The 10th annual Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) Interpreters and Translators Conference recently concluded, bringing together 160 language professionals dedicated to strengthening language access in education. This field directly serves students and families in Irvine and throughout Orange County by ensuring effective communication in educational settings.
Held from September 24 to September 26 at the OCDE offices in Costa Mesa, the three-day event marked a decade since its inception. What began as a small, local gathering has grown significantly, drawing participants from seven California counties, including Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, and Fresno. Additionally, attendees from 12 other states participated in the conference.
The conference theme, "Rooted in Growth: A Decade of Dedication to Professionalize Language Access in Education,” reflected the evolution of the language access profession itself. Organizers noted that over the past ten years, this field has established stronger professional standards, clearer ethical guidance, and increased opportunities for specialized training across educational systems.
Natalia Abarca, coordinator of OCDE’s Language Services team, highlighted a key takeaway from the anniversary conference. Abarca observed a shared sentiment among interpreters and translators that their work is now more visible, valued, and recognized as a distinct profession. This recognition is integral to effectively supporting multilingual students and their families, including those within the Irvine Unified School District and other Orange County school systems.
The agenda included a variety of sessions designed for ongoing professional development. Topics covered strategies for enhancing family engagement and best practices for interpreting during school board meetings. Discussions also explored various pathways for professional growth for language specialists. A significant portion of the program addressed artificial intelligence (AI) and its evolving influence on both interpreting and translation services within education.
Discussions surrounding AI emphasized that while technology continues to advance and evolve, it does not replace the crucial elements that human language professionals provide. These include cultural understanding, nuanced professional judgment, and the direct human connection essential for effective and empathetic communication in educational contexts.
Beyond professional learning, the conference also created opportunities for community building and cultural celebration. A mariachi performance was featured, which organizers stated helped participants connect through music and shared cultural experiences. Such elements contribute to fostering a stronger, more connected professional community among those working to ensure equitable language access.
The OCDE also recognized three education professionals for their contributions to supporting multilingual students and their families. Dr. Erlinda Soltero-Ruiz, from the Fullerton School District, was honored as the 2026 Language Access Administrator of the Year. Jasmin Anaya of the Anaheim Elementary School District and Marcela Cardenas of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District each received a 2026 Multilingual Award of Distinction. These awards acknowledge the impact of dedicated professionals in ensuring equitable access to education.
For Natalia Abarca, the conference has evolved beyond its initial purpose as an annual professional learning event. She noted that participants now see it as a valuable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, exchange specialized knowledge, celebrate advancements within their profession, and cultivate relationships with others engaged in similar work across schools and communities throughout the region.
Residents and education professionals seeking additional information on upcoming professional development opportunities can visit the Language Services webpage maintained by the Orange County Department of Education.
