Elizabeth Colón Donates Time & Funds to Cause Supporting Survivors of Torture, Trauma and Sexual Violence.

Chicago, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2011 -- Elizabeth Colon, CEO of Metaphrasis Language and Cultural Solutions (Metaphrasis), today announced she has been selected to be the Board Chair for the national VOICE OF LOVE project, which has filed Articles of Incorporation to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Additionally, the Chicago interpreting, translation and training company made a financial donation to The Voice of Love.

The Voice of Love is a pro bono, all-volunteer project spear-headed by Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (http://www.astt.org) and Cross-Cultural Communications. The original purpose of The Voice of Love was to develop a three-day interpreter training program to support quality services to survivors of torture, trauma and sexual violence. In addition to this program, the organization intends to provide training and resources in the field.

Colon's role in the project will encompass many areas including collaboration on decision making as well as oversight and leadership to the board members. Marjory Bancroft, MA, adds, "This is a project that has garnered tremendous positive attention across the U.S. Elizabeth has the passion, focus, drive and above all the concern for survivors that will bring the Board the energy and leadership we urgently need."

Scheduled to be completed in December 2012, the first training products developed by THE VOICE OF LOVE will be made available at no cost to agencies that support survivors of torture and trauma. A needs assessment report and two guides about how to interpret in this field and how to work with interpreters in torture and trauma services will also be made available to the public at no cost.

The training manual and trainer's guide will be, depending on financial resources, possibly in hard copy, with the goal of
supporting survivors of torture and trauma.

Elizabeth Colon, CEO of Metaphrasis commented on her participation, "I chose to become a part of THE VOICE OF LOVE project because I believe in what it will accomplish. It addresses the real emotional issues that interpreters face while interpreting for survivors of torture, trauma and/or survivors of sexual and domestic violence."

Colon continued, "The Voice of Love is going to be the first organization of its kind that is going to ensure that these survivors are properly represented through the voice of a qualified interpreter."

The more than 100 volunteers currently associated with THE VOICE OF LOVE include community and medical interpreters, mental health interpreters, therapists and clinicians, interpreter educators and trainers, legal interpreters, social workers, front-line staff, volunteers at centers for torture and trauma, staff in sexual assault services, health professionals, outreach specialists, refugee resettlement staff, community advocates, caseworkers, faith-based organizations, a few researchers, consultants, an immigration attorney, and others. To learn more about The Voice of Love, please visit http://www.cultureandlanguage.net/index.php/voice-of-love-project.

About Metaphrasis
Metaphrasis is a full-service language company connecting businesses with their diverse clients and community. Language services include onsite interpreting, telephonic interpreting, document translation, cultural diversity training, testing, and consulting.

Providing language services is just one way businesses can show their dedication to their clients, employees, and community. Based on a recent company survey, Metaphrasis was rated superior in the areas of professionalism, client service, expertise in their field and trustworthiness. The company is headquartered in Frankfort, Illinois and may be reached at 815-464-1423, in Chicago at 312-924-1845 or online at http://www.metaphrasislcs.com. Follow Metaphrasis on Twitter @Metaphrasislcs.

Contact:
Amy Chilla
Metaphrasis
Chicago, IL
815-464-1423
achilla@teaminnova.com
http://www.metaphrasislcs.com

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Turning a passion into taking a plunge has reaped rewards for founder, Elizabeth Colón.

Chicago, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/11/2011 -- Intercultural roots, a desire to help others and a passion for language are all ingredients in an award-winning company recipe, created by Chicago entrepreneur, Elizabeth Colon. The language services company, Metaphrasis Language and Cultural Solutions (Metaphrasis) today announced its founder, Elizabeth Colon received an honorable mention as one of Enterprising Women Magazine's 2011 Enterprising Woman of the Year.

According to Enterprising Women Magazine, the interpreting and translation agency's founder was selected for this distinguished group of women because she was able to demonstrate a fast-growth business, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in the community. Many of these women are also leaders in key organizations that support the growth of women's entrepreneurship.

With over 300 translators and 100 interpreters, Colon has created a company that provides much needed services to Chicago's multi-cultural businesses. Her unique model provides professional training for those already speaking a second language to begin a career as an interpreter. "Empowering people to take a skill they already have and apply it to the professional world is something everyone can appreciate. I believe in providing a corporate environment where we are service-minded in what we do, but also who we are," commented founder Elizabeth Colon. This speaks to the company's recent opening of an Intercultural Center to be used for events, training and meetings.

Colon was born in Chicago, but spent some of her young years living in Puerto Rico where she enriched herself in the culture and language. Having parents who were Limited-English Proficient (LEP), she is committed through her company's mission, to provide equal access to services to the Latino and other diverse communities by eliminating disparities and language barriers. She is an outspoken proponent of diversity and bridging communication gaps and promoting equal access to quality services through the use of trained medical interpreters and her passion for languages.

"I am so pleased to receive this award and be grouped with such prestigious companies. The fact that Enterprising Women recognized me among this group is so rewarding. I have always strived to run a company that makes a difference in our community," continued Colon.

Her experience in both non-profit and for profit environments enables her to cater to the needs of many different business environments. She is the Midwest Regional State Representative for the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) and is Board Director for the Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters (MATI).

Through Colon's efforts, Metaphrasis currently has contracts with such distinguished healthcare facilities as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, NorthShore University HealthSystem and Advocate Health Care, among others.

About Metaphrasis
Metaphrasis is a full-service language company connecting businesses with their diverse clients and community. Language services include onsite interpreting, telephonic interpreting, document translation, cultural diversity training, testing, and consulting.

Providing language services is just one way businesses can show their dedication to their clients, employees, and community. Based on a recent company survey, Metaphrasis was rated superior in the areas of professionalism, client service, expertise in their field and trustworthiness. The company is headquartered in Frankfort, Illinois and may be reached at 815-464-1423, in Chicago at 312-924-1845 or online at http://www.metaphrasislcs.com. Follow Metaphrasis on Twitter @Metaphrasislcs.

Contact :
Amy Chilla
Metaphrasis
Chicago, IL
815-464-1423
achilla@teaminnova.com
http://www.metaphrasislcs.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm