A year after establishing the state’s first conference to serve language professionals in education, Harris County Department of Education’s Marketing and Client Engagement team continues to grow learning opportunities to those who serve families who speak languages other than English.

The second annual Professional Translators and Interpreters Conference (PTIC) was another success, as attendees came from inside and outside Harris County – travelling as far as across the nation.

Held July 30-31 at the Irvington Conference Center, PTIC added a second day. It opened with the inaugural VIP leadership brunch and panel discussion. Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, former Spring Independent School District superintendent, served as moderator and led a discussion on the importance of language access and equipping professionals with tools to best serve families and communities.

A full day of sessions, networking and collaboration followed for more than 130 conference attendees. New this year were sessions that explored quality interpreting for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Professional Translators and Interpreters Conference Impact Awards

Legacy in Leadership Award

Andy Benzo, American Translators Association

Liliana McKean, Houston ISD

Legacy of Influence Award

Asmaa Sabre, Zain Linguistics

Pioneer in Language Access Award

Dr. Jennifer Bassett-Alvarez, Spring ISD

Ludimila Golovine, MastorWord

Initiative Impact Award

Ivan Tamayo, Aldine ISD