It’s Always a Good Day to Make New Friends

By: The NAJIT Observer

Meet NAJIT’s new Publishing Coordinator and Editor-In-Chief, Julli Jaramillo. Her C.V. will tell you that she graduated from New York University with a Master’s in Translation, specializing in Spanish-to-English and legal translation. Her background includes extensive work with nonprofits, and ample experience in quality assurance, content development, and strategic growth. In her free time, Julli enjoys baking and creating art. Beyond what we can read in her bio sketch at the end of a blog, which talks about someone passionate about NAJIT’s mission, growth, and her commitment to high-quality standards, there is a dynamic young woman who has jumped head-first into this new role. This is a first for both NAJIT and Julli, and she already has a 4-week plan and all kinds of great ideas to make The NAJIT Observer (TNO) and Proteus more engaging, more appealing to readers, and certainly more relevant for all of you.

A message from Julli Jaramillo:

Greetings, everyone! I’m delighted to join you all as the new Publishing Coordinator and Editor-in-Chief at NAJIT. What excites me most about this role is the chance to engage with such a dynamic community of interpreters and translators. I’m eager to foster connections, amplify voices within our field, and spark conversations that matter. My approach is centered on collaboration and ensuring that The NAJIT Observer and Proteus reflect the diversity, expertise, and shared experiences of our readership. I can’t wait to hear from you, learn alongside you, and make our content a place you look forward to visiting week after week.

Who We Are: The Heart of TNO

And as long as we are making introductions, meet the rest of the TNO team! These are the volunteer writers who infuse life into this NAJIT weekly feature.

Our team is made up of experienced professionals, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the table. Together, we are committed to creating a platform that serves the needs of our community, sparking conversations on industry trends, ethical dilemmas, and the challenges we all encounter in this ever-evolving field. We’re here to inspire, inform, and build a sense of connection that transcends the written word, turning our shared experiences into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Meet the Team:

Hilda Shymanik

Blog Writer and Proofreader

Hi, I’m Hilda Shymanik, and I have worked in the legal, medical, community, and conference fields for eighteen years. I have a background in accounting, administration, and entrepreneurial ventures. As a writer, I’m dedicated to exploring topics relating to ethical dilemmas and finding ways to improve our standing among professionals we interact with, in my case, mostly judges, attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, investigators, expert witnesses, etc. I believe that the honest sharing of our experiences, both from our professional and personal lives, enriches the community and creates bonds that go beyond our association and help grow friendships to last a lifetime. In my spare time, I spend time with my numerous family, study, practice, read voraciously, and knit all winter long. I am truly excited to have the opportunity to contribute to this great team of dedicated volunteers!

Janis Palma

Blog Writer and Proofreader

Hello! I’m Janis Palma, and I’m excited to contribute to the blog as a writer and proofreader. With a background in language, literature, history, law, and their intersections with interpreting and translation in the legal field, I’m passionate about research and its practical application to further our professional expertise and the recognition we deserve. My goal is to bring a fresh perspective on topics that will challenge you to think outside the box and create content that resonates with you all.

Ann (Jiraporn) Heath-Huynh

Blog Writer

Hi, all, I’m Ann (Jiraporn) Heath-Huynh, and I grew up in a bilingual Thai-English household, seamlessly navigating both languages from an early age. Living on four continents has shaped my global perspective, but the U.S. is where I now call home. My journey in the language field began after the birth of my daughter in 2010, evolving from a part-time job into a career I deeply love. Since joining the Maryland Judiciary’s roster of interpreters in 2015, I have embraced various opportunities, including Department of State Conference Interpretation for Thai and English. Although I primarily work as a conference interpreter, I hold a special connection to Maryland courts, where I’m proud to accept assignments and wear my first-ever interpreter’s badge. I’m eager to share my experiences and insights to enrich and inspire our professional community.

Athena Matilsky

Blog Writer

Hi everyone! I’m Athena Matilsky. My passion for languages began when I was sixteen. I loved how different languages opened a door into entirely new cultures. Learning how to speak felt like cracking a code. I chose to major in Spanish interpreting and translation at Rutgers University, while also studying French. After graduation, I taught elementary school in Honduras before returning home to freelance as a medical and court interpreter. I later joined the NJ judiciary as a staff interpreter. Through my journey, I earned certifications as a healthcare interpreter and a federal court interpreter in Spanish, and as a court interpreter in French. Most recently, I completed my Master’s Degree in Conference Interpreting from Glendon at York University. Nowadays, I work as a freelance medical, court, and conference interpreter. I am also a teacher for York University and Athena Sky Interpreting, helping students develop the skills needed to succeed in court, healthcare, and federal interpreting exams. Outside of work, I enjoy practicing acroyoga.

Reme Bashi

Blog Writer and Proofreader

Hello, everyone, I’m Reme Bashi, and I have been a certified court interpreter in Wisconsin since 2008. My career began in Mexico, where I majored in pedagogy at the University of Veracruz and transitioned from language teaching to interpreting and translation. Over the years, I have gained experience in education, manufacturing, legal, and community settings, including conference interpreting for media and government events. I’m passionate about continuous learning, which I believe is essential for growth in our profession. Recently, I have ventured into areas like hospitality, urban gardening, and ancestry research, enriching my perspective as an interpreter and writer. I look forward to contributing content that sparks dialogue and deepens our understanding of the field.

What’s New: Building Connections Through Engaging Content

We’re excited to introduce fresh additions and revive beloved content to make The NAJIT Observer more than just an information source—it’s a place where connections thrive. Our goal is to complement Proteus themes while offering practical and engaging content. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Ethics Corner: “Let’s Test Your Ethics”An interactive series presenting ethical scenarios for readers to share perspectives and navigate challenges together.
• Cultural InsightsExplore global legal traditions and cultural nuances to enrich your understanding and appreciation of diverse communication.
• Tools of the TradeStay informed with reviews of top AI tools and resources that boost productivity and precision in legal translation and interpretation. Whether it’s reviewing new technology or sharing practical uses, this segment keeps you informed on advancements that matter.
• The Couch Series RevampedBack by popular demand, The Couch is a space for colleagues to seek advice on challenges they face. This series invites shared insights, fostering a supportive professional community. We welcome new submissions to keep the dialogue lively and meaningful (we have set up a submission form to make it more accessible to our community).
• Submit your ideas here: https://forms.gle/ouRXnPQa6yharvxbA

Please note that while we are expanding our content to reflect the evolving nature of our fields, we remain dedicated to the core values and content that have defined TNO. These new segments, alongside our established features, aim to enrich our platform by fostering diversity, engagement, and support for our community, all while honoring our history and commitment to quality.

Our Vision

We have a goal to create a space where interpreters and translators can engage in discussions, share best practices, and stay informed on important issues. The NAJIT Observer is about building connections—fostering friendships, partnerships, and a sense of belonging that empowers us all.

Looking Ahead

Join us in shaping TNO by sharing feedback, proposing topics, and offering insights. Your voice ensures that this blog stays dynamic and reflects the diversity of our field. Remember, it’s always a good day to make a friend. Let’s grow and learn together as a community. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Over and Out,
The NAJIT Observer Team

Join the NAJIT Observer’s vibrant community of contributors! We are seeking passionate writers to share insights on legal translation and interpretation. Email your pitch or draft today and help shape our industry. Visit najit.org/blog for more details.

Please note that all photos included in this post have been provided by our blog contributors