September 11, 2025
At the Academy of Interpretation (AOI), we believe that language is more than a tool, it’s a lifeline. Every day, interpreters and translators serve as the bridge between cultures, between confusion and clarity, and most importantly, between people. That’s why we created the Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship: a $500 award to support the next generation of language professionals who are passionate about equity, communication, and community impact.
This year, we are proud to recognize two extraordinary recipients whose journeys and dedication embody the spirit of this scholarship: Leonardo Diaz Garcia and Bianca Zwerlein. Their stories remind us why investing in future interpreters and language access advocates is so vital.
Leonardo’s work as a language educator in both Spain and the United States reflects an unwavering commitment to inclusion, equity, and adaptability. Whether supporting secondary school students in Vic, Spain, many of whom had limited English proficiency or learning challenges, or designing practical language tools for adult learners returning to the classroom, Leonardo has shown that true education begins with understanding.
He developed visually engaging lesson plans and bilingual vocabulary cards that empowered students to participate with confidence. He wove cultural relevance into every topic, helping learners connect lessons to their lived experiences. “Inclusive education,” he writes, “is not just a goal but an evolving practice.” His dedication to modifying curriculum and honoring student identities shines as a model for future interpreters and educators alike.
Bianca’s journey from informal family interpreter to certified court interpreter, and now to future speech-language pathologist, is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Haiti, Bianca learned early on the value of words and wisdom. Her grandfather taught her to read in Haitian Creole, planting the first seed of a purpose that would unfold years later.
After interpreting through some of life’s most vulnerable moments, from births to 911 calls, Bianca discovered her true calling when helping a stroke survivor rediscover speech. That moment shifted her path toward communicative sciences, and she hasn’t looked back. With a 4.0 GPA, a transfer to NYU, and a vision to open a practice that supports Haitian and immigrant families, Bianca is redefining what it means to serve with heart, culture, and care.
Leonardo and Bianca represent what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Their stories reflect the Academy of Interpretation’s mission to professionalize the language services industry and expand access to high-quality training, credentialing, and education.
We are incredibly proud to support these future leaders through the Voices of Tomorrow Scholarship. Their voices, their journeys, and their dreams are exactly what the world needs more of, today and tomorrow.
Stay tuned as we continue spotlighting changemakers who are shaping the future of interpretation, one word at a time.
