Not being the first means Wendy Utterback isn’t building a new position and establishing every process from the ground up.

But being just the second translations coordinator for Harris County Department of Education means it’s as close as can be.

“Luckily, much of the groundwork was laid and there was much success with the program the first year,” said Utterback, who started on June 17. “I am thankful for the opportunity to step into this role and personalize it. My predecessor did a fantastic job of accomplishing some lofty goals and I am looking forward to picking up where he left off.”

Utterback replaces Mark Perez, who transitioned to Adult Education as a career pathways manager in April after joining HCDE as its first translator at the start of 2023. Perez established the translation program that supports HCDE divisions with both internal and external needs in Spanish.

That opportunity now falls to Utterback.

“In addition to the 17-plus years of experience in Spanish translations within the field of education, I have seen Wendy step into this role with enthusiasm and tenacity,” Marketing and Client Engagement Director Stephanie de Los Santos said. “Her inclination and passion to serve HCDE’s Spanish community, along with her exceptional communication and leadership skills, have proven her to be the perfect candidate for the translations coordinator role.”

Utterback studied communications at Angelo State University, earning her Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Spanish.

Despite an original goal to get into marketing or communications out of college, Utterback made her way into the classroom and had taught Spanish in Klein Independent School District since 2008. She was a Teacher of the Year nominee in 2019 and served on the curriculum develop team to better serve native speakers.

“I will miss my colleagues, community and the new faces each year along with the levity that comes with teaching middle school students,” Utterback said. “I found great joy and satisfaction in introducing Spanish to this age group. I want to instill a love of all languages – not just Spanish – cultural awareness and acceptance and teaching a new language has been the perfect conduit to accomplish that goal.”

In her new role, Utterback will help connect Spanish speakers to the services and resources HCDE offers.

It’s a position – connecting people – she’s familiar with. Utterback would translate and interpret for family members growing up and didn’t hesitate to help others by stepping into situations where there was a language barrier.

Those moments made this responsibility one she took seriously even from a young age. Having experienced friends and family treated unfairly due to having an accent or being unable to communicate effectively in English, Utterback has charged herself with pushing the strength someone shows instead of thinking it’s a weakness.

“I want people to understand that just because you don’t speak, read or write English well is not an indication of your intelligence,” she said. “Being able to communicate and function not in your native language speaks volumes about the person’s capabilities and determination.”

Utterback hit the ground running with HCDE. She was on hand at the Adult Education graduation and helped members of the facilities team during a training this week. Expect to see more as the summer months eventually turn into back-to-school season.

“I am thrilled that HCDE found a way to make this a part of their services so the community which it serves is better able to understand the benefits HCDE can offer,” Utterback said. “Being able to publish online information, emails, flyers and more in Spanish will be such an advantage for the population who has limited English skills. What better way to get them involved than to reach out to them, make them feel welcome and show them how we can help by providing opportunities they may not have known existed?

“Increased enrollment in our Head Start program, adults pursuing English as a second language and high school equivalency classes and so much more. This position is just getting started with the many possibilities.”