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What can aspiring interpreters do when faced with a shortage of mentors?
In 2000, one group of motivated young interpreters came up with a proactive answer to this question. The group they started, dubbed True-Biz, was a hybrid of professional and peer mentorship which led its members to national certification and successful careers. 

GURIEC caught up with four of the True-Biz members for an informal interview, which you can view below or at the bottom of the page on The Mentoring Toolkit videos website. Learn about how the group planned skill development activities, enjoyed community support, and offered each other structured, positive accountability. Though certified interpreters and Deaf professionals may not have been available as full-time mentors, many were happy to accept an invitation to share their talents with True-Biz. 


Katrina Street, Folami Ford, Pam Collins, & Nicole Shambourger
(Left to right) Katrina Street, Folami Ford,
Pam Collins, & Nicole Shambourger

This week is a perfect time to publicly recognize the accomplishments of True-Biz members, several of whom were featured leaders this weekend at
NAOBI-DC 's 15th anniversary celebrations. Congratulations to all involved! 

P.S. Fun fact-- one interpreter who once took the True-Biz model to heart and started her own group, New Biz, is NAOBI-DC President Kafi Lemons! We hope other viewers can use this model to start your own group or find new, creative paths to success. 

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Hilary Mayhew
GURIEC Coordinator

The National Consortium of Interpreter Education Centers are six centers funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, CFDA #H160A and H160B to expand and enhance the effectiveness of the interpreting workforce. For more information, click on the center name to visit their website: