The NYCT Gotham had a conversation with our newly elected Secretary Lisa M. Rodriguez about the industry and the NYCT. Below are the answers to some of the questions posed to her.
What do you hope to hope to accomplish during your tenure on the Board?
L.R. Most of all I would like to be helpful. I’ve been translating since 2011 and the ATA and NYCT have given me an enormous amount of help. I’d like to give back, whether that means preparing the minutes of our Board meetings, proctoring the ATA certification exam, helping at meetings and workshops or just making newcomers and others feel welcome and included in the Circle. The quality of the NYCT meetings and workshops is very high. The Literary workshop is one that certainly stands out.
What do you feel are the most pressing needs for the Circle?
L.R. The Circle needs to continue to have active meetings. The November 2015 meeting was filled to capacity. It was standing room only. The biggest issue at that time was getting enough chairs for everyone. All meetings should have that problem.
What do you feel is the most pressing issue for the industry in general?
L.R. Good professional development comes to mind. I’ve worked in two other industries, and I believe that new translators have access to excellent support from associations, professional development classes and experienced colleagues-much more than what new professionals receive in some other fields.
How did you come to the industry?
L.R. I started as a teacher. I taught in Spain for 16 years. When I returned to the States I found myself in financial services. After my job moved to the west coast, I completed the NYU program and transitioned into translating. The NYU program was very helpful. It was the perfect program for me.
What hidden talent do you have?
L.R. Well it’s not so much a talent but I am a big fan of audio books and podcasts. Right now I’m listening to an audio book by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. It’s the autobiography of a woman originally from Somalia. The author reads it herself which makes it quite poignant. Last week I listened to Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Supreme Court Justice.
