Testing Success
Congratulations to Brian Munoz, Jei Raby, and Joshua Kraft on passing their EIPA!
Welcome, Mia!
Please join us in welcoming Mia Chavez to the Scheduling Team.
45-Day Rule
Remember: employees must complete 2 assignments every 45 days to stay active with RISE Interpreting.
Happy Interpreter Appreciation Day! 💙
On May 6th, 2026, we want to recognize the amazing interpreters who help make communication, access, and connection possible every single day.
Your work takes skill, compassion, flexibility, and so much heart. We are grateful for the dedication you bring into every assignment and for the impact you make in the lives of those you serve.
Thank you for all that you do, you are truly appreciated.
Alana Zurbrugg
ASL Interpreter with over 10 years of experience in the industry.
Hi, I’m Alana! I’m an ASL interpreter with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I’ve worked in a variety of roles, but these days I focus solely on interpreting. I’m passionate about making communication truly accessible. One of my favorite things to do is interpret music; there’s nothing like bringing a song to life in a completely different way.
Outside of work, I’m usually spending quality time with friends and family, hanging out with my dogs, who definitely run the house, and donating to my local animal shelter whenever I can. You can also usually find me driving around in my Bronco, windows down, music loud.
At the end of the day, I care deeply about connection, whether that’s through language, music, or the people and animals I love.
Jasmine Casarez
RISE Signing Aide since November 2025
Jasmine Casarez has been a RISE Signing Aide since November 2025, bringing a strong passion for communication access and a deep commitment to supporting Deaf and DeafBlind communities. Her work is grounded in a genuine desire to foster meaningful connections and ensure inclusive, accessible language support for every student she serves.
During college, Jasmine initially struggled to find a sense of belonging among other majors, but that changed when she enrolled in her first American Sign Language course. From the very first class, she felt an immediate connection and knew she had discovered her path. When she learned ASL was offered as a major, she pursued it wholeheartedly, immersing herself in both the language and the culture.
Through active involvement in the Deaf and DeafBlind communities, Jasmine earned a B.A. in Deaf Studies and an A.A. in IEP. Her experience includes working with individuals who are DeafBlind, supporting students in special education classrooms, and now providing language access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
Jasmine is dedicated to continually strengthening her signing skills to provide high-quality, accessible, and inclusive support. Looking ahead, she hopes to become a DeafBlind Interpreter while continuing to volunteer her time and give back to the community.
Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys music, baking and cooking, staying active, spending time with her family and pets, and exploring new places and experiences. A fun fact about Jasmine: she loves crafting, everything from handmade gifts to creative DIY projects.
Welcome, Mia Chavez!
We’re excited to share that Mia Chavez has joined our Office Staff as a Service Coordinator on the Scheduling Team. She’s new to RISE, so please join us in giving Mia a warm welcome!
Congratulations, Brian, Jei & Joshua!
Please join us in congratulating Brian Munoz, Jei Raby, and Joshua Kraft on passing their EIPA. This is a meaningful accomplishment, and we’re excited to celebrate their hard work and continued growth.
Remembering John Powers
We are saddened to share that John Powers passed away on March 26, 2026. We are grateful for the time, care, and connection he shared with the RISE community.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him.
A few important notes
Update Your Availability
Please keep your availability up to date in Interpreter Intelligence. Updating your availability ensures you receive job offers during your open time and helps the team schedule more efficiently.
Stay Active with RISE
As a reminder, employees must complete 2 assignments every 45 days to stay active with RISE Interpreting.
Summer Training Check-In
During the summer months, it’s a good time to get caught up on your training. Please reach out to Human Resources to find out what may still be outstanding.
If you have questions about how to update your availability or about staying active, please contact your manager for further guidance.
May Birthdays
Wishing a very happy birthday to our May birthday crew!
Carmen Eddy
Teresa Yost
Sabrina Rose
Patti Knight
Brett Hile
Grace Fuentes
Sophia Iocolano
Ryan Shen
Cristina Somers
Cy Young
Raul Castillo
April Statistics
Anachronism
noun
Definition: an error in chronology, especially a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other.
Example: “We found several anachronisms in the movie.”
Storytelling Workshop
When: July 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Online
More information will be shared soon!
Nominate a coworker who embodies our RISE Values
Help us recognize team members who live out our values: People Centered, RISE to the Challenge, Community Connection, and Trust.
When you submit a nomination, you could receive an Amazon or Starbucks gift card, and colleagues recognized as Rockstars will earn a Rockstar T-shirt plus an entry into the Grand Prize drawing.
Eligibility: open to current active RISE employees only.
Want to give positive feedback about colleagues?
Use the link below to share kind words, shout-outs, and positive feedback for fellow RISE team members. Peer Props are a simple way to recognize the people who make a difference in your day, your assignment, or the RISE community.
Have something to share next month?
Send in employee highlights, department updates, photos, Deaf community spotlights, pet features, or peer props so we can continue celebrating the RISE team.
