Around 100 language professionals from inside and outside Orange County gathered on Monday at the OCDE-hosted International Translation Day celebration, which aimed to honor the work of both translators and interpreters across various fields.
Organized by OCDE Language Services Program Specialist Natalia Abarca, the event featured breakfast and beverages and was highlighted by conference interpreter Daniel Tamayo, owner and chief interpreter and translator at Globaltradu Language Services. The commemoration also served as a precursor to OCDE’s annual Interpreters and Translators Conference, set to begin on Thursday, Oct. 3.
“Today, we honor the vital role that translators play in bridging cultures, fostering understanding and promoting global communication,” Abarca said. “Together, let’s appreciate the art of translation and the incredible individuals behind it.”
Attendees included representatives from 17 Orange County school districts, along with participants from multiple surrounding districts, county offices of education and freelance language professionals from various sectors.
Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean opened the event by explaining the crucial role interpreters and translators play in the education of English Language learners. He underlined how the confidence they instill in students can often significantly shape their educational experience.
After, guest speaker Daniel Tamayo emphasized the theme of growth through challenges, sharing multiple personal anecdotes as evidence. Following his presentation, Tamayo hosted a Q&A session to provide guidance, drawing on his 20 years of experience in translating and interpreting between English and Spanish.
Further information and resources will be available at the Interpreters and Translators Conference, which will focus on language access, education and artificial intelligence.
For additional information concerning conference content, contact Natalia Abarca at nabarca@ocde.us. For questions regarding registration, contact Brianna Gomez at eventsandpartnerships@ocde.us.