At Translators without Borders we are very lucky to have support from Content Rules. Founder and CEO, Val Swisher, besides being a board member, has also generously encouraged her English editors to volunteer time to edit important English content. In most cases the Content Rules team works with healthcare content for two of our biggest projects – the Wikipedia 80 x 100 project and the Open University HEAT project. Typically the team simplifies the content which is then translated into many languages. Additionally the edited English medical articles for Wikipedia are provided on simplified English Wikipedia and provided directly to readers throughout the world. This quarter we profile a number of the Content Rules Editors!
Nicole Acrey
I’m a trained linguist now working as a linguistic project consultant at Acrolinx GmbH. I studied linguistics during both my undergraduate and graduate studies and have had a lifelong affinity for languages – the way they can convey aspects of a culture and bring people together never ceases to amaze me. When I was asked to participate in a project for Translators without Borders, I quickly jumped at the opportunity, as I was greatly moved by the work that was being done by this organization. The editing and terminology work I’ve been doing for TWB has been eye-opening in terms of how valuable and important information can truly be. Getting to play even a small part in this fantastic cause has been a pleasure and I look forward to what comes next.
James Longbotham
As the Acrolinx project consultant responsible for supporting Translators without Borders, I’ve been involved in a number of initiatives on various fronts, mostly related to building up a medical glossary with translations in multiple African languages. I have a background in linguistics and don’t normally work as an editor, but I was glad to have the opportunity to move out from behind the scenes and help out with some actual editing. It became very clear, very fast, reading through and simplifying health guides for during and after pregnancy just how vital these initiatives are. If even only one life is saved because of access to this information, then all this work will have been more than worth it.
Amy Guzules
I’ve been an editor of networking technology content for 20 years. I’ve always known that the work that I do benefits readers by providing them with clear and concise instructions and conceptual information. Readers are better able to do their jobs because I work with content creators to correct errors and clarify meaning. When I’ve done my job well, readers don’t notice…they just get on with their work. But I don’t know that my efforts have had a life-changing impact on these readers. (Well, maybe the instructions to get two people to lift a fully loaded chassis helped to avoid a disaster!)
Then I was asked to volunteer my expertise for Translators without Borders. I felt called to help. I was amazed at the plans for the content and where it would be used after TWB was finished. Finally I could use my skills to have a positive, truly life-changing impact on other people. My work helps to provide clear medical information to people who do not have access to the type of medical care that I am blessed to have. This work feeds my soul, and I feel privileged to help TwB make a real difference in the world.
Marguerite Paolino
I have had experience in internal and external communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, speechwriting, and website development. In addition to providing freelance services, I work for UMass Medical School’s nonprofit health care consulting division, where I develop strategic communications for internal and external audiences.
I believe strongly in the mission of Translators without Borders. When I am working on a TWB project, I keep one thought in mind: the act of simplifying the words on the screen in front of me will make a difference for someone else. Access to clear, accurate information — especially about health care — can have a powerful, positive impact on individuals and communities. I am happy to have a role in making sure that people who need the facts actually have them.
Gaela Schlak
I have 15 years of experience as an Executive Assistant managing the busy schedules and projects of CEOs, Partners, Senior Directors, and Directors in both large and small companies. More recently I was promoted into the role of an Account Manager at Content Rules where project planning and management is the key to success. What I love most about what I do is the variety of projects and the diversity of people with whom I am privileged to work. I am still learning the content industry and I am fortunate enough to work with the best of the best at Content Rules.
It is my project management skills that I have found most helpful in working on Translators without Borders. We can have up to 10 articles in the process of being edited at any given time. I have the fun task of juggling each one of those articles, ensuring they get into the hands of our amazing editors.
There is no reason that the health of any person should be at risk due to a lack of properly written information – especially when we can do something about it! I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate on a project as far-reaching as TwB. I know the work we are doing is truly making a difference and changing lives.
Debra Rubin
I am an award-winning editor and writer working as a communications consultant. I provide editing, website content, profiles, features, op-eds, and research for varied clients, including media outlets, advocacy groups, think tanks, and communication firms. I’m a freelance copy editor for CQ Roll Call and have been working with College Summit, a nonprofit that seeks to create a college-going culture among low-income students. My articles have appeared in such outlets as The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, JTA, Religion News Service and Bethesda Magazine.
I’m interested in editing in the health field, so was delighted to volunteer as a copy editor to help simplify medical articles for Translators without Borders.
Daniel McMinn
I am a former Peace Corps volunteer to Ukraine who, after some world-traveling, decided with my wife that we would settle here in Lviv. You could say I liked Translators without Borders because I consider my technical editing a bit like doing crossword puzzles for a living. There’s enough challenge trying to figure out which words will fit where to make it interesting, and it’s profitable enough to meet my family’s needs, but I don’t feel like I’m making a contribution the way I sometimes feel about volunteer work. Since the Peace Corps I’ve been convinced that much of the best volunteer work is done by people who’ve found ways to repurpose skills they’ve developed from experience in the paying world. So of course I was thrilled to be able to use my content localization experience to help spread health information through the wonderful Wikipedia.
