Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Volunteer
Organizations
Timeline
Generic

NATASHA SHOKOUHI-VAFA

North Potomac ,MD

Summary

I am proud to identify as a child of first-generation immigrant Deaf parents (CODA), with a deep respect for and appreciation of the diverse, multicultural Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Growing up immersed in Deaf culture has shaped my understanding of the unique needs and experiences of the community. This perspective has fueled my commitment to ensuring meaningful communication and accessibility for others, while honoring the richness of Deaf culture and language. I am passionate about advocating for greater accessibility and inclusion, working to remove barriers and ensure that all individuals have equal access to essential services.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of individuals' journeys to communicate and be heard. I am committed to continually growing and improving as an interpreter and advocate for the Deaf community.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Remote VRS (Video Relay Service) Interpreter

Sorenson Communication
Washington DC-Baltimore Area
07.2015 - Current

ASL Interpreter (Community & Remote)

Independent Contractor
Washington DC-MD-VA
05.2011 - Current

VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) Center Manager

TCS Interpreting
Silver Spring, Maryland
05.2011 - 10.2015

Promoted from Scheduler to VRI Center Manager within 5 months of employment

Cultural Access Program Manager

Purple Communications, Inc
Silver Spring, MD
04.2010 - 05.2011

Education

Certificate - Interpreter Preparation Program

Community College of Baltimore County
Catonsville, MD
12.2014

Certificate - Human Resources Management

University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA
06.2010

Skills

  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Stress management
  • Relationship building
  • Professional ethics
  • Client confidentiality
  • Language proficiency

Certification

National Interpreter Certification (NIC)

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

Issued November 2024

Volunteer

Board Member, DEAF DAWN

March 2023 - Present

DAWN is a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and transformative justice-based agency that provides multi-faceted services to Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf disabled, hard-of-hearing, and late deafened survivors and community. DAWN provides direct services and education addressing power-based violence.

Organizations

World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)

January 2024 - Present

World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)

January 2024 - Present

CODA International (Children of Deaf Adults)

June 2023 - Present

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

June 2011 - Present

Timeline

Remote VRS (Video Relay Service) Interpreter

Sorenson Communication
07.2015 - Current

ASL Interpreter (Community & Remote)

Independent Contractor
05.2011 - Current

VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) Center Manager

TCS Interpreting
05.2011 - 10.2015

Cultural Access Program Manager

Purple Communications, Inc
04.2010 - 05.2011

Certificate - Interpreter Preparation Program

Community College of Baltimore County

Certificate - Human Resources Management

University of California-Irvine
NATASHA SHOKOUHI-VAFA