Katie Young
Brighton,CO
Summary
Global Accommodations & Accessibility Leader with over 20 years of domain expertise in specialized disability accommodations, legal compliance, and enterprise-scale operations. Demonstrated track record of scaling global accommodation frameworks, managing a $65M annual operating budget, and leading cross-functional organizations of 80+ practitioners and vendors. Proven leader in vendor performance management, emerging technology integration, and cross-functional partnerships across Legal, HR, Facilities, and Senior Leadership to drive accessible workplace innovation.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
Operations Manager – Specialty Accommodation Services
AMAZON
Denver, CO
12.2018 - Current
- Enterprise Leadership & Operational Scale: Oversee a $65M annual budget and lead an expanded organization including 10 direct reports, a peak internal team of 85 Sign Language Interpreters, and 13 specialized vendor partners (8 Sign Language, 3 Blind/Low Vision, 2 CART).
- Service Delivery Excellence: Drove a 15% increase in accommodation fill rate year-over-year through data-driven resource allocation, workflow optimization, and performance tracking.
- Standardized contract terms and SLAs across all external vendors, optimizing service quality and reducing unit costs while establishing performance auditing mechanisms.
- Legal, HR & Stakeholder Alignment: Partner continuously with Accommodation Case Managers, Legal, HR, Finance, and Field Operations to interpret disability compliance frameworks, establish operational best practices, and resolve complex case escalations.
- Cross-Functional & Tech Innovation: Co-developed and launched on-demand virtual interpreting services directly integrated into Amazon’s proprietary operating system and devices, granting employees immediate access to workplace accommodations.
- Co-developed and launched on-demand virtual interpreting services integrated into Amazon’s proprietary operating system, providing employees immediate access to workplace accommodations.
- Designed and implemented internal video translation services to enhance inclusive communications across the enterprise.
- Executive Governance & Data Strategy: Spearhead data collection across all service delivery channels; author and present Monthly Business Reviews (MBR) to senior leadership to drive strategic program evolution.
- Spearheaded data collection across all service delivery channels; authored and presented Monthly Business Reviews (MBR) to senior leadership to influence strategic program evolution.
RID Certified Sign Language Interpreter
Coors Brewing Company
Golden, CO
02.2011 - 05.2019
- Facilitated communication between deaf and hearing individuals in warehouse settings.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop inclusive environments for employees using sign language services.
RID Certified Sign Language Interpreter
University of Denver
Denver, CO
09.2011 - 12.2018
- Facilitated communication access for deaf and hearing individuals in diverse settings, enhancing understanding and engagement.
- Delivered high-stakes interpretation while strictly adhering to ethical, professional, and legal standards, ensuring clarity and trust.
- Interpreted complex information accurately during educational sessions and conferences.
- Collaborated with educators to enhance accessibility in classroom environments.
- Mentored junior interpreters, providing guidance on best practices and techniques.
RID Certified Sign Language Interpreter
Purple Communications, Inc
Denver, CO
06.2010 - 12.2018
- Interpreted phone calls through Video Relay Service to ensure accessibility for all participants.
- Trained new interpreters on best practices and video relay-specific protocols for effective interpretation.
- Facilitated communication between deaf and hearing employees during meetings and training sessions.
- Interpreted complex technical information into accessible sign language for diverse audiences.
EIPA Certified Sign Language Interpreter
Jeffco Public Schools
Arvada, CO
08.2007 - 05.2010
- Facilitated effective communication between deaf and hearing individuals in educational settings.
- Developed and implemented individualized support strategies for students using sign language services.
- Collaborated with educators to enhance classroom inclusivity and accessibility for all students.
Pre-Certified Sign Language Interpreter
Albuquerque Public Schools Administration
Albuquerque, NM
01.2006 - 05.2007
- Facilitated communication between hearing and deaf individuals in educational settings.
- Interpreted a variety of content, ensuring accuracy and clarity for diverse audiences.
Education
Bachelor of Arts / Science - Speech and Hearing Sciences
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Sign Language Interpreting
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque01.2005
Skills
- Regulatory compliance
- Budget oversight
- Contract negotiation
- Disability Compliance
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Employee relations
- Technology Integration
Certification
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Certification | National Council on Interpreting
Languages
American Sign Language
Full Professional
Timeline
Operations Manager – Specialty Accommodation Services
AMAZON
12.2018 - Current
RID Certified Sign Language Interpreter
University of Denver
09.2011 - 12.2018
RID Certified Sign Language Interpreter
Coors Brewing Company
02.2011 - 05.2019
RID Certified Sign Language Interpreter
Purple Communications, Inc
06.2010 - 12.2018
EIPA Certified Sign Language Interpreter
Jeffco Public Schools
08.2007 - 05.2010
Pre-Certified Sign Language Interpreter
Albuquerque Public Schools Administration
01.2006 - 05.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Sign Language Interpreting
University of New Mexico
Bachelor of Arts / Science - Speech and Hearing Sciences
University of New Mexico