Language I/O Co-CEO Kaarina Kvaavik has been nominated the chapter manager of the Women in Localization North East Chapter, the second largest regional of chapter of Women in Localization in the country.  

“I’ve been involved with Women in Localization in a less formal role for nearly a decade,” Kvaavik said. “I’ve always wanted to contribute in a different way to help further the mission of Women in Localization so this year, instead of being no talk and all beer, which is a great old Swedish expression, I decided to offer my support in an organizational role.”

Women in Localization supports women who work in the localization industry. It is well known for sharing best practices in the industry through its 4,500 members. Women in Localization has 16 chapters in 12 countries. The North East chapter includes Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. With more than 420 members, the North East chapter is the organization’s second largest chapter (the largest is the Silicon Valley chapter).The chapter was established in November 2015. 

While Women in Localization certainly elevates and supports the profile of women who work in localization, the very nature of localization means it effects every industry. Kvaavik said this year she’d like to create events and content that specifically speak to topics about localization and the massive impact it has on global industry. 

“Women in localization is all about supporting women, spreading the word about localization and being an evangelist for women and localization,” Kvaavik said. “That being said, there’s so much for folks outside of the localization industry as well. I want to create an educational setting where we can spread what localization is about and how it affects everyone so all professionals can do their jobs better.” 

While many customer service managers or localization professionals understand how localization impacts their business, localization touches every part of a global organization.

“My ultimate goal is to help women grow and further their career paths,” Kvaavik said. “It’s important to support other women and we don’t do that enough. In addition to mentoring and networking, we can also create a more powerful organization by helping others outside of the industry understand what a large-scale effect localization has on every industry.” 

For more information about Women in Localization’s North East Chapter, please click here.