Valerie is a dedicated Project Manager at Interpro, where she takes pride in being part of an exceptionally talented localization team. She studied Modern Languages at DePaul University in Chicago and spent a year abroad in Paris. Valerie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Translation from Concordia University in Montreal in 2017.

Upon graduation, Valerie worked as a Project Manager for leading translation and localization companies in New York City. She also gained experience as a corporate translator in the financial sector, translating into French Canadian, her non-native language.

In her free time, Valerie enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, and restoring her historic Victorian farmhouse.

Valerie currently resides in St. Charles, Illinois with her husband, Thierry, their two dogs, Maggie and Charlie, and their cat, Lizzie.

Languages:

English, French, German and dabbling in many others

How did you get into the translation services industry?

I’ve always had a natural affinity for languages. My role as a French Language Assistant at Lions Clubs International exposed me to Trados Studio, sparking a passion for translation. After DePaul University, I shifted focus to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the field, eager to embark on a career in the translation and localization industry.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

I would master the languages that I dabble in from time to time, starting with Luxembourgish.

Favorite place traveled abroad:

It is impossible to choose just one because they all have something to offer! My favorites to date are Canada, France, Ireland and Scotland.

When did you discover your passion for language and culture?

My passion for language and culture ignited early on. A childhood visit to Epcot sparked a lifelong fascination with diverse cultures and their languages. There, I was immersed in a sea of tourists speaking in tongues I had never heard before. This revelation led me to a profound curiosity about the world beyond my own. Language is the heart of culture, offering a unique perspective. I believe it fosters understanding and cultural sensitivity, qualities I admire in my Interpro colleagues.

Favorite cuisine:

Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese

Favorite movie/genre:

I indulge in sci-fi and fantasy flicks. Among my favorites are The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and recently, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies.

Linguistic fun fact about you:

I know the Greek alphabet. My fifth-grade teacher, a Big Ten alumna and sorority member, offered extra credit to anyone who could learn it. So, I did!