About Us

History of organization

Our founders
Silvia Avary, Anna N. Schlegel, Eva Klaudinyova

Women in Localization was founded in 2008 by Silvia Avary-Silveira, Eva Klaudinyova, and Anna N. Schlegel, three industry colleagues who shared a passion for globalization. They first met in 2005 while working at VeriSign and, although they had moved on to different companies by 2008, they remained close friends. Relying on each other for support and advice on various aspects of the localization industry, they recognized the need for a professional organization that would offer a supportive community for women. They began organizing regular meetings, inviting other women to collaborate and network on topics ranging from localization to career growth and work-life balance. Initially known as Northern California Women in Localization, the group quickly saw global demand for its unique networking and discussion opportunities, evolving from a small San Francisco Bay Area networking group into a worldwide entity.

In 2010, the organization went global and rebranded as Women in Localization. Four years later, they opened their first international chapter. In 2018, the organization became a certified non-profit, enabling it to expand its reach and impact even further. Since its inception, Women in Localization has grown to include thousands of members worldwide, boasting nearly 30 chapters in various countries and regions. The organization also collaborates with educational institutions and other industry groups to promote the localization profession and provide valuable resources and opportunities for its members.