Back in May we reported that Translators without Borders, the U.S.- based charitable organization that facilitates the transfer of knowledge to those in need, had announced the opening of its first Healthcare Translation Center to improve access to knowledge for millions of people.

Now Translators without Borders has announced the appointment of Rebecca Petras to be its first Program Director and the organization’s first full-time employee. A dedicated volunteer for the past 2 ½ years, Petras brings her background in communications and management to the role as the organization strives to give more people worldwide access to vital knowledge in their languages.

The appointment points to the growth of the organization and the deep support from the translation and localization industry.

“This big milestone for Translators without Borders is possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and the hard work of our volunteers,” said Lori Thicke, founder of Translators without Borders.

“Rebecca has demonstrated her drive and passion for the organization, dedicating long hours to our cause, which has given us the chance to see her management and communications skills first hand. This will help us realize our vision of a world where knowledge knows no language barriers so that people can access the information they need to live healthy and productive lives.”

Petras has been a board member for Translators without Borders for two years. She also has served on the executive committee as the head of marketing and communications. In April, she accompanied Thicke and two other board members to Nairobi, Kenya to assist with the Healthcare Translators’ Training Center.

Petras also has years of experience in the localization industry, handling public relations and marketing for the Globalization and Localization Association, and a number of language service providers.

“I have been very lucky to work with the dedicated volunteers that make up Translators without Borders, and I am now honored to have the opportunity to lead the charge toward further growth,” said Petras.

“I hope to harness the energy of our volunteers, sponsors and in-kind donors to accelerate access to knowledge in local languages worldwide.”

See Also

• More about language translation
  Sometimes language translation is more than translation. It can also be localization.
• More about localization
  Localization is the process of adapting websites or software to a particular geographical region, or locale.
• Translators without Borders Appoints First Program Director - the complete Translators without Borders press release
  Translators without Borders today announced the appointment of Rebecca Petras to be its first Program Director and the organization?s first full-time employee.