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osted by the American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE), Edu-Con 2025 was more than a conference — it was a movement. With the timely theme of “Bridging Human Expertise and AI,” the event brought language professionals together to reflect, connect, and lead with purpose as artificial intelligence (AI), changes in the regulatory landscape, and their implications for language access continue to reshape our reality.
While many events explore AI’s role in business and healthcare, Edu-Con stood out by putting AI and language access at the center of conversations. It created a vital space for interpreters, translators, educators, and advocates to explore the intersection of ethics, innovation, and humanity — amplifying the voices of those who ensure multilingual students and families are supported.
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Throughout the two-day gathering — which took place in Long Beach, California, on May 2nd and 3rd — the spirit of community was palpable. It was a space where learning met laughter, challenge met celebration, and human connection met digital innovation. Attendees left inspired, energized, and proud of the role they play in expanding equitable access through both human skills and technological tools.
From the powerful video address by United States Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona to Montserrat Garibay’s unforgettable keynote, “Our Stories, Our Strength,” the message was clear: Language access advocacy and visibility must grow alongside emerging AI tools. Nora Díaz’s call to “stop being invisible” reminded us that emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and communication — our most human skills — are irreplaceable in any tech-powered future.
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Edu-Con 2025 balanced forward-thinking AI sessions with deeply human ones — from interpreter wellness to family engagement. It reminded us that AI can support, but never replace, the relationships at the heart of language access. AAITE also honored Dr. Bill Rivers with its Language Access Award, recognizing his leadership in policy, equity, and inclusion.
AAITE positioned language professionals not on the sidelines of AI, but leading the way. Edu-Con called us to shape the future of language access with courage, clarity, and compassion.
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