I speak six languages and can also read and write four: French, English, Spanish, and Japanese. This knowledge, along with my work experience as a civil servant at the United Nations (UN) as a field officer is the foundation for my new business, Certified Language Professionals: Translation and Interpretation, LLC.

I was referred to New Ventures Maine by a teacher and career counselor who recommended NVME classes to provide training and tools for setting up and running my small business. All of the classes I took were helpful because they provided information, resources, and practical tools to support my dream of starting my own business in the language industry.

Classes in preparing for tax filing and the multi-week Venturing Forth class were immense resources that equipped me with both knowledge and practical know-how to get started.

NVME staff are warm and knowledgeable teachers and coaches and they have supported me as I pursued my path. My NVME coach, Martha Leonard, worked with me constantly. She made time to meet with me and share her professional experience, honest evaluation, and guidance, all of which I value immensely.

I work out of our Portland office and also employ translators and interpreters to provide translation services in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala, Chinese, Creole, Swahili and Arabic. We help bridge language barriers between people, businesses, and service providers by offering remote interpretation, document translation, or assistance navigating conversations in healthcare, legal, or community settings.