candidate statements
CANDIDATES FOR THE 2025 TAPIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Candidates for each position are listed in the order their information was received. Please read carefully and make your decision before casting your vote. Voting via Election Buddy will start 11/26 and end 12/2 at 11:55 pm ET.
The new Board will be announced at the Annual Business Meeting on 12/10/24 at 7 PM CT. To request the Zoom link to the Annual Meeting, please use the website Event form and select Business Meeting.
For PRESIDENT-ELECT
RICHARD PONCE DE LEON
BIOGRAPHY
Richard Ponce de Leon leads training and language access initiatives at the Tennessee Language Center. In this role, he develops and manages training programs for language interpreters and translators, alongside intercultural communication initiatives tailored for both public and private institutions. His expertise extends to providing technical guidance to local governments and organizations on matters concerning language access. He has a background in Linguistics, and has interpreting experience in legal, medical, and educational settings. He is a certified court interpreter in the state of Tennessee and holds a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I want to join the Board because I’m passionate about the work we do as interpreters and translators and the impact we have in our communities. This is a great opportunity to give back to the profession, collaborate with like-minded colleagues, and help TAPIT grow into an even stronger organization. I’m excited to connect with others in the field, learn from their experiences, and work together to tackle challenges and create new opportunities for our members. With my background in training interpreters and translators, as well as my experience in language access and intercultural communication, I bring practical knowledge and fresh ideas. I’m committed to helping TAPIT provide more value to its members through professional development, advocacy, and fostering a sense of community.
For TREASURER
MATT BENTON
BIOGRAPHY
Matt was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN and attended Vanderbilt University. He lived in Chile for seven years, where he worked as an English teacher. Upon returning to the United States, Matt became a Spanish court interpreter, and over the last seven years, he has had the privilege of working in courts all across the state of Tennessee as well as immigration courts. Matt enjoys travel, reading, and listening to music. In the past, Matt served several terms as TAPIT’s Secretary from 2019.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I am already on the board and would like to continue with my post. I expect to continue developing my treasury skills and building valuable relationships with members of the organization and beyond. I can contribute my organizational skills and experience from having served as secretary in the past, as well as a dedication to helping grow our profession in Tennessee.
MARIA BELEN MILLER
BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, Maria Belen Miller is a seasoned professional with a rich background in linguistic and legal services. After earning her degree in Business Administration, she transitioned into the field of interpretation, where she has built a distinguished 14-year career. Maria is a CMI, Registered Court Interpreter, and Immigration Court Interpreter. Her expertise bridges critical communication gaps, ensuring understanding and justice in high-stakes environments.
Beyond her professional achievements, Maria is a lifelong learner who loves to read and explore new topics. She enjoys cooking and treasures spending time with family. Driven by her passion for justice and professional growth, Maria aspires to gain further experience in the Legal Interpreting field. She is also dedicated to advocating for better working conditions for her colleagues, paving the way for future generations of language interpreters in Tennessee.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I am passionate about joining the interpreter professional organization because I deeply value the role interpreters play in bridging communication gaps and empowering individuals. My commitment to supporting our career stems from a profound love for languages and a desire to uplift our profession. I aim to contribute by advocating for fair working conditions, which are essential for maintaining the integrity and sustainability of our field. By joining the board, I bring 14 years of diverse interpreting experience and a clear understanding of the challenges we face. I hope to collaborate with fellow members to create initiatives that foster professional growth, uphold high standards, and inspire future generations of interpreters. Together, we can continue to elevate our profession and ensure it remains a respected and valued pillar in society.
For MEMBER-AT-LARGE (you can choose up to 4 candidates)
HEBBA ABULSAAD
BIOGRAPHY
Hebba Abulsaad has been a freelance interpreter, translator, lecturer, and program manager for over 25 years. Her interpretation and translation experience began overseas, and she spent two decades serving as a client liaison for independent and corporate businesses.
In the USA, Hebba has been practicing Arabic >< English legal, medical, and community interpreting in all modalities, as well as performing Arabic-English translation for more than 15 years. She taught Arabic in local institutes and taught the interpreter’s workshop affiliated with the University of Tennessee a few times. She is a TN Arabic Certified Court Interpreter and a national Arabic Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CCHI). She is also a Certified Credentialed Interpreter by ATA and an Associate Member of ATA and its divisions.
Hebba has a master's degree in translation and interpreting from the University of Illinois and is a former Board member of NAJIT. She was also a Tapit board member in the past.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I am interested in joining the TAPIT board to become involved with something I feel passionate about with like-minded people. I am a strong believer in professional organizations and passionate about their missions, and this will allow me to serve the community of interpreters and translators in Tennessee.
Diversity is an important element of language organizations and I thrive in the middle of that. I understand intercultural communication methods and the relationship between people, and these could be the main elements for a successful Board and would like to use any beneficial abilities that I have for TAPIT.
I am eager to participate in meetings, willing to prepare ahead of meetings, and anxious to help with committees. I am ready to focus on the mission of Tapit with a view of the big picture of making Tapit more successful if possible.
I am ready to commit personal time and resources, as I believe that consistent and active involvement is the key to successfully developing organizations.
BARBARA DERTHICK
BIOGRAPHY
I have been a Court Certified Spanish Interpreter for the last 11 years, working primarily in Hamilton County Criminal Court. I am also a Registered Nurse and last worked as a paid nurse during the pandemic.
I got a RN degree at UNC Chapel Hill, and a minor in Spanish at the University of California with a major in International Relations, working right after graduation in Guatemala with the Peace Corps. In Guatemala I met another Peace Corps Volunteer and we married after our terms were completed. Little did we know at the time that we would live in Chattanooga, where a large immigrant group from the same part of Guatemala live. Three children later, we packed up for Colombia and worked with Mennonite Central Committee for two years. In my free time I like to hike, line dance, watch movies in Spanish, and hang out with our two grandchildren.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I would like to join the Board to help grow our organization and better the working conditions for interpreters in our state. I have some free time now that I did not have before. I expect to learn from experienced board members and add my perspective as a court interpreter in a busy courthouse. I hope to contribute my time and experience to promote interpreting in the State of Tennessee. I would like to help set up a mentoring program for new interpreters to give them someone to call with questions and set up shadowing opportunities. I hope to help improve the working conditions for court interpreters and help advocate for higher pay.
SANDRA JÁCOME
BIOGRAPHY
Sandra Jácome has been a credentialed court interpreter for two decades and earned her certification soon thereafter. She has extensive practice interpreting in all aspects of legal interpretation, including trials and depositions.
Sandra became a TAPIT member soon after it's inception having taken her ethics workshop with Marvyn Bacigalupo Tipp and Judith Kenigson Kristy. She served as a TAPIT Board member in the capacity of secretary for one term during its early years.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Since its inception, TAPIT has had a couple of times when it flailed and struggled to stay alive. A few years ago, a handful of interpreters jumped into action to ensure that what little was left of our interpreters' and translators' organization could be saved. Thank you, Bruni Dopatka, Lee Waint, et. al.
I certainly don't possess leader qualities but I will do all I can to be support to the other board members, to not only keep TAPIT alive but to make it thrive.
I'm available to help, especially in the preparations for the annual conference.
ELEAZAR JIMENEZ
BIOGRAPHY
Eleazar was born in Baja California and grew up in California, He began his professional journey as a Certified Electronic Technician, after graduating from the Fresno Institute of Technology. Eleazar has seen the injustice and discrimination that immigrant field workers face, often due to language barriers. He started volunteering for lawyers, who offered pro bono services to the Hispanic Community, while he was working in sales management. Later in life, he saw the need for more interpreters, so he transitioned into the medical field and became a Certified Medical Interpreter.
His training as a Legal and Medical Interpreter comes from TFLI/TLC, TAPIT, and IMIA, where he received an award in 2017 for the Best International Spanish Interpreter. In 2011 he began his career as a Medical Interpreter first at TFLI/TLC then Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His experience covers areas of level-one trauma, ER, palliative care, and more.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I want to join the board to keep TAPIT as a beacon for networking and empowering or profession. I expect TAPIT to be around forever and to contribute in a small way to all that TAPIT stands for. I can contribute experience in the medical field as well as sales and promoting as well as contributing in every single TAPIT conference since becoming a member.
NEVIEN KHALIL
BIOGRAPHY
I am a seasoned medical interpreter based in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Egypt, I earned a medical degree before relocating to Tennessee in 2001. Since 2007, I have worked as a dedicated medical interpreter, bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and underserved patients. Passionate about advocacy, I am committed to helping patients navigate the challenges of language and cultural barriers in the healthcare system. My extensive background in medicine, combined with my experience as an interpreter, drives my mission to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
I am applying for the Member-at-Large position with TAPIT to help elevate the field of medical interpreting in Tennessee. With my extensive experience as a medical interpreter, I aim to advocate for the unique challenges we face in healthcare settings and work towards improving support, resources, and training for medical interpreters. I hope to collaborate with fellow professionals to enhance the public’s understanding of the vital role we play in bridging language barriers. In return, I look forward to expanding my network, learning from experienced peers, and contributing to the continued professional development of interpreters statewide.