Connecting
Across the Globe.

There is an inspiring African proverb that resonates deeply with me: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This proverb encapsulates my vision for aLB and our collective success.

Meet Ms. Shih, the co-founder of aLB, who played a pivotal role in building the company from the ground up in 1999. Holding a degree in Political Science from National Chengchi University in Taiwan and a master’s degree in Communications from the University of Florida, Ms. Shih brings a diverse educational background and experience to her leadership role. Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Taiwanese, she effortlessly bridges cultural and linguistic gaps.

“As we embark on our journey to achieve great milestones, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by an extraordinary team of individuals who share our vision and drive. Together, we are determined to reach new heights and accomplish remarkable things."

Ms. He, a valued member of the aLB team, finds inspiration in the Chinese phrase "健康就是财富" (jiànkāng jiùshì cáifù), which translates to "health is wealth" in English.

As the adept manager of the accounting department, Ms. He plays a vital role in ensuring the financial well-being of the organization. With her keen eye for detail and expertise in financial management, she brings valuable experience to her position.

Driven by the belief that good health is the ultimate form of wealth, Ms. He is committed to maintaining a balanced and sustainable financial ecosystem within aLB. Her diligent work and strategic financial planning contribute to the long-term stability of the company.

One of Mr. Kim’s favorite words is 화이팅, which is a transliterated spelling of the English word, “fighting”, but is often used in Korean as a term of encouragement meaning, “Good luck!” or “You can do it!”

“I always heard this word growing up—anytime there was a reason to cheer, this word would be exclaimed!”

Will is a member of the coordination team for aLanguageBank and is pursuing a degree in Business Administration. Growing up, he always had an interest in learning different languages, and he now finds himself in the perfect spot within this line of work. His experience at aLB has underscored the vital importance of effective communication, transcending all boundaries of culture, language, and heritage.

“In my younger years, I wasn't fully aware of the significance of 화이팅 beyond its role in cheering someone on. Now, I realize the term holds a deeper meaning. It's about resilience, teamwork, and the will to overcome barriers. It encapsulates my approach to work at aLanguageBank: empowering communication, breaking down walls, and always, always moving forward. Yes, 화이팅, indeed."

Ms. Allard’s current favorite word is the Korean word 인연, transliterated as inyeon, meaning the predestined connection two people inherit from prior encounters in their past lives. Strangers brushing past each other on the street might constitute one layer of inyeon, and some say it takes 8,000 layers of inyeon accumulated over 8,000 past lives for soulmates to meet.

Science was Ms. Allard’s first love, and she earned her BSc and MPhil in physics before her passion for story and language steered her toward an MFA in creative writing and literary translation. She has since happily stumbled into a multi-hyphenate career as a musician, writer, and translator, and sometimes all three at once. At aLB, she draws from these varied experiences while she acts as a liaison between the coordination and management teams, striving for clear, effective communication while also bringing a sense of play to her work.

“Growing up as a third-culture kid, the only person who really spoke my language was my brother Arthur, who understood the hybrid Franco-English nonsense I made up on a daily basis. Little did I know I would eventually find my home in a community of multilingual speakers who share my sense of confusion and delight when it comes to language and its boundless possibilities.”

One of Mr. Jehangir's favorite words is “شمع” (sham.a), which exists in Urdu, Farsi, and Arabic, and carries similar meanings in all these languages: flame, lamp, or candle. For him, the grandeur of the word lies in its profound presence in classical Eastern poetry, symbolizing the poet’s companion through the night, a flicker of hope in darkness, and a guiding beacon for those who are lost.

Mr. Jehangir has been with aLB for over three years and currently serves as Vice President, focusing on business development and client relationships. Prior to joining aLB, he worked as a language and culture teaching associate at the Lahore School of Economics. While completing his master’s degree at Columbia University, he also served as an assistant and coordinator for the university’s literary translation program, earning the Chair’s Fellowship and a nomination for the prestigious Henfield Prize in recognition of his academic achievements in fiction writing.

Proficient in four languages besides English—Urdu, Punjabi, Siraiki, and Pushto—and continuously expanding his knowledge of Farsi and Arabic, Mr. Jehangir’s multilingual expertise and cultural insight allow him to build meaningful client relationships and create innovative solutions that bridge linguistic divides.

"語言是最輕的工具" (Yǔ Yán Shìh Zueì Ching Dẹ Gong Jyù), which translates to "Language is the lightest tool to carry". I never fully grasped the depth of this phrase until I became part of aLanguageBank.

Looking back on my journey—from the finance industry and a prominent media website in Taiwan to property management and to present—communication has always been central. Embracing diverse forms of communication has not only been my forte but also a continuous source of joy and fulfillment.

As a dedicated Project Coordinator, Ms. Chang plays a pivotal role in fostering connections with linguists and ensuring the seamless execution of projects. Her proactive and helpful nature makes her a go-to resource, always ready to leap into action.

Fluent in both Mandarin and English, Ms. Chang recognizes the importance of bilingualism in effective communication. Her commitment to facilitating smooth collaborations and her ability to bridge language gaps contribute significantly to the success of aLB. In the vibrant tapestry of our team, Ms. Chang 's enthusiasm and linguistic skills create a positive impact, reflecting her belief in the power of effective communication.

Ms. Chang holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan.

Meet Ms. Eu, a distinguished language professional and published translator with over two decades of expertise. Before joining aLanguageBank, she worked as a freelance translator and interpreter and taught translation and interpretation at the University of Maryland College Park and her alma mater, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

Ms. Eu’s passion for languages began early. At 16, she fell in love with translation during a school assignment and made it her career choice by 17. She is grateful for her family's support, which allowed her to follow her passion in this unique field.

Now, as Chief Operations Officer at aLanguageBank, Ms. Eu channels her vast industry and teaching experience to drive innovation in language services. She believes that every translation or interpretation project bridges cultural gaps, bringing people closer together—a philosophy that continues to guide her work and shape the future of the industry.

Ms. Patel is drawn to the Hindi word phul ('फूल'), meaning "flower" in English. The word holds special significance for her, especially during the spring and summer seasons, when flowers are in full bloom, adding beauty and fragrance to the world—a season that mirrors her own approach to growth and renewal.

Ms. Patel holds a BA in Public Health from Wayne State University, equipping her with valuable skills in problem-solving and cultural sensitivity. Her intimate knowledge of various languages and cultures enables her to build meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds.

In her role, Ms. Patel’s deep commitment to her team and the linguists she supports fosters greater cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Her passion for cultural exchange extends beyond personal interest, enriching her professional contributions and positively impacting the projects she leads.

Ms. Macgiollabhui’s favorite book is Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz, a novel translated into more than 50 languages that earned its author a Nobel Prize in Literature. The book’s title, which means "Where are you going?" deeply resonates with her, reflecting life as a continuous journey.

Originally from Poland, Ms. Macgiollabhui came to New York with plans to attend college. She went on to graduate from Hunter College with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. After gaining valuable experience in the corporate world, she now dedicates her expertise to aLanguageBank, where she helps onboard linguists as they embark on their own career paths.

Ms. Macgiollabhui’s journey reflects her commitment to fostering growth and development for both herself and the linguists she supports, ensuring they find their way in the global landscape of language and culture.

Melissa's favorite word is the Japanese "genki (元気)." It doesn't have a specific English translation but means something along the lines of vigor, good health, energy and activeness. As there isn't a word for this idea in English, she finds herself using it in America, even 9 years after moving back from Japan, where she lived and taught English for three years.

Melissa earned a BA in Anthropology, International Development, and Comparative World Religion from the University of Florida, her home state. She recently completed an MA in Sustainable Energy at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in international economic development and access. Her extensive knowledge in international relations and cross-cultural communication enables her to approach communications holistically and sensitively while collaborating with our linguists.

Her global experiences include a six-week stay in a rural Ghanaian village during college and a three-year stint in Japan. These experiences have enriched her appreciation for the diverse ways in which life can be lived and the role languages play in framing worldviews. Now, Melissa is dedicated to enhancing the quality and facilitation of international idea exchange, constantly inspired by the new perspectives each language and culture offers.