It’s that time of year again when we vote for our new leadership. Please read over the candidate statements for the Board positions mentioned below and make your voice heard by mailing in your ballot. The New York Circle thrives because of the efforts of you, our members, and our dedicated Board of directors.
CANDIDATE FOR SECRETARY: MATT GOLDSTEIN
Matt is currently serving as the Secretary on the NYCT Board. During his term he took on a leading role in redesigning the new website, helping to make it a more user-friendly experience for our membership. He has been a freelance French to English translator and editor for the past ten years, and prior to working in translation, worked as a writer and editor in the non-profit and pharmaceutical sectors. Matt loves the arts, particularly the theater, exploring NYC, travel, and learning languages. He is a 14 year resident of Washington Heights. Matt is running for re-election to continue his work to expand the Circle’s relationships and communications with the greater language services community in order to further support and develop our members’ careers in our constantly changing field.
CANDIDATES FOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR (VOTE FOR ONE):
ALEXIA KLEIN:
When I joined the New York Circle of Translators years ago, I had just finished my formal training as a translator, and the NYCT took on a crucial role in my professional development – it allowed me to form relationships, understand the intricacies of the profession, and learn a path to become the professional I wanted to be.
A few years ago, I was invited to run for the role of Secretary for the 2018-2019 term, a period when I had the privilege to contribute with the other dedicated board members on many activities that span beyond the attributions of the Secretary role. I can say that this experience has made me more appreciative of the organization and has given me a good grasp of the challenges the Circle faces.
I also understand that given the current and unprecedented events that have swept the world recently, the challenges we face at the Circle will be more significant than they were before. Still, I believe this is another reason to keep this organization afloat and strong, serving its vital role as a place of support and encouragement. That is why as Project Director, I will do my best to keep the NYCT tradition of providing consistently good lectures and opportunities for New York-based translators to come together, form meaningful relations, feel inspired and uplifted, and feel that they belong to a community.
CATHERINE LEWI:
I would be honored to be named NYCT’s Program Director and follow in Serene Su’s footsteps to organize and promote virtual and onsite monthly events, in collaboration with fellow members of the NYCT board. I will welcome any opportunities proposed by our members.
After this pandemic period where most encounters could happen mostly online, we all need to reconnect even more in-person, whenever possible, and to deepen our connections with other language professionals and organizations. We all thrive to learn from each other and from experts in their field, to broaden our views and to constantly keep the collaboration and the creativity alive.
I was born and raised in France where I worked as an export manager in international trade before starting my expatriate life. I have lived and worked in Germany, Geneva and Israel and since 1996 in the USA. After 20 years in California, I have been enjoying my life in New York City for the last five years.
I completed my Masters in Translation (English, German, French) in France and became an ATA-certified English into French translator in 1997. Upon completion of an intensive course at UCSD Extension, I became an ABA-Approved Paralegal though I did not have the opportunity to work in a law office. As a freelance translator, I specialize in legal, technical, business, software localization and tourism. I have worked in-house at LSPs and on the client side for many years as project manager, software localizer, CAT-tool trainer and now fully employed as senior account manager in New York. I have enjoyed several ATA conferences and attended some NYCT events.
In my free time, I enjoy movies, performing arts, museums, dancing, music of all kinds, singing in a choir, and traveling.
I would like to thank the board for considering my application and assure you of my commitment to serve the NYCT members and get more involved and proactive in our language community.
CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER: SEPIDEH MOUSSAVI
My name is Sepideh Moussavi and I am a Farsi translator and interpreter. I began my linguistic
career 33 years ago with translation and interpretation of Farsi to and from French and English
for companies in Iran, my native country. I moved to the US in 1992, to continue my studies. At
the same time I worked as a translator and interpreter at schools, healthcare facilities and
Universities. I moved to New York City about 12 years ago and founded my own translation
practice where I interpreted for TV news channels such as MSNBC, the Asia Society, and the
Federal and New York State courts systems, among others. I have translated memoirs, articles,
and publishing materials for individuals, museums, and universities. In 2016, in addition to my
translation and interpretation work, I began providing language coaching, subject matter
expertise and consulting services.
I am a member of the American Translators Association (ATA) and the former Chairperson and
founder of the ATA’s Farsi Workgroup that continues working to create the Association’s very
first Farsi certification program by establishing the Farsi to English language pair. I joined the
New York Circle of Translators because I appreciate everything the Circle has to offer and in
particular its support for the translators in the City. I am currently serving as the treasurer on
the Board of Directors of the Circle. I am honored to be able to run for the Treasurer’s second
term.
My finance and accounting experience began while I was studying at California State
University, Northridge (CSUN) to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. After graduation I
continued studies and obtained a Master’s degree in Health Administration. In the early 2000’s,
I worked in financial management at Mission Community Hospital in Los Angles County and
one of UCLA’s free clinics, Venice Family Clinic. Hence I have extensive experience in not-for profit
financial management and accounting. If elected, I hope to collaborate with the President and the Board
of NYCT to make sure the organization’s financial management and oversight are done properly,
its financial records are maintained and that the Circle’s financial goals are reached
VOTING PROCEDURE:
To vote for your candidates, please print out and mail the NYCT 2021 Election Ballot contained in this edition of the Gotham. You may also print the ballot, fill it out, scan it and send it as an email to nycirclemanager14@gmail.com.
