Joana is a Luso-American Latina helping organizations provide quality language and cultural services to Latino, immigrant, BIPOC, and Limited-English Proficient communities. For over ten years, She has worked with healthcare, education, public health, and community organizations in multiculturalism, health & social disparities, Diversity & Inclusion, and intercultural communication. After graduating from Rush University with a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Joana started working at the medical lab. However, a few years later, she realized she wanted to work directly with the community and service providers. After two Masters, one in Translation and Interpreting Studies from Wake Forest University and one in Public Health from Benedictine University, Joana found her mission. Understanding that the intersection between language/culture and thriving communities is through cultural and linguistic quality services, Joana has worked with several organizations to raise awareness and reduce health and social disparities in vulnerable populations. In today's episode Joana and I talk about: Going from "bringing down her Latinidad" to embracing her multiculturalism Fitting-in in order to progressComprehensive language access in social servicesCulture inclusionAnd more! Tune in. Only on the podcast that brings you your stories about our profession: Brand the Interpreter! ----------------------------------------- Connect with Joana LinkedIn Website Thanks for tuning in, till next time! 👋 Subscribe to Exclusive access to premium content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/839080/supporters/new Connect with Mireya Pérez, Host www.brandtheinterpreter.com Facebook LinkedIn Instagram