AATIA will hold the last installment in our 2025 seminar series on December 6, 2025, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754.
This meeting will also mark the 40th anniversary of AATIA’s charter meeting, held on December 6, 1985. Join us for our presentation and our celebration of AATIA’s 40th birthday!
Our presenter will be Andrea Rehkopf, an ASL/English interpreter based in Colorado. Andrea will be joining us remotely via Zoom. Her presentation will focus on the business side of our profession – the stuff that most of us were never really taught but that is essential to running a successful freelance business. While Andrea will speak from the viewpoint of an ASL interpreter, the tips she’ll provide will be helpful to anyone who works as a freelance interpreter or translator.
About our program
When it comes to working as an independent contractor or freelance interpreter or translator, there are various skills that go beyond just knowing two or more languages. In our time together, we will explore: working with agencies, networking/marketing and how we exist on social media, rates, and the basics of contracts, taxes, insurance, and retirement. This presentation is intended to be a free flow of ideas, conversation, and information-sharing. Participants will have the opportunity to compare experiences, swap tips, and walk away with practical tools that will enable them to feel more confident navigating freelance interpreting/translating.
About our presenter
Andrea Rehkopf, MA, NIC, BEI Master interpreter, has been a professional sign language interpreter since 2007, working in a wide variety of settings including post-secondary, conference, medical, and freelance. Her journey began in Michigan, took her through a few years here in Austin, and finally to Colorado, which she now calls home.
Andrea earned her MA in Interpreting Studies from Western Oregon University, where she developed The Business of Interpreting workshop as part of her graduate work. She has taught as an adjunct instructor at various community colleges and loves creating and leading workshops, as well as mentoring students and newer interpreters.
Most recently, Andrea launched a podcast called Parking Lot Debrief – a space where she interview folks from across the field about the real work we do. Outside of interpreting, she enjoys rock climbing, meditation, snuggling with her dogs, and seeking out adventure wherever she can find it.
When: December 6, 2025, 1–3 p.m.
Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754 map
The meeting is free and open to anyone with an interest in translation and/or interpreting.