Michelle began her professional career as a Registered Nurse, supervising migrant programs and maternal support services. She brings this expertise in community health to Voices For Health as an advocate for language access and educator of interpreters and healthcare providers. Michelle wrote the “Spanish Language & Culture for Healthcare Providers” curricula and has presented over 100 lectures, both in person and online. Having previously held leadership roles with Healthy Kent, the Migrant Resource Council, the Michigan Translators/Interpreters Network (MiTiN) and the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA), she is currently the Vice President of the California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA). Michelle earned bachelors degrees in Spanish and Nursing, and a masters degree in Medical Sociology, all from Michigan State University. In her personal time, she is passionate about African drumming and Latin dancing.

A proud native of Colombia, Carlos began his professional career as a Community Interpeter and a Language Access Coordinator. He is a nationally certified interpreter and a licensed trainer for The Community Interpreter^® International. Carlos is an advocate for language access and immigrant issues. His tireless involvement with many local and regional organizations, including the Michigan Translators/Interpreters Network (MiTiN), the National Council of Interpreting in Healthcare (NCIHC), the Michigan Committee for Refugee Resettlement, and Latino Community Coalition of Western Michigan, has led him to be appointed to the Michigan Hispanic/Latino Commission by Gov. Rick Snyder. Carlos’ education focus was on Psychology and Business Administration at Michigan State University. In his personal time, he enjoys photography, painting and sharing Colombian and international cuisine with family and friends.