Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification for Creole Solutions
Creole Solutions, a business specializing in Haitian Creole language services, celebrates its recent Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification.
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Smith Nord
Freelance Translator at Creole Solutions
📍 Port-au-Prince, Haiti
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What led you to the language industry and your current position?
I have always been passionate about foreign languages, especially English. When I was in Grade 11 in 2004, the US marines came to Haiti following political unrest, and a lot of my friends who knew English were hired as interpreters. So, that is exactly when I felt the need to learn English to become an interpreter, as well.
Following the 2010 earthquake that hit Haiti, a lot of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and companies with English-speaking staff came to help the devastated country. Even though I did not land a job in 2004 as an interpreter, I managed to find one in 2010. After this experience as an interpreter, I knew that I wanted to be in the language industry because I noticed there was a lack of qualified linguists. As I have always dreamt of doing freelancing, my current position as a freelance translator has made it possible.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy the most about my work is the fact that I am able to make an impressive impact by making content that was only in English available to Haitian Creole speakers — which is aligned with my motto, “Helping those from English-speaking countries communicate with my Haitian folks” — all while being a regular person. I also love the fact that I am able to collaborate with different people from all over the globe at different agencies while being in the comfort of my home and pajamas.
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What qualities do you need to thrive in your job?
I need to be organized when it comes to handling multiple projects at the same time. In such situations, I tend to take all projects coming in and reduce my sleep time to meet the deadlines. I need to stay updated on the latest technology so I can remain competitive in the market. I also need to be a continuous learner of my language pairs, especially Haitian Creole, which is an evolving language.
Accolade
Smith has been a dedicated member of Creole Solutions for over a decade, standing with us since our early days as a small team of three. His meticulous approach to translation ensures that every project meets the highest standards before delivery. Smith’s commitment to quality is unwavering, and he’s a trusted mentor to new translators, helping them grow and uphold our company’s values. Smith embodies the spirit of “konbit,” our core belief in teamwork and collective effort, making him an integral part of our collaborative culture.
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