Qualifications
Overview:
I have been a full-time French translator for over a decade. I speak, read and write French fluently in all registers at all levels of discourse, from slang and casual to professional and formal. I have lived and worked in French-speaking regions on three continents – in Québec City, Canada; in Paris and Bordeaux, France; and in several towns in Tunisia. Overall, I have over thirty years of academic and professional experience working in the French language.
I am uniquely qualified because, in addition to my professional certification and training in translating and interpreting, I have a master's degree in French as well as previous work experience in the legal, banking, and humanitarian fields. Furthermore, I have researched and written extensively in both French and English on many aspects within my areas of expertise, among others.
My related professional experience:
I have previous experience working in a patent law firm, a medical malpractice law firm, and in the operations department of a national bank and trust. I had the opportunity to participate in an internship at the nonprofit humanitarian organization France Terre D'Asile while living in Paris, where I guided refugees and asylum seekers in navigating the legal, health care, and educational institutions in France. I have also taught French as a second language.
I was afforded the chance to spend several months doing independent research in Tunisia where I studied the agricultural practices of the rural Maghreb. I was able to compare these practices with the practices I observed growing up on my own family's farm in the American Midwest. I also have done extensive research on health, food and nutrition.
My education and training:
I am certified by the American Translators Association. I obtained an Advanced Certificate in Translation Studies from the University of Chicago. Through this program, I was trained to translate legal, financial, international development, and medical documents, among others. Additionally, I have been trained as an interpreter.
I hold a Master of Professional French Studies from the University of Wisconsin, where I focused on law and international development. I integrated my undergraduate study in anthropology to do extensive research, reading, and writing in both French and English on aspects of humanitarian aid, health care, sustainable development, sustainable agriculture, women's rights, human rights, human trafficking, and immigration.
My professional memberships and my commitment to continuing professional development:
I remain informed about my areas of specialization and interests as well as the latest news in our profession. I regularly attend professional conferences, meetings, webinars and continuing professional development events throughout the year. I am a voting member of the American Translators Association (ATA), MATI, and ACES: The Society for Editing, and I am listed in their directories. I also maintain a professional profile on LinkedIn. I currently serve on the ATA Ethics Committee and I formerly served on the MATI (the Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters) Board of Directors.
I have been a full-time French translator for over a decade. I speak, read and write French fluently in all registers at all levels of discourse, from slang and casual to professional and formal. I have lived and worked in French-speaking regions on three continents – in Québec City, Canada; in Paris and Bordeaux, France; and in several towns in Tunisia. Overall, I have over thirty years of academic and professional experience working in the French language.
I am uniquely qualified because, in addition to my professional certification and training in translating and interpreting, I have a master's degree in French as well as previous work experience in the legal, banking, and humanitarian fields. Furthermore, I have researched and written extensively in both French and English on many aspects within my areas of expertise, among others.
My related professional experience:
I have previous experience working in a patent law firm, a medical malpractice law firm, and in the operations department of a national bank and trust. I had the opportunity to participate in an internship at the nonprofit humanitarian organization France Terre D'Asile while living in Paris, where I guided refugees and asylum seekers in navigating the legal, health care, and educational institutions in France. I have also taught French as a second language.
I was afforded the chance to spend several months doing independent research in Tunisia where I studied the agricultural practices of the rural Maghreb. I was able to compare these practices with the practices I observed growing up on my own family's farm in the American Midwest. I also have done extensive research on health, food and nutrition.
My education and training:
I am certified by the American Translators Association. I obtained an Advanced Certificate in Translation Studies from the University of Chicago. Through this program, I was trained to translate legal, financial, international development, and medical documents, among others. Additionally, I have been trained as an interpreter.
I hold a Master of Professional French Studies from the University of Wisconsin, where I focused on law and international development. I integrated my undergraduate study in anthropology to do extensive research, reading, and writing in both French and English on aspects of humanitarian aid, health care, sustainable development, sustainable agriculture, women's rights, human rights, human trafficking, and immigration.
My professional memberships and my commitment to continuing professional development:
I remain informed about my areas of specialization and interests as well as the latest news in our profession. I regularly attend professional conferences, meetings, webinars and continuing professional development events throughout the year. I am a voting member of the American Translators Association (ATA), MATI, and ACES: The Society for Editing, and I am listed in their directories. I also maintain a professional profile on LinkedIn. I currently serve on the ATA Ethics Committee and I formerly served on the MATI (the Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters) Board of Directors.