by Carmen Reis
Revision: Lynnea Hansen
I’ve just left our first Leadership Council Meeting of 2026. As I pour a coffee and get a few cookies to watch an episode of the series I’m currently hooked on, I realize I’d rather write a few words to our members.
I’ve been the Assistant Administrator of the Portuguese Language Division for almost four months. It has been both interesting and challenging. From backstage, you see how much effort it takes to keep everything running and how often we reach out to the community asking for help.
Some days, I feel like I’ve become a beggar—always asking someone to volunteer.
But I’ve come to understand something important: this is how our community survives. Not because people have spare time, but because they choose to make time.
What I didn’t see before is how much our PLD depends on invisible generosity—the late-night emails, the quick “yes, I can help,” the quiet commitment of people who never ask for recognition. And that has changed the way I see every volunteer.
Our Administration and Leadership Council are working hard to make this a great year for our division. But plans only come to life when more hands join in.
So if you have ideas, articles, presentations, or talents to share, we would truly love to hear from you.
My coffee is probably cold by now, and the episode will have to wait. But this felt worth sharing.
Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – CARMEN REIS
Carmen Reis is the current PLD Assistant Administrator (2026–2027 term). A translator, interpreter, and subtitler based in São Paulo, Brazil, she is passionate about languages and communication. When she’s not traveling or exploring a new language, Carmen enjoys a good cup of coffee, reading, and watching interesting videos and TV series.
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