In 2017, I passed the ATA certification exam in the English into Spanish pair. I took the computerized version of the test, so I brought my MacBook to the test site. Since my desk didn't have an outlet to plug my laptop, I asked the person to my left if I could use one of her additional outlets.
That person was María Luisa Ortega Hernández, Ph.D. She is a writer and educator that currently works as a Teaching Associate Professor of Spanish at DePaul University, where she is also a coordinator of the Coordinator of Spanish for the Professions.
María Luisa and I have been in touch after learning that the ATA Chronicle published that we had both passed the ATA certification exam. Last year, she asked me to be part of a workshop on Translation and Interpretation at DePaul University. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend as the event coincided with my vacation to Israel.
I'm very grateful to María Luisa and the Department of Modern Languages of DePaul University for inviting me to this year's edition of the workshop:
Since the topic will deal with community service and network engagement, I will talk about my pro-bono work. Two years ago, I discussed this topic in my article To Test Or Not To Test.
As a Jewish individual that believes in the obligation of tzedakah, I choose to do pro-bono work. For instance, I like to volunteer as a translator and proofreader for humanitarian, development, and non-profit organizations through Translators Without Borders.
Additionally, I believe in giving back to my profession. That's why I'm an active member of some associations, including the ATA. One of my contributions included reading and evaluating several literary translations of books that were submitted for the 2018 Lewis Galantière Award.
I look forward to this event, and I hope to see you there!