Grow. Connect. Give Back

The UTRID Emerging Interpreter Committee is excited to announce that our Mentoring Program is now accepting applications for both mentees and mentors!

Whether you’re looking to grow your skills, gain guidance, or share your experience, this is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and support one another. And the best part? CEUs are available for all participants!

Ready to get involved? Apply today!

UTRID Mentoring Application

For more information, visit the UTRID website or email mentoring@UTRID.org

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

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

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

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

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.

Registration for the UTRID 2026 State Conference is now open!

Join us August 6–8, 2026, as we gather under this year’s theme, “From Deep Roots, We Rise.” Together, we’ll reconnect with the foundations of our profession, strengthen our community, and grow through engaging workshops, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences.

Take advantage of our early bird registration discount use code EarlyBird2026 and Purchase Here to secure your spot today! Attendees will have access to up to 1.7  CEUs offered across a variety of workshop topics designed to inspire growth, expand skills, and support interpreters at every stage of their careers. Your registration also includes meals throughout the conference and plenty of opportunities to branch out and connect with fellow interpreters. And if you’d like to take a moment to recharge while you grow, optional massages are available for an additional fee.

Can’t attend the entire conference? We’ve got flexible options. You can register for Thursday, Friday, or Saturday only, depending on your schedule.

Take advantage of our early bird registration discount for single days use code EarlyDay2026.

For our colleagues in Southern Utah, two Saturday workshops will be broadcast to St. George, with a virtual participation option available for those unable to make the commute. The EarlyDay2026 discount code is also valid for St. George registrations.

We invite all new, experienced, and student interpreters to join us as we branch out, reconnect with our roots, and rise together. Please see the attached flyer for additional conference details, including location, workshop information, and registration links.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Summer Conference—Don’t Forget to Save the Date!

The countdown is on! Less than 90 days until our UTRID State Conference. Our committee has been working behind the scenes preparing exciting workshops, activities, and more and we can’t wait to share. Keep an eye out for registration—we are excited to see you all and rise together!

Terp Talk & Networking Social — “Building Connections: Networking Across the Interpreter Career”

Join us Thursday, May 28th 6:30–8:30 PM for a workshop about networking and an opportunity to make new connections with colleagues.

WHO
Audience: Local & out-of-state Deaf & hearing ASL Interpreters over the age of 21.
Facilitator: Ryan Cowley, Ed.M

WHY
Overlapping with the ADARA conference visiting Utah this year, this event offers interpreters an opportunity to reflect on and strengthen networking skills that are vital to success in our service-based field. Participants will have space to build professional connections, engage with colleagues across experience levels, and connect with interpreters both locally and from across the country.

WHAT
This interactive workshop and networking event features a short facilitator-led presentation, structured networking activities, and opportunities to connect with interpreters across experience levels. The evening concludes with an optional open happy hour with local colleagues and attendees visiting for the ADARA conference.
The workshop and social hour will be conducted in ASL.

WHERE
Bewilder Brewing Co.
445 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Free restaurant parking available; carpools encouraged.
Must be 21+ & have a valid, physical ID to enter.

WHEN
5/28 6:30–7:30 | Terp Talk Workshop
(ticket required for credit of .1 CEU)

5/28 7:30–8:30 | Open Networking Social
(ticket not required; credit not applicable)

HOW MUCH
Members: $0.00 w/ active UTRID Membership
Non-Members: $35.00
*registration required for credit*

🌷 REGISTRATION 🌷

 

 

Curriculum & Administrative Details

Description of Workshop
This discussion-based workshop explores how professional networking supports interpreter growth and the quality of services for consumers.
Participants will engage in a brief facilitator-led presentation followed by active networking practice in a structured environment to build and maintain professional connections.The majority of the session centers on real-time interaction, with opportunities to apply new approaches and reflect on their impact.
Following the workshop, participants are invited to an optional, open happy hour to connect with local colleagues and those visiting for the ADARA conference.

Learning Objectives
1. Participants will identify and practice ways to build and maintain professional connections.
2. Participants will describe how professional connections support interpreter growth and impact the quality of services for consumers.

Policies
Submit accommodation requests to president@utrid.org by 14 May 2026.

UTRID does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

Cancelations and returns policy viewable here.