Our Founder’s Story
Isabel's journey into the world of language justice and meaningful communication began unexpectedly. Growing up in a community where navigating language barriers was a daily reality for her family, she gained a firsthand understanding of how vital it is for people to feel truly understood and included. For years, she informally helped family, friends, and other community members as an interpreter in critical settings. This included navigating healthcare and mental health services, as well as basic needs like housing and transportation. She witnessed the frustration and intimidation individuals faced when they could not comfortably access essential services or resources simply due to language differences. This experience has since driven her to make a lasting impact in how individuals connect across language barriers. In July 2023, she formalized this purpose by launching her own interpretation and translation business, Summit Echo Interpretations, which partners with incredible non-profit organizations and businesses in Summit and Lake County. Her entrepreneurial path was truly solidified by two courses offered by Mountain Dreamers.
She earned her Community Interpreter Certificate, which equipped her with key interpreting techniques and an understanding of underlying systemic language oppression. She launched her business six months later, having also completed a separate business course just two months prior. Through this work, she has had the privilege of observing the significant positive impact that professional language services can have on the wider Spanish-speaking community. It brings so much relief and truly fosters greater trust and inclusion. As a business owner and interpreter, her main goal is to inspire and elevate intercultural communication, ensuring every voice is heard and understood. Her unique perspective in this dual role allows her to see how true interpretation brings individuals into the conversation and empowers clients to prioritize language justice in their community engagement efforts. Ultimately, her work goes far beyond merely converting words—it creates genuine connections and makes a tangible difference, defined by quality, empathy, and depth.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.”
— Colossians 4:6