Meet Our Expert Translation Team

Beshar is the Chief Technology Officer at Interpro. He’s been with our company since 1999. Beshar is responsible for overseeing all engineering tasks related to translation projects, including file preparation, compiling, technical support, and network administration. He can just glare at something and fix it! When not providing translation and localization services, Beshar enjoys doing volunteer work at his church and other organizations.

What is your favorite thing about working at Interpro?

Never a dull moment! Working in an international environment is always fun. We deal with files from all different types of companies using different technologies and platforms. This makes every day interesting and challenging, and that’s a good thing!

What do you love most about offering translation solutions?

Knowing that our clients are able to expand into different countries and communicate with people in their native languages.

Languages:

Arabic, English, C, C++, VB, Pascal, XML, ASP, HTML, VBA, SQL.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

Aramaic.

Fun fact:

I’ve gone skydiving!

David is a sales prospector at Interpro. A recent graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, David is branching out into the realm of translation solutions.

When not Prospecting, David enjoys working out, watching baseball, reading, and spending time outside with his family and dog.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

Japanese

Favorite sports team:

The Chicago White Sox

What country would you most would like to visit?

Ireland, specifically Cork County. My family tree has been traced back to Cork County and I think it would be fascinated to visit where parts of my family came from.

Favorite foreign cuisine:

Italian

Justin is a localization engineer at Interpro. He has a BS in computer science. Justin helps prepare initial projects for translation and assists the team with analysis information for quotes and translation projects, in addition to handling project archives and performing other infrastructure duties. When not providing translation and localization services, Justin likes to spend time with his kids.

What country would you most like to visit?

Australia. My kids both love Finding Nemo and my oldest used to go around repeating the address of the dentist’s office in Sydney. It would be nice to take them to see the real thing.

Languages:

English, C, C++, Java, COBOL, Visual C++, HTML, PHP, JavaScript, Visual Basic.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

German. My dad’s side of the family came from there and my grandparents kept in contact with friends and distant relatives all their lives.

Favorite music genre:

I don’t get to control the music selection much in my house, but I am very familiar with all the Disney soundtracks.

Funniest international experience:

One day while I was doing some work in my office, one of my staff managers was giving an orientation to a new international student we had hired. As he went over each page of the manual and discussed the policies, he would ask the student if he understood them. The student would say “yes,” but shake his head “no.” After a few times of this occurring, my manager was getting frustrated and I stepped in to ask and got the same response. With a careful question, I learned that in his culture, that was how you shook your head for “yes.” A small gesture, but it almost caused a lot of trouble.

Eleanore is the marketing manager at Interpro. She has a master’s in strategic marketing. Her responsibilities are focused on increasing awareness of the high-quality translation and localization services we provide. Eleanore found her home at Interpro after recognizing the need to provide marketing and health education materials in multiple languages.

How did you get into the translation services industry?

After managing the marketing strategy for a health system, I recognized the local Spanish-speaking population was highly underserved. Receiving simple healthcare services became complicated because basic materials like the website, signage, and health education documents were only provided in English. When I realized Interpro solves this exact problem, I jumped on the opportunity to join the team.

What country would you most would like to visit?

I’d have to do an art history tour of Europe. As an undergraduate art student, I’d love to see all the classics that began Western art culture.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

Spanish, hands-down!

Favorite cuisine:

Chinese and Japanese, but I also love a good bruschetta!

María is a project manager at Interpro. She brings over 20 years of translation and localization experience. Her passion lies in bridging cultural gaps and ensuring everyone has access to language services, especially in the ever-evolving world of eLearning and multimedia. A believer in the power of inclusive language, María is an advocate for its role in fostering understanding.

Originally from Spain and bilingual in English and Spanish. María’s passion extends beyond languages; she is a dedicated volunteer at a local animal shelter, helping adopters find their perfect furry companions.

Languages:

English and Spanish.

How did you get into the translation services industry?

Actually, it came about by chance. I was looking for my first job here in the USA when I found an opening for an interpreter at a local interpreting company serving the Chicago area hospitals. I did that for a while until the owner of the company approached me with an interesting opportunity: to start their translation department. I enjoy challenges, so I said yes. Back then, I never thought this would become my career path!

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

I would choose Arabic. Spain’s strong ties to Arabic culture have always fascinated me, especially considering the many Arabic words that have become rooted in the Spanish language.

Favorite place traveled abroad:

Honestly, I don’t have a single favorite place. Every time I visit Spain to see my family, I use it as a base to explore a new area in Spain or another country in Europe. Discovering new places and cultures is my favorite part of travel.

Fun Fact:

I used to play soccer and coach my sons’ soccer teams.

Erich is an account manager at Interpro. When not providing support for Interpro’s sales team, Erich enjoys watching movies, riding his bike through unexplored terrain, and adding to his LEGO minifigure collection. He is also the organizer of Interpro’s annual team-building scavenger hunt!

How did you get into the translation services industry?

My uncle suggested that I apply to Interpro. He’d connected with Nick Strozza through the F3 workout group. You never know where networking will take you!

What is your favorite thing about working at Interpro?

Definitely meeting all different people with unique life experiences. I’ve only been here a short time, but I’ve already encountered folks from Italy, Ukraine, Brazil, the UK, and Germany.

Favorite sports team:

The Harlem Globetrotters.

Funniest international experience:

When I visited China, I bought a fake luxury watch from a street vendor just for fun. The next thing I knew, more and more salesmen started following me down the street trying to sell me their watches.

Stephanie is a project manager at Interpro. After receiving her bachelor’s in French language and literature from Colorado State University in 2020, Stephanie went on to complete her master’s in translation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in 2022. Stephanie enjoys being a part of Interpro’s experienced language team. Outside of work, she likes hiking, reading, trying new foods, traveling when possible, and spending time with her partner Noah and their cat Poppy.

Languages:

English, French, and dabbling in Russian.

How did you get into the translation services industry?

I’ve always wanted to help people in some way with my work. Working in the translation and localization industry perfectly marries my love for languages and working with people!

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

Russian or Romanian.

Favorite place traveled abroad:

Brazil and Italy.

Dean is a senior business development manager at Interpro. He is responsible for building new business at Interpro, as well as maintaining business with existing clients. His frequent participation at trade shows and conferences keeps him apprised of current industry trends while providing an opportunity to introduce our translation services to the many industries we support. When he’s not providing translation and localization services, Dean enjoys spending time with his family, often biking, kayaking, fishing, and going to the beach together.

What is your favorite thing about working at Interpro?

I really enjoy providing my clients with professional translation services. Whether it is a first-time translation or repeat services, the quality and professionalism at Interpro is first class.

What do you love most about offering translation solutions?

My favorite thing about our services is that they provide our clients with a way to positively impact their business. Global expansion is happening all around us and it is exciting to be a part of our client’s growth.

What country would you most would like to visit?

Any country would be a pleasure to visit since I have never traveled abroad.

Favorite foreign cuisine:

I’m German, so having a bratwurst and a beer is always top on my list.

Favorite music genre:

Country and rock.

Valerie is a dedicated Project Manager at Interpro, where she takes pride in being part of an exceptionally talented localization team. She studied Modern Languages at DePaul University in Chicago and spent a year abroad in Paris. Valerie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Translation from Concordia University in Montreal in 2017.

Upon graduation, Valerie worked as a Project Manager for leading translation and localization companies in New York City. She also gained experience as a corporate translator in the financial sector, translating into French Canadian, her non-native language.

In her free time, Valerie enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, and restoring her historic Victorian farmhouse.

Valerie currently resides in St. Charles, Illinois with her husband, Thierry, their two dogs, Maggie and Charlie, and their cat, Lizzie.

Languages:

English, French, German and dabbling in many others

How did you get into the translation services industry?

I’ve always had a natural affinity for languages. My role as a French Language Assistant at Lions Clubs International exposed me to Trados Studio, sparking a passion for translation. After DePaul University, I shifted focus to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the field, eager to embark on a career in the translation and localization industry.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

I would master the languages that I dabble in from time to time, starting with Luxembourgish.

Favorite place traveled abroad:

It is impossible to choose just one because they all have something to offer! My favorites to date are Canada, France, Ireland and Scotland.

When did you discover your passion for language and culture?

My passion for language and culture ignited early on. A childhood visit to Epcot sparked a lifelong fascination with diverse cultures and their languages. There, I was immersed in a sea of tourists speaking in tongues I had never heard before. This revelation led me to a profound curiosity about the world beyond my own. Language is the heart of culture, offering a unique perspective. I believe it fosters understanding and cultural sensitivity, qualities I admire in my Interpro colleagues.

Favorite cuisine:

Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese

Favorite movie/genre:

I indulge in sci-fi and fantasy flicks. Among my favorites are The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and recently, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies.

Linguistic fun fact about you:

I know the Greek alphabet. My fifth-grade teacher, a Big Ten alumna and sorority member, offered extra credit to anyone who could learn it. So, I did!

Arianna Martin is a project manager at Interpro. She received her bachelor’s degree in translation and cultural mediation at the University of Padova, and her master’s degree in translation and cultural mediation at the University of Udine, focusing on English, Russian and German languages. Arianna lived and worked in Italy, England, Finland, and Germany before settling in the United States. When not at Interpro, Arianna enjoys spending time with her husband and their two kids, attending art exhibitions, gardening, reading non-fiction books, doing yoga, and walking on the beach.

What do you love most about offering translation solutions?

It allows more people to access the original content and helps businesses expand their target audience by reducing language barriers.

What country would you most like to visit?

I would love to visit India, Patagonia, Belize, and many others!

Languages:

Italian, English, German, Russian, and a little Spanish.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

ASL.

Favorite movie:

The Darjeeling Limited by Wes Anderson.

Funniest international experience:

I was stepping into the Paris metro and a man behind me hit my flip flop with his shoe, sending it straight on the rail tracks into a tiny space. There were many people and I couldn’t stop or turn back to look for it. It was Sunday morning and all stores were closed, so I had to walk with a flip flop on one foot and a plastic bag on the other all the way back to the hotel!

Lei is the Director of Project Management at Interpro. She joined Interpro in 2006 and 2012 began building our translation team in China. Today, that team provides Simplified Chinese translation to all Interpro clients. In addition to ensuring that all her clients are taken care of, Lei continues working with her colleagues to systemize and streamline the translation project management process at Interpro. When she’s not providing translation and localization services, Lei enjoys spending time with her family.

What do you love most about offering translation solutions?

We help our clients reach their target audiences in different countries and cultures. That alone brings a great sense of achievement.

Languages:

Chinese, English.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

Cantonese.

Favorite foreign cuisine:

Chinese, Italian, French—it’s hard to pick one. I enjoy trying all types of food.

Favorite music genre:

Chinese Rock.

Favorite place traveled abroad:

A lot of places in China and Alaska.

Jolie is a project manager at Interpro, and hails from the Yakima Valley.

She earned her BA in English creative writing and French language from Western Washington University, and her MA in translation studies from the University of Hull, in England. She has lived in Washington State, Mexico, France, and England, thoroughly enjoying her time in each place.

In her free time, she wrangles her family and enjoys cooking, reading, and binging cozy British TV. Given endless time and resources, she’d be traveling the world.

Languages:

English, French, and Spanish.

Favorite cuisine:

Mexican, because it’s what I grew up with.

How did you get into the translation services industry?

Growing up bilingual, and then living abroad as a part of the Rotary Club student exchange program, I always found foreign languages and cultures fascinating. It was a natural next step to enter into this industry, where every day I’m given the opportunity to use the skills acquired over my lifetime.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

Russian, Chinese, or Arabic would each be useful for their own reasons—I can’t choose!

Favorite place traveled abroad:

Florence, Italy ties with Paris, France. Both just gorgeous.

Larry is the eLearning and desktop publishing manager at Interpro. He has been with our company since 1997. On any given day, Larry could be doing production work, coding our website, or consulting with clients. When he’s not providing translation and localization services, Larry enjoys being a father, playing guitar, and taking care of his animals.

What do you love most about offering translation solutions?

Solving technical issues.

Languages:

English, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, ActionScript.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

Japanese.

Favorite foreign cuisine:

Moules Frites or Pasta Puttanesca.

Favorite music genre:

Solo acoustic fingerstyle guitar.

Fun fact:

I am a beekeeper. I started keeping bees for fresh honey and to help pollinate the family garden. It turned out to be such a fascinating subject, my interest shifted to learning everything I can to help manage my colonies.

Patrick is a senior account manager at Interpro. He has been working in the translation and localization industry since 2005 and maintains relationships with clients who have been working with Interpro for many years. When not providing translation and localization services, Patrick enjoys historical re-enacting and traveling.

What do you love most about offering translation solutions?

Knowing that we offer an excellent service backed by a hard-working team of people that go the extra mile to make sure everything is right for our clients.

What country would you most would like to visit?

I want to go back to the United Kingdom and see France, Germany, and Italy. I am a student of history.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

German or Russian.

Favorite music genre:

70’s and 80’s.

Favorite place traveled abroad:

The UK. I went to England, Cardiff (Wales), and Edinburgh (Scotland).

Funniest international experience:

When I visited Windsor Castle, I noticed that the Irish Guards were protecting the Queen. I told my father I knew this because the guards had a “clover” on their uniform. The Guardsman looked around and then said in his Irish accent, “it’s a shamrock.” I corrected myself then and told my dad it was a shamrock, and we both did a double take because the Guard is never allowed to talk to the public.

Mirela is a project manager at Interpro. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in French and English from the West University in Romania and her Master’s degree in French from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Her passion for languages and linguistics started in high school and after completing her education, she embarked on a professional career that has been focused on languages one way or another, first as a language teacher, then as a translator, and finally as a translation project manager.

In her free time, Mirela enjoys spending time with her husband and their friends, reading, watching French movies, taking long walks in nature, and travelling when possible.

Languages:

English, French, Romanian and dabbling in Italian.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

German. I studied the language in school for a few years, but I don’t remember much. So, it would be nice to learn it properly one day.

Favorite place traveled abroad:

It would be difficult to choose just one, because many places I visited are beautiful in their own unique way. So far, my favorites are France, Canada, and Romania.

What country would you most would like to visit?

Italy. I visited Milan briefly a while ago and would love to go back and see the rest of the country.

Favorite foreign cuisine:

French and Italian

Mauricio is the office manager at Interpro. He received his bachelor’s in French with an emphasis in business and translation, and a minor in Italian with an emphasis in language and literature at Northern Illinois University. When not at Interpro, Mauricio enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife Anna, daughter Marlowe, and dog Jo Daviess.

What do you love most about offering translation solutions?

We are helping other companies take their business global. I believe breaking the language barriers literally opens new worlds for our clients.

What languages do you speak?

Native fluency English, native fluency Spanish, near native fluency French, near native fluency Italian.

What country would you most like to visit?

That would be Ireland. Anna and I honeymooned there and I cannot wait to go back.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

I had a layover in Germany and that is the first country I’ve visited where I did not speak the language. I found that very interesting and decided that German would be my next language to learn.

Favorite foreign cuisine:

My background is Mexican, so that would be my favorite, but a close second would have to be Indian.

Favorite music genre:

My music taste is everywhere. It really depends on what I am doing and what my mood is. I can be listening to Queen driving back home from the office to then working out to Eazy-E.

Fun fact?

In high school I almost enrolled in Spanish as my selected foreign language instead of French. Had I done that I probably would not have majored in French at NIU and probably not be here at Interpro. It’s great to explore new things.

Funniest international experience:

While in Barcelona, Anna and I decided to walk to our hotel from the Barcelona game. We figured it would take us 30 minutes at most. It ended up taking us about three hours. It was 2:00 a.m. in the morning while we were walking the streets of Barcelona and we had to jump on a plane for our flight at 6:00 am.

Nick is the CEO of our company. As leader of our teams, Nick positions Interpro as the very best translation and localization services provider in the industry. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with honors in marketing and a minor in French, Nick takes a people-centric approach to help set the strategy of Interpro. When not providing translation and localization services, Nick enjoys hanging out with his family, networking, working out, and playing catch with Winston, his Jack Russell Terrier.

How did you get into the translation services industry?

I always had an interest in languages, technology, and marketing. Growing up, I learned to speak Italian at the same time I was learning English. I also studied French in high school and college. It always fascinates me to see how multilingual content is created and how it benefits organizations worldwide.

What country would you most would like to visit?

Monaco.

Languages:

English, Italian, French.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

Brazilian Portuguese.

Favorite sports team:

The Chicago Cubs.

Funniest international experience:

On a summer trip to Italy, I brought an American football with me and started throwing it around on the beach. Before I knew it, more and more people wanted to join in and learn how to throw an American football. I had to explain that it was different than rugby and soccer, and that you couldn’t hit the ball with your head. It was fun attempting to localize a sport to a culture that has never seen an American football.

Ralph is the Founder and former CEO of Interpro. Before starting our company in 1995, Ralph saw the need for a translation and localization company that could offer a turnkey solution for organizations requiring a multilingual product offering. In February, 2024, Ralph stepped down in order to take on a new role under his son Nicholas – Interpro’s new CEO – to support him and the organization in continuing the legacy of quality and service to Interpro’s clients.

How did you get into the translation services industry?

While in graduate school, I got a part-time job working as a lexicographer for a machine translation software developer. I also did translations for clients and eventually ended up learning the system so that I could do implementations and client training. We ran a translation service business using the technology which enabled me to learn that aspect of the business. The rest is history!

What country would you most like to visit?

Actually, it’s the U.S. I haven’t been to Alaska yet and I’ve been wanting to go there for a very long time.

Languages:

English, French, Italian, Spanish.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

Russian.

Favorite foreign cuisine:

French, hands down.

Favorite movie:

It’s a tie between “A River Runs Through It” and “Come Back, Little Sheba.”

Favorite sports team:

The Monsters of the Midway (AKA the Chicago Bears).

Favorite place traveled abroad:

France. I was lucky enough to live, study, and work there and got to really know it in-depth.

Funniest international experience:

I was studying in France and took the train from Avignon to Marseille connecting to a train to Italy. I was extremely thirsty and while running to catch my train in Marseille, I saw a big water fountain. As I was about to take a few quick gulps, I caught sight of a sign affixed to the fountain proclaiming “CE N’EST PAS UN PISSOIR” (“THIS IS NOT A URINAL”). I suddenly wasn’t thirsty anymore and decided to continue running to catch my train.

Alex is a business development manager at Interpro. When not providing exceptional translation and localization services for our clients, Alex enjoys trying new kinds of food, watching soccer, working out, and spending time with his friends.

What country would you most would like to visit?

I want to visit Greece; I have a couple of friends that travel there frequently, and it looks so nice and fun. The sea is also a huge draw for me because of how beautiful it is.

If tomorrow you could speak another language fluently, which would it be?

I would love to be able to speak Spanish fluently.

Funniest international experience:

I ate at an “American” hot dog spot with some friends in Münster, Germany. A customer there asked us where we were from after he heard us order in English. When we told him we were from Chicago he responded “Ohh Al Capone, Bang Bang.” It was funny learning what people from other countries thought of Chicago.

Favorite place traveled abroad:

I visited Brussels for a day and was blown away by the architecture. The food was just as amazing too!

Favorite sports team:

Arsenal