Vernon Williams CEO
Vernon Williams, the founder of Translangua, is a distinguished graduate of the Flagship Program in Arabic at the University of Arizona, an initiative underwritten by the Department of Defense, where he graduated at the top of his class. His linguistic expertise extends to fluency in the Gulf and Moroccan dialects of Arabic, the latter acquired during his time living in Meknes, Morocco, as part of the Flagship Program. Prior to establishing Translangua, Vernon served as a medical interpreter for five years, providing him with a deep understanding of the critical communication needs within the healthcare sector. Under the leadership of Vernon Williams and through Vernon's direct oversight of day-to-day operations, Translangua has become a trusted language service provider for over 40 medical locations and holds the distinction of being the official language interpretation provider for esteemed organizations such as the Sine Dolore Pain Foundation European Pain Foundation, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, and two school districts, including Austin Independent School District. Translangua now offers over 300 on-demand languages, providing a comprehensive suite of services, including in-person and remote simultaneous interpretation. In his free time, Vernon enjoys playing tennis and soccer, as well as Tai Chi.
Zandile Fontenot Finance Director
Zandilé Fontenot, a graduate of MIT with a background in Economics and Actuarial Sciences, brings a significant level of financial expertise to Translangua. Her deep understanding of financial principles has been instrumental in identifying and implementing cost-effective strategies across the company's services. Zandilé's analytical skills and financial acumen have enabled Translangua to optimize its operations and troubleshoot financial aspects, ultimately leading to more efficient and affordable services for its clientele. In her free time, Zandilé enjoys exploring museums with her son, demonstrating a curiosity and appreciation for knowledge that extends beyond her professional field.
Deon Warner VP Legal Compliance
Deon Warner brings over three decades of invaluable legal expertise to the Translangua leadership team, specializing in the intricate landscape of mergers and acquisitions, corporate matters, and real estate transactions. His extensive background also encompasses a deep understanding of innovative financing through crowdfunding, strategic physician agreements, and sophisticated private placements. With core strengths
in corporate restructurings, M&A, private placements, crowdfunding, and the healthcare sector, including physician agreements, Deon's seasoned perspective will be instrumental in guiding Translangua's strategic growth and ensuring robust legal frameworks as we navigate the complexities of the global language interpretation market. In his free time, Deon enjoys unwinding on the tennis court, showcasing the same strategic thinking and precision he brings to his legal work.
Phyllis Turner COO
Phyllis Turner serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Translangua, bringing a wealth of strategic and operational expertise honed over an impressive 30-year residency in the Middle East. A graduate of Cornell University, Phyllis's deep understanding of the region's cultural nuances and business landscape provides an invaluable asset to Translangua's global operations. Her extensive experience ensures efficient and culturally sensitive service delivery, positioning Translangua as a leader in the language interpretation industry. Beyond her professional achievements, Phyllis is a passionate professional photographer, a pursuit that reflects her keen eye for detail and ability to capture and convey meaning effectively – qualities that undoubtedly contribute to her success at Translangua.
Stephanie Mendez Senior Account Executive
Stephanie Mendez is a Senior Account Executive at Translangua with fluency in Arabic and Spanish. She developed her Arabic language skills at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a graduate of the prestigious Flagship Program. Her experience includes living in Oman and Morocco under other prestigious programs, which has given her valuable cultural insights. Stephanie’s linguistic abilities and cultural sensitivity greatly enhance Translangua's client relations, contributing to improved staff and patient interactions and ensuring clients receive exceptional care. Outside of her professional work, Stephanie enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures through their local cuisine.
Elliana Grimaldi VP of Language Access
Translangua benefits significantly from Eliana MartÃn's expertise as Quality Control Manager, given her unique blend of experience as a former interpreter and a strong background in Human Resources and operations management. Her meticulous nature, competitive drive, and focus on achieving the best results align perfectly with the need to maintain the highest standards in medical interpretation, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and client satisfaction. Eliana's ability to effectively supervise and evaluate interpreters, combined with her understanding of the nuances of language services, makes her invaluable in upholding Translangua's commitment to quality and professionalism, ensuring services meet the stringent demands outlined in industry standards and client expectations, while her personal interests, like watching movies, add to her well-rounded professional personal.
Board Members
Einas Ashgar Board Chair
Einas Ashgar, currently a Director of New Business Development at Saudi Aramco, also serves as the esteemed Board Chair of Translangua, bringing a wealth of leadership experience cultivated through significant prior roles including Vice President of SPARK King Salman Park and Chief Operating Officer at Saudi Aramco Wa'ed, alongside her earlier tenure as a Senior Strategy Manager at Kearney. Her extensive leadership experience within major organizations, particularly her deep operational understanding gained at Saudi Aramco Wa'ed and her strategic vision developed at SPARK, is instrumental in guiding Translangua's growth and ensuring efficient operations within the dynamic language services industry. Einas's proven ability to drive strategic initiatives in new business development and across diverse sectors is invaluable as Translangua continues to expand its global reach and impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Einas enjoys the simple pleasure of sharing ice cream with her daughter during visits to San Diego, reflecting her commitment to both strategic leadership and cherished personal moments.
Greg Campbell Board Member
Greg Campbell, a board member at Translangua, is a seasoned advisor and investor known for his keen eye for disruptive, scalable, and noble ventures. With a diverse background spanning healthcare, among other key industries, Greg brings a wealth of strategic insight and a fundamental belief in the power of the entrepreneurial spirit. He provides invaluable thought leadership, guiding companies like Translangua to transform innovative ideas into impactful missions with scalable disciplines that yield substantial value. Greg is passionate about partnering with those who create new markets and embrace uncharted territories, offering a disruptive mindset and emphasizing the critical importance of scalability for sustainable success. His commitment to noble purpose ensures that Translangua's focus extends beyond financial gains to genuinely enhancing the lives of its customers and employees. In his leadership role, Greg leverages his experience in content creation and platform development to share impactful ideas, further amplifying Translangua's vision. Outside of his professional endeavors, Greg enjoys exploring new horizons through travel. His strategic acumen and dedication to purpose-driven growth make him a significant asset to Translangua's leadership.
Lamont Thomas Board Member
Lamont Thomas brings a wealth of invaluable experience to the Translangua board, underscored by his extensive 23-year tenure at Cigna, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, including President of Cigna HealthCare for North Texas and Oklahoma, and his current role as Market President - South Central at Aetna, a CVS Health Company. His deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and managed care, further evidenced by endorsements from medical professionals, provides Translangua with critical insights into the communication needs within the medical field. Lamont's strategic leadership and operational expertise gained over decades in the healthcare industry will be instrumental in guiding Translangua's efforts to provide accurate and culturally sensitive language solutions for healthcare providers and patients alike. In his leisure time, Lamont enjoys the strategic plays of football and exploring the latest television technology.