Honoring the Past
Embracing the Present
Inspiring the Future

10th Annual OHCIA Conference

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Join us in celebrating the incredible semifinalists for the 2025 OHCIA Interpreter of the Year Award.

Each nominee has shown up with dedication, compassion, and professionalism. They help ensure language is not a barrier to quality health care. These individuals exemplify the spirit of service and the power of communication in building health equity across communities.

  • Atomic Adams has served Oregon’s Spanish-speaking community for over a decade, including three years at OHSU, where he’s known for his compassion, advocacy, and professionalism. In late 2024, he supported a terminally ill patient and their family with extraordinary care—showing up daily, ensuring clear communication, and offering unwavering emotional support. His dedication went far beyond interpreting; he became a trusted presence, even helping the patient’s family reunite before their final goodbye. Atomic’s empathy and tireless commitment earned him an OHSU Rose Award nomination and the deep admiration of all who work with him.

    He truly embodies the spirit of the 2025 Interpreter of the Year Award.

  • Danlu is a health care interpreter who is committed to moving the profession forward through research and teaching. She is a new interpreter who obtained her state credentials last year after completing our training, and is already seeking leadership opportunities, including presenting at our conference and pursuing graduate research on AI in the interpreting field--an important area given the potential impact on patient well-being.

  • Cheryl is an exceptionally caring individual who is deeply committed to providing the best possible service to her community. Her dedication goes beyond simply fulfilling her duties—she is passionate about ensuring that every person she serves receives the highest level of care and respect. Cheryl actively engages with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, making it a priority to understand their unique needs and challenges. She is consistently involved in various community activities, always striving to foster inclusion and accessibility for all.

  • This interpreter is an exceptional professional who consistently goes above and beyond in their work. They are deeply committed to improving their skills and staying current with industry standards, always striving to enhance their interpreting abilities. One of their greatest strengths is their dedication to ensuring true informed consent, recognizing the crucial role that clear and accurate communication plays in the healthcare process. They make it a priority to ensure that patients fully understand the information being shared, empowering them to make well-informed decisions about their care. Through their attention to detail, commitment to professional growth, and unwavering focus on patient advocacy, this interpreter demonstrates a level of excellence that is truly commendable.

  • Diana consistently goes above and beyond in her commitment to providing quality interpreting services. She is always willing to step in and help whenever needed, demonstrating a remarkable level of dedication and compassion. One clear example of this is her willingness to travel beyond her usual route—often driving out of her way to reach clients in rural or underserved areas. Her actions reflect not only her strong work ethic but also her deep sense of responsibility to ensure that every client, regardless of location, has access to the language support they need. This level of commitment truly sets her apart and makes her an invaluable part of the team.

  • Due to her exceptional professionalism and thorough understanding of the interpreter’s role, she consistently demonstrates integrity, accuracy, and respect in every interaction. Her deep knowledge of the responsibilities and boundaries of interpreting allows her to navigate complex situations with clarity and confidence, ensuring effective communication and upholding the highest ethical standards.

  • Dulce demonstrates a profound dedication to her community, consistently going above and beyond to make a positive impact. She not only cares deeply about the individuals she serves, but she also strives to represent the interpreting profession with the utmost professionalism and integrity. Her commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of her work, as she consistently seeks opportunities to improve her skills and knowledge, ensuring she is always providing the highest quality service.

  • Godelia consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care. She is known for her reliability—always arriving early and presenting herself with professionalism and poise. Her commitment to ongoing learning is evident in the way she stays up to date with her Continuing Education Units (CEUs), reflecting her dedication to excellence in the field of interpreting.Godelia is also highly respected and appreciated by clinic staff across various locations. Her strong work ethic, respectful demeanor, and collaborative spirit make her not only a trusted professional but also a pleasure to work with. Her ability to balance professionalism with approachability makes her a standout interpreter and a valued member of any care team.

  • This interpreter consistently advocates for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP), going above and beyond to ensure they receive the care and communication support they need in healthcare settings. They are deeply committed to representing the interpreting profession with integrity, always dressing appropriately and conducting themselves with the utmost professionalism. In addition to staying current with continuing education, they actively study cultural inequities and diversity to better understand cultural norms, idioms, and the experiences of the communities they serve. Their dedication to both professional growth and equitable care makes them an invaluable asset.

  • Hector is an outstanding role model for interpreters, embodying professionalism, accuracy, ethics, and integrity in everything he does. His vast knowledge and expertise, particularly in simultaneous interpretation, set him apart as one of the best in the field. Beyond his technical skills, Hector is deeply compassionate, always striving to help patients feel understood and supported. He generously shares his knowledge with fellow interpreters, offering guidance and mentorship while creating a positive, collaborative work environment. His passion for his work, combined with his warm and approachable demeanor, makes him not only a skilled interpreter but also a trusted and valued colleague who inspires confidence and joy in those around him.

  • We are proud to nominate Jacquie for the 2025 Health Care Interpreter of the Year award, recognizing her nearly two decades of exceptional service at Mosaic Community Health. Starting her career in patient services and becoming the organization’s first full-time staff interpreter in 2010, Jacquie has exemplified professionalism, dedication, and leadership. She was one of Oregon’s first certified healthcare interpreters and is deeply committed to the professionalization of the field, training over 50 staff members and creating valuable resources to support bilingual staff and interpreters. Jacquie’s work extends beyond interpreting; she advocates for language justice, develops internal translation workflows, and leads extensive training programs for staff. Her compassion, mentorship, and impact on patient care and the broader community make her an invaluable asset to Mosaic and a true leader in the interpreting field. We are grateful for her ongoing contributions and wholeheartedly support her nomination.

  • LaDonna is our agency's most requested interpreter because she has served the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community with care, excellence, and professionalism for decades. She has gained the respect and trust of this community because she brings both incredible interpreting and language skills and high standards for following ethics in a wide variety of community interpreting settings. Whether serving individuals with low vision, atypical language use, intellectual disabilities, or other barriers, Ladonna always conveys a keen sense of value, respect, empowerment, and understanding despite the variety of barriers. Her clients have reported again and again how she has been such a valuable ally in breaking down barriers, getting the care they need, and accessing understanding of their treatment plans and health. Team interpreters have repeatedly reported that she is an outstanding supportive partner to work with and as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), she is a beautiful language model with an intrinsic understanding of the language and culture that enriches their work every time they have the opportunity to team with her.

  • Working with Kanar is a true pleasure. She recognized a need in her community and took it upon herself to make a difference by becoming a certified interpreter. Through hard work and determination, she earned her place on the registry and has since become highly respected and sought after in the Benton County area. Her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving others make her an invaluable asset to both her community and the interpreting field.

  • Laura consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to patient care in every aspect of her work. Her compassion and attentiveness ensure that patients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their healthcare experience. She is also known for her punctuality and dependability, always arriving on time and fully prepared to contribute to a smooth and effective communication process. In addition to her strong work ethic, Laura is dedicated to continuous improvement. She actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally, regularly enrolling in classes and training sessions to enhance her skills and stay current with best practices in the interpreting field. Her ongoing efforts to improve reflect not only her passion for the profession but also her desire to provide the best possible service to both patients and providers.

  • Madonna is a dedicated and compassionate interpreter who is always willing to support her community. She approaches her work with professionalism, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. Known for her caring nature and reliability, she creates a welcoming and respectful environment for those she serves. Madonna is also committed to continuous growth, consistently working to improve her skills and stay current in the field. Her dedication makes her a valuable asset to both her team and the community.

  • Manes consistently demonstrates a strong willingness to grow professionally and support those around him. He actively seeks opportunities to improve his skills and expand his knowledge, showing a genuine commitment to excellence in his work as an interpreter. Whether it's through continuing education or learning from real-world experiences, Manes approaches his role with humility and a desire to continually do better. In addition to his personal dedication to growth, Manes is always ready to lend a helping hand. He is approachable, patient, and generous with his time—whether assisting a fellow interpreter with a challenging situation or answering a patient's questions to ensure they feel informed and at ease. His supportive nature and collaborative spirit make him a trusted colleague and a valuable asset to any care team.

  • Luz stands out for her dedication to professional growth and ethical excellence. She is a certified healthcare interpreter and is now pursuing court interpreter credentials, all while mentoring and supporting new interpreters. Her volunteer work with Oregon Interpreters in Action highlights her commitment to advancing the profession, and her recent appointment to a Rules Advisory Committee reflects her leadership and dedication to ensuring that interpreting standards protect both interpreters and the communities they serve.

  • Max brings a strong background in teaching to the interpreting profession, giving him valuable experience in connecting with and understanding the community. His language skills are exceptional, and his work ethic is unmatched. Max’s dedication and professionalism have earned him a reputation as one of the most requested interpreters in the field, consistently delivering high-quality service with empathy and precision.

  • Marisol Lopez is an outstanding candidate for this award, exemplifying professionalism, integrity, and excellence in her role as a Qualified Spanish Healthcare Interpreter with the State of Oregon. She is known for her calm and respectful demeanor, strong understanding of interpreter ethics, and ability to navigate complex medical situations with skill and compassion. Marisol is deeply committed to patient safety, ensuring clear communication between providers and LEP patients. She actively pursues continued education, including court certification, and mentors fellow interpreters, contributing to the growth and professionalism of the field. Her dedication to equitable care and lifelong learning makes her a valuable asset to both her community and the interpreting profession.

  • Melissa is a highly professional and respected interpreter, known for her exceptional skills and dedication to her work. She is in high demand, with many patients and clients specifically requesting her by name because they feel truly seen and heard during their interactions. Meissa has earned this trust through her ability to foster clear, compassionate communication, while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. Her attention to detail and cultural sensitivity make her a standout in the field.

  • Patrick is a dedicated and hardworking interpreter who consistently takes on complex assignments with a positive and professional attitude. He is always eager to learn and grow, approaching each new challenge as an opportunity to expand his skills. His professionalism and reliability have earned him the respect and appreciation of both clients and colleagues, making him a trusted and valued member of the team.

  • Rebecca has volunteered her interpreting services since 2014 in settings such as legal, hospital, tax preparation and also at a Buddhist Center. Her dedication to assisting her community came from personal experience and the realization that there were virtually no interpreters to assist her when she arrived in this country back in 1995 and she needed an interpreter. Since she was recruited in 2022, she has successfully completed her training and received her state Qualification back in 2023. She is always present during interpreter engagements and events. Graceful and lovely Rebecca is model interpreter whose integrity and dedication is always evident.

  • I met Rose while volunteering at the Salem Free Clinic, and it was immediately clear that she has a genuine heart for service. She became an interpreter not for recognition, but out of a deep desire to serve her community. Her compassion, dedication, and professionalism are evident in everything she does.Rose takes her role seriously, always striving for accuracy, ethical integrity, and cultural sensitivity. She is committed to continuous learning and consistently provides high-quality support to both patients and providers. Rose is a true asset—not only to our team but to the entire community she serves with such care and commitment.

  • Sisako may be a newer interpreter, but she has already made a meaningful impact in her community. Recognizing a need, she took the initiative to pursue interpreter training through the OHCIA scholarship program and has since become a dependable and compassionate professional. Now, she’s giving back by helping to train new interpreters and generously sharing the knowledge she’s gained. Her dedication, reliability, and caring nature make her a valued member of our team, and we are truly grateful to work alongside her.

  • Ryan has worked in Language Access since 2016 and has been a certified medical interpreter since 2017. He is also the program coordinator for OSU's OHA approved Interpreter Training Program. He is a key staff interpreter at Linguava Interpreters, and assists with communication between our top clients and our agency. He is always willing to assist his team with questions regarding training or the certification process. A great team player whose humility and dedication to his craft is evident every single day.

  • Tinh is a highly skilled and dedicated interpreter who works diligently to provide exceptional service. She consistently strives to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism in every assignment. Tinh is also deeply committed to representing her community with respect and empathy, understanding the significance of her role in fostering clear communication and supporting those she serves. Her dedication and professionalism make her a trusted and respected interpreter.

  • Valeria has been interpreting for 20 years with various agencies. She is NBCMI certified and also is the trainer for Linguava's OHA approved 60 hour training. She not only trains, mentors, and shadows new interpreters to ensure that they are highly skilled and effective interpreters, but her passion and dedication is evident every single day. Her students admire her and she is well known amongst not only interpreters, but also staff with our clients. She is a true professional who deserves recognition for her commitment to excellence in this industry.

  • I am proud to nominate Veronica Ledbetter for Best Health Care Interpreter of the Year. She consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and compassion, ensuring clear, accurate, and respectful communication between patients and providers. With a deep understanding of her role and a commitment to healthcare ethics, Veronica excels in even the most challenging situations, offering both linguistic expertise and emotional support. She is a trusted and valued presence, inspiring her peers with her dedication to patient safety and ongoing professional growth. Veronica is truly deserving of this recognition for her exceptional contributions to the field.