PRESIDENT’S REPORT LOOKING FORWARD

Dr. Jesús Rēmigiō, PsyD, MBA, CDI , RID President

As we step into a new year, I am both reflective and forward-looking. Our profession is evolving, our communities are growing, and our responsibilities as leaders in this field continue to expand. Now more than ever, we must focus on strengthening our connections, refining our resources, and positioning RID to meet the needs of interpreters and the Deaf community with clarity and purpose.

One of our most immediate priorities is fostering engagement through open dialogue. RID is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful conversations with our members. This year, we will launch a series of town halls and community forums designed to provide a platform for discussion, collaboration, and shared problem-solving. These spaces will not only allow us to address pressing concerns but also ensure that our strategic direction is informed by the collective wisdom of our community.

Another key moment in our journey will be the 2025 RID National Conference. This conference is not just an event; it is an opportunity to gather, learn, and shape the future of our field. With the theme “Now What? En Avant! Onward!”, we will explore the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities that lie ahead. I encourage each of you to engage—whether by attending, presenting, or networking—so that we can harness the collective expertise of our community to drive progress.

Beyond the conference, we recognize that leadership must be continuous and intentional. To that end, we are investing in dedicated time for our Board to strategize and collaborate. This year, Board retreats will focus on strengthening governance, aligning our mission with tangible goals, and ensuring that RID remains a pillar of excellence and advocacy for the interpreting profession. These sessions will serve as a foundation for decision-making that is proactive, informed, and community-centered.

We are also focused on modernizing RID’s digital presence. Our website and social media channels are critical touchpoints for our members, and we are committed to making them more interactive, accessible, and informative. Work is already underway to enhance these platforms so they better serve as resources for professional development, engagement, and information sharing. Our goal is to create an online presence that reflects the dynamism and inclusivity of our community.

At the heart of all these initiatives is a fundamental commitment to communication access and unity. RID is not an island; we are part of a broader network of organizations that serve and support the Deaf and interpreting communities. Strengthening our relationships with sister organizations is a key priority, and we are actively working toward deeper collaborations that enhance our shared mission. When we stand together, we amplify our impact.

As we move forward, I encourage each of you to be active participants in this journey. Engage with us. Share your perspectives. Hold us accountable. Our collective efforts will shape the future of our profession, and together, we will continue to elevate the standard of excellence in interpreting.

The road ahead is filled with opportunity. Let’s move forward—together.