Member Spotlight – Ana Araújo

 

Name: Ana Araújo

Where you live: Orlando, Florida, USA

Email: aaraujo16@yahoo.com

What you’re doing these days: Lately, I’ve been focused on the Portuguese Language Division Leadership Council. I’m so happy to be a member and thrilled to become more involved and assist other colleagues affiliated with the division. Furthermore, I’ve been studying French, which I truly love doing.

Something you’re proud of: I’m very proud of my family—my son, daughter, and husband. I love my family deeply, and in fact, they are my deepest treasure.

A bit of your background: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Portuguese with a Minor in Business Administration from Florida International University. Following my 11-year tenure at a bank, during which time I traveled and worked across multiple continents, I transitioned to interpreting. As a Cape Verdean Creole<>Portuguese interpreter, I have over 14 years of experience in the translation and interpreting industry.

How long have you been with ATA and PLD? I joined the American Translators Association and the Portuguese Language Division in the summer of 2023, so very recently. I believe I am one of the newest members of the Association and the division in general.

What did ATA membership and/or the PLD bring to you? Becoming a member of the Association and the Division has been amazing so far. There are already so many colleagues with whom I’ve connected through the wealth of networking opportunities offered. I initially decided to become an ATA member because I wanted to attend the annual conference in Miami, which was exceptional. There were so many people and so many great educational sessions. Even outside the conference, the manifold webinars—whether free or for a very reasonable, member-discounted price—are also sensational. Becoming a member of ATA has been a blast!

Current project (or last/future interesting project/activities): Since becoming a member of the PLD Leadership Council, we have had new initiatives in the works, including preparations for the next conference in Portland. I’m very excited for what is to come.

A major challenge(s) in your career: A major challenge has been identifying a job that allows me to move to Europe, where I really want to spend more time. Unfortunately, my current job does not allow me to live outside the United States.

Do you have any hobbies? If so, what are they? My biggest hobby is traveling. It’s something I really love to do, and in fact, in February (2024) I’ll be traveling to Greece. I also enjoy dancing and exercising. I am part of a women’s group that organizes workout sessions together. They are my fitness family.

What is your favorite book in Portuguese-language literature? Well, well, well! That’s an easy one: anything written by the Portuguese author António Lobo Antunes. I love everything he wrote! Although, if I think about it, my favorite book written in Portuguese is O Lugar Escuro by the Brazilian writer Heloísa Seixas, which really hits home for me. As far as my favorite author, it’s António Lobo Antunes.

What books are currently on your reading list? For some reason, I love psychiatry, so Ana Beatriz Barbosa Silva’s Mentes Perigosas: O Psicopata Mora ao Lado and Janelas da Mente are currently at the top of my list. Recently, I received a number of books from Brazil, all of which are by her. I really love her books!

Where is the best place to connect with you? The best place to connect with me is via email at aaraujo16@yahoo.com.

Thank you.

We really appreciate the opportunity to learn a little more about you.

—————

Are you a PLD Member? We want to feature you, as our members are our greatest asset! We’ll be happy to receive your submission and give you more visibility as you grow in your career.