Congratulations, Spring Class of 2022!

On August 27th, Found in Translation held the program celebration for our most recent class of medical interpreters – the Spring Class of 2022! Having completed the certificate training, these women are now ready to take the next step in their careers and begin working as professional interpreters. Like the class this year, this event was once again held on Zoom – making it possible for guests to tune in from anywhere to join the festivities.

We are so proud of each and every one of our newest alumnae! Completing the medical interpreter certificate training is a momentous achievement, but it is also only the beginning. For the Spring Class of 2022, their Medical Interpreting Certificate is a ticket to an exciting new career path, and our team and community is here to support them with everything that they need to thrive as an interpreter – not just now, but for years to come.

Thank you to everyone in our community who have supported (and will continue to support) these women as they progress in their professional journeys and provide critical language access at a time when it is needed more than ever.

Excerpt from our Spring Class of 2022 Graduate Speaker, Adeeba Shah:

“Last year as a result of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan many Afghans have been evacuated and relocated to the United States. This was a very difficult time for me and my family…Despite the distress and concern for my family, when I heard that Afghan refugees are being relocated to Greater Boston, I volunteered my time and helped them however I could.  These families faced so many hardships upon their arrival. One of the main challenges was not being able to communicate and understand those around them. So many families needed interpreters, especially female interpreters for women when they had their OBGYN appointments. I would try to interpret for them but unfortunately, due to HIPAA and confidentiality policies, I was not allowed to do it. That is when I decided to become a professional medical interpreter. 

I learned about Found In Translation and I was fortunate to be accepted to the program for Spring Class of 2022. I have received a tremendous amount of support from the entire staff. The entire community consists of women who are supporting each other. They are amazing and they are doing a terrific job. My life has changed in so many ways…The program is very rigorous and being a working mother, it was not easy but with the support of the program, I was able to achieve my goal of becoming a professional medical interpreter. I found a tremendous amount of encouragement, opportunity, and hope for a better future and to be a better version of myself. The skills I have gained at the program will enable me to contribute to my community in a positive way. I appreciate all that [Found in Translation does]: changing the lives of so many hard-working women, providing them the opportunity for a new career and a better life. I am honored to be a part of [this] program.”