This year promises to be big not just for the localization industry. The women who work and lead within it see a bright future, too — and advocacy nonprofit Women in Localization is committed to guiding them toward it.
The leading community and advocacy group for industry women, Women in Localization heads into 2022 with a finalized board and fresh vision. Supporting their training sessions, webinars, conferences, mentoring, and volunteer opportunities are Diamond sponsor Lilt and Gold sponsors RWS, Acclaro, and Lionbridge.
“As discussed with all my colleagues at the board, we want to focus on moving to a more scalable and mission-driven organization,” said Olga Blasco, a board member with a focus on marketing. “[That’s] not an easy feat for an eminently volunteer-driven non-profit entity. Our goal is to ensure that all our programs have a clearer than ever purpose to facilitate the advancement of women in the localization industry across the globe, with the amazing help of our sponsors and partners, and that everything we do fully supports our community, volunteers and members.”
The full line-up of board members is a who’s who of women in the language industry. Cecilia Maldonado returns as President of Women in Localization and head of the Operations and Metrics Programs. Joining her on the board of directors are returning members Eva Klaudinyova (Non-Profit and Secretary), Silvia Avary (Media Channel and Treasurer), Michele Carlson (Chapters and Global Growth), Jill Goldsberry (Global Strategic Partnerships and Events), and Maria Kania (Global Sponsorship). And new members include Carrie Fischer (Global Community), Olga Blasco (Marketing), and Olga Beregovaya (Technology). The 2022 Board also includes Officers Vanessa Prolow (Assistant Secretary) and Cassandra Agyemang (Assistant Treasurer).
“In my role as Board sponsor for Marketing, I would like to create higher visibility for our initiatives and achievements across all programs and members, and how our global community and chapters can grow stronger thanks to volunteers, sponsors and partners,” said Blasco. “In other words, support everybody’s endeavors to reach more people as members and beneficiaries, and ultimately have a higher, tangible impact.”
Blasco believes the chief challenge for industry women in 2022 is consistent with previous years: building confidence. And that’s why organizations like Women in Localization are important. They empower women to build the self-believe to achieve their professional goals.
“[We want to help women] put themselves forward time and time again and chase their vision to become who they want to be, with the encouragement of strong networks and mentors who want to see everyone thrive,” Blasco said.
Regardless of the challenges, 2022 promises to be an exciting year. With women taking increasingly prominent roles in every dimension of the language industry, there’s more opportunity than ever for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“I believe in fostering strong communities for the advancement of women, and that of the next generation, and that’s one of my reasons to get up in the morning and get to work,” Blasco said. “I get excited at the opportunity to put the same kind of energy now into Women in Localization, give 360 support to the entire organization from a marketing perspective, get inspired by this community and lead by example to help many more women be agents of their future in this industry, whatever they choose to do.”
