At the end of June, one of our long-time clients and friends approached us with a question. Gennifer, from Northern Rhode Island Collaborative, asked, "Do you have Swahili interpreters available for in-person services?" The answer, at that moment, was a resounding "No!" We didn't have Swahili interpreters for in-person assignments.
The Northern RI Collaborative was expanding this year's Urban Growers Program to include Swahili speakers, specifically resettled refugees who were growers and farmers in their native countries. Gennifer's passion for making this growth inclusive truly motivated us to take action. We immediately started the recruitment process, reaching out to everyone and anyone connected with Swahili speakers, asking for help.
Before long, we added one Swahili interpreter to our team. But we needed more! A team of four was essential to manage the project effectively. That’s when Gennifer, in her infinite wisdom, connected us with Aline, the Executive Director of Women’s Refugee Care. Aline quickly identified three individuals she knew could provide interpretation services.
Our founder, Shirley, reached out to these candidates and scheduled one-on-one meetings. Francine, Amani, and Yanike were not only qualified interpreters but also brought valuable experience to the table. Francine had been interpreting for her pastor for years, while Amani and Yanike had provided interpretation services while at their refugee camps. All three were thrilled to learn they could offer their skills here and were eager to receive the training Shirley provided.
Since joining our team, Francine, Amani, and Yanike have stepped into their roles with professionalism and enthusiasm. This collaboration does more than just add talented individuals to our team—it also keeps funds within our community, empowers resettled refugees to engage in a professional career, and advances language justice by ensuring access for all.
We are incredibly excited to welcome Francine, Amani, and Yanike to our team. We are deeply grateful to Aline from Women’s Refugee Care for partnering with us and beyond thankful for partners like Gennifer, who go the extra mile to expand services to communities often overlooked.
To this match made in heaven, we raise our glass! Teamwork truly makes the dream work.
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