Navigating Language Competency as Heritage Speakers with Gabriela Siebach

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing a very special guest who was once a cryptologic linguist in the military and an interpreter in educational settings, but her experience doesn't stop there.Today's guest shares her inspiring story of growing up in Houston, Texas, and how she discovered her passion for language. She also discusses the challenges and importance of professionalizing the interpreting and translating industry, particularly in educational settings.One of the highlights of today's episode is when our guest emphasizes the need for clear standards and empirical data to support the experiences of those in the field. This is a crucial topic that is often overlooked, and our guest provides valuable insights and recommendations for new language professionals entering the industry.Gabriela Siebach, Director of Interpreting Services at Cesco Linguistic Services and Adjunct Professor at UMass - Amherst, has accumulated more than 15 years of professional experience as a linguist, interpreter, translator, trainer, coach, and mentor. She has spearheaded the development of multiple training and assessment programs throughout her career. Gabriela holds a graduate degree in Spanish translation and interpretation from the world-renowned Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. A former Board member of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (2019-2021), she currently leads various Council initiatives as Chair of the Policy, Education & Research Committee. Gabriela also Co-chairs the American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education Job Task Analysis Committee and is a member of the Carolina Association of Translators and Interpreters, American Translators Association, National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators, and ASTM.Tune in! Only on the podcast that shares your stories about our profession. Brand the Interpreter!-------------------------------------------Connect with Gabriela  SiebachLinkedInBlogDownload the Report: What Employers are Looking ForParticipate in the Research Study:  Job Task Analysis Online Survey - Translation and Interpreting Professionals Share your thoughts about this episode! Support the showThanks for tuning in, till next time! 👋Connect with Mireya Pérez, Hostwww.brandtheinterpreter.comFacebookLinkedInInstagram