Linguist Spotlight: Mila and Ivan - Leading with Skill and Compassion

At Global Wordsmiths, language access begins with our interpreters and the stories that shaped them. Today, we’re honored to spotlight Mila and Ivan, two of our Ukrainian and Russian interpreters whose history with language began long before they joined Global Wordsmiths or arrived in the United States.

Mila and Ivan have always centered their careers around language. They both received graduate degrees in Applied Linguistics from Kharkiv Technical University, a field they pursued academically and proved to be a natural extension of their lifelong curiosity about linguistics. Both continued honing their language skills professionally, Mila as a project manager and English tutor, and Ivan as a website developer, working with companies across the US, Europe, and the UK. 

When they came to the United States in 2023, Mila and Ivan brought both experience and flexibility. Yet, like many newcomers rebuilding their professional lives, they found it difficult to find opportunities in unfamiliar markets. Instead they adapted quickly to a new environment and learned new skills to form their own path. Through a connection at a resettlement agency, Mila interpreted for the first time in a sink-or-swim moment that required quick thinking and understanding. Here she discovered that for successful interpretation, the correct vocabulary and comprehension of the systems behind the words is essential. For Ivan, interpretation was also a path that came easily, combining his linguistic knowledge and discipline as a self-taught programmer.

Outside of their interpreting careers, Mila and Ivan pour the same energy into continued learning and creative expression. Mila explores this through social media and content creation, while Ivan explores art with photography, featured on the website he designed himself. This dedication comes as no surprise, as in every assignment, Mila and Ivan navigate new terminology and cultural norms. They are known both for their skill and empathy, often stepping in to assist individuals with limited English proficiency during some of their most vulnerable moments. 

Mila and Ivan’s (and their dog, Sophie) journeys speak to the heart of language accessibility, that true communication depends on continued patience and curiosity. They are linguists, creatives, problem-solvers and professionals whose varied backgrounds strengthen the communities they support. We at Global Wordsmiths are grateful to work with them and proud to share their story!