Meet the candidates

Voting is now open for the 2021 AATIA Board of Directors. If you are an AATIA member in good standing and have not received your ballot, please contact AATIA Secretary Sarah Baiz.

Here are the candidates:

For President

Robin Bonthrone

My name is Robin Bonthrone and I am thrilled to be a candidate for the position of AATIA President. Originally from Scotland, I lived in Germany for three decades and have been a professional German->English financial/legal translator and trainer for over 30 years. You might also know me as the author of the PPP/EIDL guide published by the American Translators Association (ATA).

I was a member of association boards in Germany and Europe and joined AATIA after moving to Austin three years ago. I am currently a member of ATA’s Finance/Audit, Professional Development, and Business Practices Education committees, and Co-chair of the FIT ISO Standards Committee. As President, I aim to build on my predecessor’s success, ensuring that AATIA weathers the crisis and enters the post-COVID world on a sound footing, including by strengthening ties with other national/regional T&I associations and growing AATIA to reflect the expansion of Austin.

For Secretary

Carolyn Simon

After working for many years as a Spanish teacher, I decided to pursue a new career path in 2016 as a Spanish-English translator and interpreter. I primarily work as a freelance translator, writer, and researcher for educational publishing companies. I studied with the amazing Esther Diaz and Maurine McLean and became a licensed court interpreter this year. I love being a translator because there is always something new to learn. AATIA was one of the first places I turned to when I decided to make this career change. I have taken advantage of their continuing education opportunities, lectures, and social events as a way to connect with others and learn more about the field. I have found everyone I have met to be welcoming and eager to help. I see the opportunity to join the Board of Directors as a way to give back to the community and become more a part of it as well.

 

For Director of Communications

Marion Lemari

I am a freelance translator, an online tutor for Foreign Language (German) and English Essay Writing, and a community interpreter serving the Killeen-Temple-Ft. Hood metropolitan area. I have a master’s degree in Translation and Interpreting from the Center for Translation Studies at UIUC and a bachelor’s degree in Communication. My goal is to use my skills and theoretical knowledge to support all aims of the AATIA. This includes aiding the organization with the publication and distribution of information relevant to the profession, supporting newcomers and seasoned professionals alike, and promoting various community outreach efforts to the best of my ability.

 

For Director of Finance

Michael Meigs

Michael Meigs has served as AATIA finance director since 2019. He translates works from French, German, Spanish, and Swedish. He was awarded the 2020 American Translators Association Galantière translation prize for his version of Spanish author Dolores Redondo’s All This I Will Give to You and the 2011 translation prize of the American-Scandinavian Foundation for Lars Gustafsson’s The Dean. He interprets French and Spanish. Michael is secretary and bursar of Gilbert & Sullivan Austin, publisher of www.CTXLiveTheatre.com, a member of AATIA’s Literary Special Interest Group, the American Theatre Critics Association, the ATA, and ALTA. He served for more than thirty years as a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Department of State.

 

For Director of Membership

Mariya Kontsepolskaya

Becoming a member of AATIA in 2020 offered me invaluable opportunities for networking and continued education. Given how ‘social’ our industry is, every language professional – especially young professionals – would greatly benefit from joining AATIA. Having had such a positive experience with the association prompted me to get more involved. With that in mind, I would like to run for the Director of Membership role to help promote AATIA and grow its membership base, while supporting its current members. If elected, I would focus on broadening networking opportunities for existing members, as well as establishing working relationships with businesses relevant to our industry. Prior to switching my career to Russian interpreting/translating, I worked in international recruiting and have extensive experience in account management, client retention, recruitment outreach campaigns and event planning. I believe this makes me well suited for the Director of Membership position and I would appreciate your support of my candidacy.

 

For Director of Professional Development

Rita Pavone

My name is Rita Pavone. I am asking for your vote to become the Professional Development Director for the year 2021.

I have been the AATIA ISIG Coordinator since 2013. I previously served in the APPAM Policy Council Diversity Committee, in the NAJIT Advocacy Committee, and as a Board Member for the Intercultural Community Council in Ohio.

Currently, I serve in the International Section and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Section of the ACJS.

I have been an interpreter and a translator for over 20 years. I also have direct experience in clinical trials, the legal field, conflict resolution, education, research, and public speaking. Some of my projects focus on: Communications, Criminal Justice, Ethics, Healthcare, Interpreting, and Public Policy.

I pledge to provide you with professional development opportunities based on previously successful initiatives and on additional prospects that match your interests. I look forward to working with you!

Seth Hammock

As a regular member of the AATIA for the past 8 years, it is an honor to run for the Director of Professional Development role. Early in my career members helped me, now I want to give back.

My experience in a professional development role began in 2005 as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Bolivian Andes. Drawing on my education in Computer Science from Baylor University, I partnered with Save the Children in writing curricula for IT vocational programs for high schools. Graduating students earned paid internships at internet cafes.

Returning to Austin in 2008, I worked in software before earning my Master Court Interpreter license for Spanish. Since then, I’ve built a flourishing practice in personal injury and criminal law. If elected, I will identify unique professionals and opportunities, through which members will acquire new knowledge and skills for a rapidly changing technology-based job market.