by William Giller
The goal of the NCTA Member Spotlight is to showcase our association’s diverse and multitalented members. Up next: current Newsflash Coordinator Carmen Gonzalez
1. When did you first join the NCTA?
I’ve been a member for a long time! I joined NCTA in 2004.
2. What motivated you to stay an NCTA member?
I liked the fact that it was a small group, and I felt welcome from the first moment I went to an event. I remember one time we met at the Mechanic’s Institute Library in San Francisco. I would have never visited that place, so I thought NCTA held gatherings at very interesting locations.
3. Are you more of a translator? Interpreter? Both?
I am both. I currently do 75% interpreting and 25% translating. I am trying to translate more in the future.
4. What is your language pair?
I am a Spanish interpreter/translator.
5. Care to share a memorable professional anecdote?
What I find memorable about being a freelance interpreter/translator is meeting so many different people and visiting new places. My interpreting assignments through agencies take place in the cities around the San Francisco Bay Area. If I had chosen an office job that I worked from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, I wouldn’t have gone to all those cities. I really like this career and the chance to have a work schedule like I do.
6. What is something notable you have learned from an NCTA meeting or colleague?
I started volunteering as the NCTA Newsflash Coordinator about a year ago. I had to learn how to use a market automation platform, and I didn’t have any idea how to do it. I had a wonderful teacher: Carola Berger. She was not only the NCTA’s previous coordinator, but she is very knowledgeable about robotics, electronics, and many other sciences. I appreciate her guidance and coaching very much.
7. What do you think the biggest challenge our industry faces today?
If I must describe it in one word, I would say it is uncertainty. Not knowing what’s going to happen with our jobs because of AI. Not knowing how the changes in language access policies for federal agencies could significantly affect the demand for interpreters and translators. We have been talking about those subjects very often this year.
8. Outside of work, what can you be found doing?
When I have some time, I enjoy reading and watching movies. Whenever I can, I go to the library and spend some time there. I don’t go to the movie theater too often, but I have found wonderful movies to watch on YouTube. I also love to play traditional or online puzzles.