Member Spotlight – Cátia Smith

Name: Cátia Smith

Where you live: I currently live in PA just outside of Philadelphia in a town called Conshohocken.

Email: catsmith@transluso.com

What you’re doing these days: 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.

Something you’re proud of: 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.

A bit of your background: I was born and raised in Portugal. My mother is from Setúbal, where I was born, and my father from Olhão, 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.

How long have you been with ATA and PLD? 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.

What did ATA membership and/or the PLD bring to you? 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.

Current project (or last/future interesting project/activities): 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.

A major challenge(s) in your career: 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.

Do you have any hobbies? If so, what are they? 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.

What is your favorite book in Portuguese-language literature? I have always been a fan of Fernando Pessoa, and his work A mensagem is definitely one of my favorites.

What books are currently on your reading list? I have made a list entirely of interpreting-related books and am just now implementing this. I have Online Presence by Madalena Zampaulo and Conference Interpreting ‒ A Trainer’s Guide by Robin Setton and Andrew Dawrent, among others on my list.

Where is the best place to connect with you? The most appropriate way to connect with me would be either through email or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/catia-smith.

Thank you.

We really appreciate the opportunity to learn a little more about you.

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Are you a PLD Member? We want to feature you, as our members are our greatest asset! We’ll be happy to receive your submission and give you more visibility as you grow in your career.