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Name:<\/em><\/strong> C\u00e1tia Smith<\/p>\n Where you live: <\/em><\/strong>I currently live in PA just outside of Philadelphia in a town called Conshohocken.<\/p>\n Email:<\/em><\/strong> catsmith@transluso.com<\/a><\/p>\n What you\u2019re doing these days:<\/em><\/strong> Well, I have been working on building my new company TransLuso Interpreting Services, which was just formed at the end of 2023, and I am also taking the last courses towards the Translation and Interpreting Certificate at UMASS.<\/p>\n Something you\u2019re proud of: <\/em><\/strong>Myself! Life is not easy, but looking back always reminds me of how far I have come. I became a single mother at 21, and for 12 years worked very hard to build a successful cleaning business that allowed me to care for myself and my son, as well as fund my education to become an interpreter. I have now been happily married for 4 years and am very proud of the family we have built.<\/p>\n A bit of your background: <\/em><\/strong>I was born and raised in Portugal. My mother is from Set\u00fabal, where I was born, and my father from Olh\u00e3o, where I spent a lot of time growing up. I ended up moving to the US as soon as I turned 18, to join my mother who had been here for a few years. I have always had a passion for my language, and after learning Spanish and English, I realized that I could develop a skill to help people.<\/p>\n How long have you been with ATA and PLD?<\/em><\/strong> I became a student ATA member in July of 2023 and officially joined PLD during the ATA64 conference in Miami, where I had the chance to meet some of our wonderful professional members who welcomed me with open arms.<\/p>\n What did ATA membership and\/or the PLD bring to you?<\/em><\/strong> It has offered me the chance to meet, connect with and learn from intelligent and successful professionals who really have a passion for what they do. I am still wrapping my head around the experience I had at the ATA annual conference last year. Getting to attend the many sessions offered and listen to successful professionals who were once beginners gave me a sense of belonging which I do not think I will be able to find in many other places. Of course, some of the webinars and virtual events I have attended and all the resources available have been very helpful when navigating and learning about the profession.<\/p>\n Current project (or last\/future interesting project\/activities):<\/em><\/strong> As I have mentioned, I am still taking courses at UMASS. I am also preparing to take the state court exam at the end of 2024, which is keeping me busy.<\/p>\n A major challenge(s) in your career:<\/em><\/strong> I feel like the biggest challenge is not having a professional background that I can build my career as an interpreter on. Specialization is very important, and I have been learning it all from scratch. It has not been easy, but it is surely rewarding.<\/p>\n Do you have any hobbies? If so, what are they? <\/em><\/strong>I started playing pickup soccer at the beginning of this year and that has been fun. Hopefully by the time people get to read this, I will have returned to practicing Pilates again too. Other than that, I love spending time with my family.<\/p>\n What is your favorite book in Portuguese-language literature? <\/strong><\/em>I have always been a fan of Fernando Pessoa, and his work A mensagem<\/em> is definitely one of my favorites.<\/p>\n What books are currently on your reading list?<\/em><\/strong> I have made a list entirely of interpreting-related books and am just now implementing this. I have Online Presence<\/em> by Madalena Zampaulo and Conference Interpreting \u2012 A Trainer\u2019s Guide<\/em> by Robin Setton and Andrew Dawrent, among others on my list.<\/p>\n Where is the best place to connect with you?<\/em><\/strong> The most appropriate way to connect with me would be either through email or on LinkedIn at https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/catia-smith<\/a>.<\/p>\n