Since 2014, I’ve attended the Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) every time it has been held. Conference after conference, it remains one of my favorite events in the sign language interpreting field, and 2024 was no exception. This year’s conference, themed We All Belong: Resilience and Reinvention, was held in Berkeley, California, and served as a powerful reminder of the strength and potential of our interpreting community.
Welcoming Atmosphere and Meaningful Connections
The CIT conference has always been professional, warm, and welcoming, with a focus on fostering authentic relationships. This year, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with many friends and colleagues, some of whom I rarely get to see, as well as meeting new faces and forging relationships I hope to continue developing. These connections are invaluable, as authentic relationships are key to driving collaboration and meaningful change in our field.
One highlight was seeing such a strong turnout from the Columbus, Ohio, interpreting community, including the team from Columbus State Community College (CSCC). In the past, our local representation has often been smaller, so it was inspiring to see this growth. Heritage Interpreting and CSCC have a symbiotic relationship, as we provide interpreters and they train the students who enter our field. This conference reinforced the value of strengthening this relationship to improve the experiences of students, interpreters, and the Deaf community.
Diving into Workshops and Research
While I attended several sessions and workshops, the Poster Session was the standout for me. This format allowed me to engage directly with researchers, combining my love for networking with a deep dive into cutting-edge research. Two posters, in particular, caught my attention:
- Characterizing Effective Interpreting in STEM – by Natalie Kraft
- This research highlighted the unique demands of interpreting for Deaf professionals and academics in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields. Heritage Interpreting frequently supports these settings, and the insights from this poster will help us better prepare our interpreters for these challenges.
Leveraging the Gap: Mandatory Supervised Practice – by Allison Griffin
- This poster addressed the persistent gap in work readiness for novice interpreters entering the field. The proposal to implement mandatory supervised practice resonated deeply with me, as I see an opportunity for Heritage Interpreting to support initiatives that bridge this gap and enhance workforce preparedness.
Beyond the Poster Session, I attended impactful workshops like the Counterspaces Workshop, which introduced me to the concept of creating safe and inclusive environments for African American/Black interpreters. I also gained valuable insights from the Deaf Interpreter Trainers Panel, which shared strategies for Deaf-hearing teaching partnerships and fostering inclusion in interpreter training programs.
Inspiration from Keynotes and Endnote
The Opening Keynote set a powerful tone for the conference, emphasizing belonging and empathy as central themes. Hearing from leaders like Royce Carpenter and seeing the alignment of values across the interpreting community was both energizing and inspiring.
The conference closed with a poignant Endnote, featuring the quote: “I’m the driver; I have the map.” This message encapsulated the collective sense of agency and capability within our field. It left me feeling confident that we know the path forward and that we have what it takes to achieve our goals.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
One of my biggest takeaways from CIT 2024 is that leadership across the interpreting field—at CIT, RID, interpreting companies, and educational institutions—feels aligned after a period of uncertainty. There is a renewed sense of collaboration and trust that gives me hope for the future.
As I reflect on this conference, I feel inspired to grow both personally and professionally. As a leader, I’m committed to using the knowledge and connections gained at CIT to “drive” Heritage Interpreting forward. Whether it’s by following up on research presented at the Poster Session or exploring opportunities to sponsor workshops for our local and national communities, I’m excited to take actionable steps to support the interpreting field.
A Grateful Farewell
As I write this, I’m preparing for the gala that will close out another incredible CIT conference. I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow alongside so many passionate professionals. The work we do is challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding. CIT 2024 reminded me why I love this field and reinforced my commitment to advancing interpreter education and fostering belonging for all.
To the entire interpreting community: we have the map, and we are ready to drive forward together.
John R Lestina Jr
