebury
Institute of International Simple: because I want to Times, the newsletter of the issues we’ve addressed
Studies at Monterey, where I help make the Association ATA’s Japanese Language on the Board have covered a
received a master’s degree in that helped me make it here Division, when it was number of big-picture items
conference interpreting. in the U.S. even better. still in print form. I’ve for the Association, including
I joined ATA in 1999 as a also been involved in the membership structure and
mother of four, soon-to-be Certification Program, benefits, certification, and
Professional Experience:
I’ve worked primarily in the divorced, four years after serving as a grader for advocacy efforts. Serving
private sector, including immigrating to the U.S. I the Japanese>English on the Board has allowed
interpreting for the tidying- was determined to make certification exam since me to directly impact how
queen Marie Kondo. I’m a living for myself and my 2008 and as language chair ATA supports professional
also a contract conference children, and it was ATA’s since 2019. In addition to translators and interpreters
interpreter with the U.S. Certification Program and ATA, I became a member and educates the public
Department of State. I have network of fellow freelancers of the Japan Association about our skills and services.
experience with remote that provided me with the of Translators and was on Now more than ever,
simultaneous interpreting, confidence, legitimacy, and the board of directors from it’s essential that we keep
working in that mode since reassurance to forge ahead, 2006-2010, serving as our eyes and minds open
2018 and presenting at building my business as a president for two years. so we can respond swiftly
conferences on the topic. As professional translator, and If elected, I hope to help and effectively to change—
a member of the leadership later, interpreter. lead ATA to be not only the whether it’s learning
council of the National Small I grew up uniquely reassuring presence it was new skills, adapting to
Business Association, I’ll bilingual, moving around in for me when I joined, but emerging technologies, or
use my seat to advocate for Japan and the U.S. attending also a powerful advocate advocating for recognition
opportunities for translators a total of five elementary and a provider of tools of our professions. If re-
www.ata-chronicle.online American Translators Association 17You can also read
