Category Archives: News & Updates

From Deep Roots, We Rise: Welcoming UTRID’s New Board Members

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UTRID Annual Conference

From Deep Roots, We Rise

Welcoming UTRID’s New Board Members

As we gather together for the UTRID Annual Conference, we are celebrating the deep roots that have shaped our organization—and looking toward the future we will continue to grow together.

This year’s conference theme, From Deep Roots, We Rise, reminds us that strong communities are built through the knowledge, leadership, service, and relationships passed from one generation to the next. As UTRID welcomes a new group of board members, we are grateful for the foundation built by those who have served before them and excited for
what this next chapter will bring.

Please join us in welcoming UTRID’s newest board members:

Vice President
Adam Janisieski-Chacon

Treasurer
Andrea Rathbun

Member at Large
Workshop Chair
Kelsey Janson

Member at Large
Immersion Weekend Chair
Stephanie Belshe

Member at Large
Deaf Liaison
Itzel Sefick-Razo

We are excited to see these leaders bring their experience, ideas, and
passion to UTRID. Their service will help us continue growing
opportunities for professional development, strengthening connections
within our community, and creating a strong foundation for the future.

From deep roots, we rise.
Together, we grow.

 

From Deep Roots, We Rise: Celebrating UTRID’s 2026 Award Recipients

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UTRID Annual Conference

From Deep Roots, We Rise

Celebrating UTRID’s 2026 Award Recipients

Each year, the UTRID Conference gives us an opportunity to come together, learn from one another, strengthen our connections, and recognize the people who help make our profession and community stronger.

This year, as we gather around the theme From Deep Roots, We Rise, we are especially proud to celebrate individuals whose leadership, service, dedication, and contributions have helped our community grow.

Please join us in celebrating the recipients of the 2026 UTRID Awards!

Kim Maibaum Lifetime Achievement Award

Clay Anderson

Ellen O’Hara Community Member of the Year

Ann Agudo

Emerging Interpreter of the Year

Brianna Hoffman

Teddi von Pingel Legacy of Exemplary Service

Tanner Vance

Interpreter of the Year Award

Heather Aldridge

These awards represent more than individual accomplishments. They reflect the relationships, mentorship, service, leadership, and dedication that form the foundation of our interpreting community.

Congratulations to Clay Anderson, Ann Agudo, Brianna Hoffman, Tanner Vance, and Heather Aldridge on these well-deserved honors. Thank you for the ways you contribute to our community and help UTRID continue to grow.

From deep roots, we rise.
Together, we grow.

 

Nominations now open for UTRID’s 2026 Awards

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You are invited to submit Award Nominations !

View email announcement here.

Awards will be presented at this year’s Bi-Annual State Conference—2026 From Deep Roots, We Rise. (info & registration here)

Deadline: Saturday 1 Aug. at Noon

 

Nominations are now open for the following awards:

Interpreter of the Year
Recognizes an outstanding interpreter from our community who has been exceptional in professionalism, service, and attitude.

Kim Maibaum Lifetime Achievement
Presented to an individual who has spent a lifetime enriching not only the profession but also the members of the interpreting and Deaf communities.

Ellen O’Hara Community Member of the Year
Recognizes an individual who actively supports the interpreting profession and exemplifies leadership within the Deaf community.

Teddi von Pingel Legacy of Exemplary Service Award
Honors an individual whose commitment and contributions have significantly enriched both the profession and the community, leaving a lasting impact through exemplary service.

Emerging Interpreter of the Year
An emerging interpreter or student who has gone above and beyond in volunteerism and exemplifies leadership within their community of peers.

Use this link to open a nomination template email.

🚨 Nominations are due Sat. Aug. 1 at Noon

Email nominations individually to nominations@utrid.org

Nominations need to include: (1) the name of the individual being nominated, (2) what award you are nominating them for, and (3) a statement of support for the nominee.

Questions? Email nominations@utrid.org: Saturday 1 Aug. at Noon

Board of Director Nominations for 2026 Business Meeting

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View email announcement here.

Do you know an interpreter who…

  • … cares about our colleagues and consumers?
  • … wants to make a difference in their local profession and their career?
  • … loves to work and learn with colleagues from other interpreting settings?

If any of the above descriptions seem like you or someone you know, please reply to this email.

 

Seeking nominations for the following UTRID leadership roles:

  • Vice President
  • Treasurer
  • Immersion Weekend Committee Chair (MAL)
  • Workshops Committee Chair (MAL)
  • Deaf Community Liaison (MAL)

Please consider nominating yourself or someone you know.

Board positions will be voted into office during the annual UTRID Business Meeting on Fri. August 7th 2026, as part of the 2026 UTRID Conference “From Deep Roots, We Rise”.

Email questions and nominations to nominations@utrid.org.

Use this link to open a nomination template email.

Please send nominations individually. The subject should read “Board Nomination” and must include the name of the nominee and the role they are nominated for. The message must include: (1)the name of the individual being nominated, (2) the position for which they are being nominated, and (3) the nominee’s email address & phone number; please include a statement of support as well.


Nominations may be made on the floor of the business meeting; individuals may decline a nomination

 

Official Duties of 2026-2028 Board Roles
  • Vice President
    • The Vice-President shall, in the absence or disability of the President, perform
      all duties of the President and in so acting shall have all the powers of the
      President.
    • The Vice-President shall serve as Director of Committees and oversee all committees operating according to the UTRID Bylaws.
    • The Vice President shall perform other duties of the office as prescribed by the Board of Directors.
  • Treasurer
    • The Treasurer shall maintain the financial records of the organization, making at least quarterly financial records of the organization, making at least quarterly financial reports to the President, maintaining the financial accounts, and making payments for authorized expenditures.
    • The Treasurer shall perform other duties of the office as outlined in the UTRID Bylaws and as prescribed by the Board of Directors.
  • Immersion Weekend Committee Chair (Member-at-Large*)
    • The Conference Chair is responsible for forming a committee to plan and execute the Bi-annual State Conference & Bi-annual Mini-Conference.
  • Workshops Committee Chair (Member-at-Large*)
    • The Professional Development MAL is responsible for forming a committee to plan workshops and Professional Development activities for the membership of UTRID.
  •  Deaf Community Liaison (Member-at-Large*)
    • The Deaf Community Liaison is responsible for forming a committee to plan and execute the annual Sub-for-Santa fundraising drive.
    • The Deaf Community Liaison shall act as a liaison with the UTRID Board of Directors and individuals + organizations across Utah’s Deaf community.

* Members-at-Large shall act as liaisons to the Board of Directors from the membership, working directly with the membership assisting with the coordination of activities and communications within the organization.

Welcome UTRID 2025-2026 Board!

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Help us celebrate the new UTRID 2025-2026 board!

On Saturday, August 26, we had our annual elections, voting on the UTRID board positions of President, Secretary, Public Relations Committee Chair MAL, Emerging Interpreter Committee Chair MAL, and the Future President MAL. The quorum voting requirement was met and we are happy to announce the 2025-2026 UTRID Board!

We look forward to a strong year.

UTRID 2025-2026 Board members:

President- Tanner Vance

Vice President- Nathan Suitter

Treasurer- Makayla Johnson

Secretary- Betsy Bennion

Deaf Community Liaison MAL- Pamela Mower

Professional Development MAL- Vacant

Emerging Interpreter Committee Chair MAL- Sara Ingerson

Conference Chair MAL- Amber Sidwell

Public Relations MAL- Amie Smith Santiago

Future President MAL- Megan Johnson

Call for Nominations

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It’s that time of year again—we’re seeking your involvement. Nominations for the 2025 Business Meeting are now open! View the email notice here.

Board elections will take place during the Business Meeting on Sat. August 23, 2025. You are invited to submit nominations for the following board positions.
Details about each role, including duties and scopes of work, are listed below.

Nominations are due Aug 23, 2023; early nominations are appreciated.

Email nominations individually to president@utrid.org. Email subject must read “2025 Board Nomination” and must include (1) the name of the individual being nominated, (2) the position for which they are being nominated, and (3) the nominee’s email address. Nominations may be made on the floor of the business meeting; individuals may decline a nomination.

2025 Election Cycle Positions

President

  • The President shall have general supervision and direction of the business and affairs of the organization. The President shall preside at all meetings of the members and/or Directors and shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed, from time to time, by the Board of Directors or the members.
  • The President shall appoint Committee Chairpersons with approval of the Board of Directors.
  • The President shall share, with the Treasurer, the right to sign checks and warrants for the withdrawal of corporate funds.
  • The President shall provide yearly reports to the membership regarding the actions of the Board of Directors, the financial status of the organization, activities of the committees and other activities of the organization.
  • The President shall represent the organization at national and regional RID conferences, attending applicable business and organizational meetings. To aid in this responsibility, UTRID will either reimburse or schedule and pay directly for the President’s transportation, registration and accommodations, totaling up to 10% of the organization’s current account balance, but not to exceed $1500.
  • The President shall provide an annual report and all other documentation to the RID National Representative in accordance with the RID Affiliate Chapter Requirements.

Secretary

  • The Secretary shall keep a full and accurate record of all proceedings of the Board of Directors and of the general membership meetings.
  • The Secretary shall keep the seal of the corporation and affix it to such papers and instruments as may be required in the regular course of business and shall make service of such notices as may be necessary or proper.
  • The Secretary shall supervise the keeping of the records of the organization.
  • The Secretary shall perform other duties of the office as prescribed by the Board of Directors.

MAL (Emerging Interpreter Committee Chair) *

  • The Emerging Interpreter Committee Chair Member-at-Large is responsible for forming and guiding a committee that supports UTRID members who are new to the interpreting profession or actively pursuing certification & credential advancement.
  • In collaboration with the Board of Directors, this MAL will oversee the coordination of activities that blend peer connection, skill-building, and professional resource sharing for early-career interpreters.

MAL (Public Relations Committee Chair) *

  • The Public Relations Committee Chair Member-at-Large is responsible for overseeing a committee that manages UTRID’s external communications, including the website, social media, email, and promotional messaging.
  • This MAL ensures alignment with UTRID’s branding and public image, and provides leadership for the creation and distribution of flyers and other visual materials.

MAL (Future President) *

  • The Future President Member-at-Large is responsible for working closely with the President and Executive Committee to gain experience in the operations, programs, and governance of UTRID.
  • This MAL shall play an instrumental role in the development of UTRID’s Policies and Procedures Manual (PPM), with the expectation that they will ultimately assume leadership of the project.
  • This MAL intends to be a candidate for the position of President in 2027 and will use this term to build fluency in UTRID’s mission, administrative functions, and organizational culture.

* All Members-at-Large (MAL) shall act as liaisons to the Board of Directors from the membership, working directly with the membership and assisting with the coordination of activities and communications within the organization.

RID HQ Changes & Community Forum Invitation

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What’s going on?

If you subscribe to emails from or are a member of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), you likely are aware of some recent changes in personnel and leadership in the national organization. As a member of UTRID, we want to share with you information, resources, and a community forum invitation. 

Below are links to RID’s official statements regarding the recent events of RID HQ and the RID Board:
5/19/2025 – 🌟 TOMORROW! Connecting with Members – A Community Forum
5/19/2025 – Follow-Up Leadership Transition FAQs
5/16/2025 – You’re Invited: Connecting with Members – A Community Forum
5/12/2025 – New Leadership Transition FAQ
5/09/2025 – RID Executive Leadership Update and Interim Appointment
You can view a library of their recent email notices sent to subscribing members by following this link.

In light of these events, RID’s Board of Directors is hosting an event to answer quesitons and engage with the membership.

Register for the RID Community Forum here; they will host it in webinar format on Zoom tonight, 5/20/2025 from 6-8 PM in our timezone (MT). If you are interested in joining a watch party, please respond to this email. 

How do these events impact UTRID? 

Currently UTRID remains unaffected by these shifts in the national leadership. Amidst uncertainty at RID—both today and in years past—UTRID remains committed to serving you as a member as we continue our programming and operations. Thank you for your membership with us here at UTRID, our local affiliate chapter of RID. We look forward to continuing to serve you as members of the Deaf and interpreter communities. 

National Interpreter Appreciation Day — Membership Renewal Discount

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Spring into Summer with $10 off UTRID memberships this week only!

Today, Wednesday, May 7th, is National Interpreter Appreciation Day. As is our tradition on the first Wednesday in May, we want to take a special moment to thank interpreters for their dedication to the field and the communities they serve.

We especially want to thank YOU for your contributions to our profession of sign language interpreting and the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and hearing communities we serve!

This year, we’re excited to announce that UTRID is offering $10 off all individual membership types from May 7th through May 11th with the code: 10off2025

To renew your membership, visit your Membership Summary while logged in and click “Renew”. Don’t forget to enter the code 10off2025 to receive your $10 discount!

On behalf of the board of UTRID, thank you for your membership and continued support; we appreciate you!