On the Job

Katherine Ortega's career as an independent translator is defined by words-she is fluent in four languages-but it's dollar signs that keep her in Southwest Florida. Based in Cape Coral, Ortega works for translation agencies all over the state, but she specializes in translating legal and medical records for companies in Southwest Florida. Four years at the University of Miami and 15 years of professional translating experience make this Venezuela native quite the catch for local corporations with an interest in international communication.

Why Cape Coral? There's a lot of work here and not much competition right now. That will change with time.

Famous translation? I once translated for the former president of Spain.

Difficult translation? For a company in Venezuela that worked with minerals. I had to translate technical manuals from English to Spanish.

Why do you do it? I think I'm helping people when I'm translating for them. It doesn't matter the country-all people need communication. So when I help them I feel like I am related to them.

Perks of the job: I have to be neutral. I can't show it, but it feels good to be adapting what people do. If I go to court [to translate], someone might feel better because I am there and they feel like I am a little like them [because I speak their language]. We share something. I never get personal with anyone, but it feels nice that I'm helping people.

Downside of the job: Sometimes I have to translate terrible, terrible accidents, and they have to tell the whole story. Sometimes you have to behave like you're just a voice, like when I translate for divorces. It's like I go through it with them. It's very moving, but I have to be as professional as possible. It's hard, but I love the challenge.

-Rebecca Loveridge