In this episode of Connected Conversations, host Elena Petrova sits down with Amparo Villar García, a veteran interpreter and Head of Training at Ad Astra. Together, they unpack what it means to enter (and thrive in) the interpreting field, the real meaning of certification, and how human connection still lies at the heart of every interpreted exchange.
🟢 Key Themes:
How AI is changing the role of interpreters—and why it’s not a threat
The difference between interpreter training, certification, and real-world readiness
Why interpreters come from all walks of life—and how to turn your background into a strength
What it’s like to work in medical, legal, business, and conference settings
Amparo’s personal story of career change and finding purpose through interpretation
From cultural nuance to professional ethics, Amparo shares how trained interpreters offer more than just words - they bridge worlds.
About Amparo:
Amparo Villar Garcia is a Cross-Cultural Communications certified trainer who brings 15 years of professional interpreting experience to her role. Her expertise spans medical interpretation (specializing in mental health), legal depositions, court proceedings, conference, and business interpreting.
As Ad-Astra's Head of Training since 2022, she has revolutionized the department by developing 18 comprehensive training programs and spearheading the upcoming Ad-Astra Online Skills Academy. Since 2018, she has been training interpreters across sectors, delivering both 40-hour and 60-hour medical and community interpretation certificates, demonstrating her commitment to elevating professional standards in the field.
🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, empowering conversation on language, learning, and the future of interpretation.
You can watch/listen to this episode here:
🟢 Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DbTJJ
⚫ Apple Podcast: https://shorturl.at/bKWlm
🔵 Amazon Music: https://shorturl.at/LHg8q