We recently connected with Laura Valdes and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

As the founder of Valdes Language Services, I truly believe that language access is at the heart of an inclusive workplace. My journey began as a child interpreting for my immigrant family, so I know firsthand how isolating it can feel when you can’t fully participate or be heard. Early in my career, I worked in environments where meetings and important communications were only in English, even though many team members spoke other languages more comfortably. I saw talented, passionate people left on the sidelines simply because they didn’t have access to the conversation. It was a stark reminder that inclusion is about both intention and action.

That’s why, when I started my own business, I made language access a core value. We provide translation and interpretation in over 15 languages, so everyone-staff, clients, and community members-can show up as their authentic selves and contribute meaningfully.

My advice for creating a more inclusive workplace is to look at the real, everyday barriers your team might face. Offer interpretation at meetings, translate key documents, and foster a culture where multilingualism is celebrated, not seen as a hurdle. Most importantly, listen to your team’s needs and invite their input on how to make your space more welcoming.

One of my proudest moments was watching an organization transform when we began providing interpretation for staff meetings. Suddenly, team members who had been quiet started sharing ideas and taking part in decisions. The energy shifted-people felt seen, valued, and empowered. That’s the power of true inclusion.

Inclusion starts with access. When we break down language barriers, we create workplaces where everyone’s voice matters, and that’s where real innovation and community thrive.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Laura Valdes, and I’m the founder of Valdes Language Services, a San Diego-based woman-owned business dedicated to bridging language gaps through our high-quality translation and interpretation services. My journey into this field began in my childhood, growing up in a multilingual household in New York City. Like many children of immigrants, I became my family’s interpreter at a young age. That early responsibility opened my eyes to how language can either limit or unlock access to opportunity, dignity, and vital services.

With over 15 years of experience interpreting, translating, and coordinating language services across the East and West Coasts and internationally, I saw firsthand the profound impact that language access has on individuals and communities. My work as a language services coordinator at a regional agency in San Diego, where I helped develop the Language Assistance Plan identifying 17 “safe harbor” languages, made me realize how great the need was for high-quality, community-centered translation and interpretation services in our region.

Valdes Language Services provides professional translation and interpretation in over 15 languages, both in-person and virtually. We serve nonprofits, healthcare providers, schools, legal professionals, hospitality businesses, and government agencies. Basically, anyone who needs to reach and uplift diverse communities. Our services ensure that everyone, regardless of their language, has access to the information and opportunities they need to thrive.

What sets us apart is our people-first philosophy. We believe language access is a human right, so we employ and pay our linguists well, prioritize empathy and professionalism, and focus on building authentic relationships with our clients. We also give back by providing scholarships to bilingual students and volunteering at high school career fairs to inspire the next generation of language professionals.

I’m most proud of the moments when our work makes a real difference, like when a nonprofit can finally reach the communities they serve in their own language.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, or fans to know, it’s that Valdes Language Services is about more than just words. We’re about people, connection, and creating a world where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Whether you need translation, interpretation, or simply want to learn more about language access, we’re here to help you build those bridges.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

For Valdes Language Services, the best source of new clients has always been word of mouth and referrals from those we’ve had the privilege to serve. We believe that excellent customer service is the heart of our business, and we treat every client as if they are our very best client, no matter the size of the project or organization. From the very first inquiry to the final follow-up, we strive to make every interaction personal, attentive, and seamless.

We listen closely to our clients’ needs, customize our services, and communicate openly and promptly. Our goal is not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them by making sure our clients feel seen, supported, and valued every step of the way. This commitment to genuine care and quality has naturally led our clients to share their positive experiences with others in their networks.

There’s no greater compliment than when a client refers us to a colleague or friend. It’s a testament to the trust we’ve built and the relationships we nurture. For us, referrals are proof that we’re making a real impact.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My journey with Valdes Language Services began with over 15 years (currently) of interpreting experience across the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. Along the way, I gained invaluable insights from coordinating language services on both the East and West Coasts. These experiences taught me what I loved about working with language service vendors and gave me the confidence that I had the expertise to start my own business.

Wanting to build a strong foundation, I dove into every business class I could find, both free and paid, to develop the skills needed to grow. This summer it will be 3 years since I took the leap and made Valdes Language Services my full-time focus.

Some key milestones on this journey include building a loyal client base through exceptional customer service, expanding our offerings to over 15 languages, and assembling a team of empathetic, professional linguists.

Turning my side hustle into my full-time business has been driven by passion, continuous learning, resilience, and a commitment to language justice and community impact. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come and to know we’re making a real difference bridging language gaps.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vlanguageservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valdes_language_services/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valdeslanguageservices/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/valdes-language-services-llc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valdes_language_services
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/valdes-language-services-san-diego