How can we help you?

CLC Spotlight

Meet one of CLC’s interpreters or translators and hear about the unique role they play in supporting our mission.

Farah Hughey

When Farah joined Community Language Cooperative (CLC), she brought with her a multilingual background and a deep commitment to language access. Born in Mexico City to a Lebanese family and now based in the U.S., Farah’s journey to professional translation reflects both a love of languages and a desire to help others find their voice in unfamiliar environments. After resolving a few technical hiccups at the start of our meeting, she spoke warmly about her path from finance to full-time translation — a shift that took root during the pandemic and was solidified after the birth of her first child in 2023.

Farah’s path to language work began earlier, when she served as an interpreter for Dallas Independent School District. There, she witnessed firsthand how interpretation can bridge critical gaps for families navigating the school system. One experience she recalls vividly involved helping a mother understand her eighth-grade son’s struggles at school — a moment that revealed, in real time, how communication can transform lives. That satisfaction, she said, is what ultimately drew her to continue working with language, this time through translation.

Now, Farah primarily translates written materials for the Colorado state government and local organizations, specializing in English-to-Spanish legal and marketing documents. Her projects range from immigration paperwork to outreach materials, all of which demand both precision and cultural awareness. She is fluent in Spanish and French and is currently pursuing certification in Arabic, further expanding her linguistic reach. “I enjoy the challenge of adapting meaning so that it feels natural to the reader,” she explained, noting that her multicultural background helps her navigate cultural nuances across audiences.

For Farah, the concept of language justice—central to CLC’s mission—is more than a professional principle; it’s a personal calling. “Language access allows people to participate fully in their communities without fear or intimidation,” she said. Whether translating legal documents or ensuring clear communication in education, she sees her work as vital to equity and inclusion.

Looking ahead, Farah hopes that translation and interpretation gain wider recognition as skilled professions. She acknowledges that while AI tools can assist with efficiency, they can never replace the human understanding of culture, tone, and context that true translation requires. Expressing gratitude for the Community Language Cooperative’s supportive structure and accessible team, Farah called her experience with the co-op “the best agency experience I’ve ever had”—a fitting statement from someone whose work so fully embodies the spirit of language justice.

Need help enabling interpretation on Zoom?