What is your name?
Marselha Gonçalves Margerin
Where do you currently live?
Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Please share a bit of your background:
I was born and raised in Minas Gerais, a state in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) region. When I moved to the D.C. area at the turn of the century to pursue a master’s degree in international relations, I had already earned my law degree and spoken four languages. Foreign languages and different cultures have always fascinated me.
I have lived in the U.S. for 25 years, worked in international human rights law, and built a multilingual, multicultural family with my French-born husband and American-born child.
I was introduced to consecutive and diplomatic interpreting while working in strategic litigation and advocacy for international human rights law. I had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional interpreters who mentored and inspired me. During the pandemic, I decided to transition into interpreting as a career. Since 2021, I have worked as a freelance interpreter registered with the Maryland judiciary.
What are you doing these days professionally?
I primarily interpret in legal settings. In court, I work exclusively in Portuguese, while in community legal services—particularly attorney-client immigration meetings—I interpret in both Portuguese and Spanish.
What is a current translation or interpreting engagement you are completing (or one you have completed recently)?
Last fall, I was invited to interpret at a mental health facility for several days. It was a challenging experience, as my background is in legal interpreting. Community health interpreting operates under different rules, expectations, and environments. I am grateful to several colleagues who guided me through those assignments.
What is one of your greatest life accomplishments (whether personal or professional) to date?
I have been fortunate to achieve several professional milestones, like working with incredible people worldwide—whether in UN peacekeeping operations or representing international human rights organizations.
One moment I take great pride in was interpreting for a human rights defender during a meeting with then-U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice. That conversation was considered pivotal in influencing a policy change that directly benefited the activist and her community. It was deeply rewarding to play a role in ensuring that the activist’s powerful and vital message was heard and understood.
What challenge(s) are you facing in your career?
Speaking four languages daily requires a great deal of discipline as I work to refine my interpreting and language skills.
Since my professional background is not in interpreting studies, breaking into conference interpreting has been challenging. Additionally, our local courts have limited demand for Portuguese interpreters, making it more difficult to find consistent freelance opportunities.
When did you first join ATA? And PLD?
I joined ATA in May 2024 and officially became a PLD member after attending the ATA 2024 Conference.
How has ATA and/or PLD membership benefited you?
At my first ATA Conference in Portland in 2024, I was warmly welcomed by PLD members. I had the opportunity to meet incredible professionals from various language pairs and divisions who have generously shared their time, experiences, and valuable learning opportunities.
What do you enjoy doing outside of translation and interpreting?
I love traveling and exploring different cuisines. Every week, I make time for gardening, long walks with my dog, curling up with a good book, and swimming—activities that keep me grounded.
If you weren’t a translator or interpreter, what would you be and why?
I’ve had a successful career as an international human rights lawyer and advocate. I may still pursue U.S. accreditation of my Brazilian law degree to practice law here. Working in the courts has reignited a passion for litigation that I didn’t realize I had.
What is your favorite book of Portuguese-language literature?
José Saramago’s Blindness (Ensaio sobre a Cegueira) is probably one of my favorite books. After living in the U.S. for 25 years, I’ve found it challenging to keep up with contemporary Portuguese-language literature. One of my goals this year is to explore and read more current Brazilian authors.
What message would you wish to share with your fellow translators and interpreters?
Most interpreters and translators are self-employed. Beyond perfecting our skills, we also need to build and sustain our businesses. Mentorship and collaboration between experienced professionals and newbies are essential. To all the veteran interpreters who generously share their knowledge—thank you for helping us navigate this incredible profession.
Where is the best place to connect with you?
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marselha/ | linkedin.com/in/buritistrategies/
Website: buritistrategies.com/ | Email: buritistrategies@gmail.com
Thank you.
We really appreciate the opportunity to learn a little more about you.
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.
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