Tell us who you are
Elizabeth Hawkes
Where around the world are you based?
Carmel Valley, CA
What do you do in the localization/globalization world?
I am currently a translation and localization M.A. student at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in my second year. I specialize in Russian-English translation (bidirectionally). After graduation, I will be working as a localization program manager at a client-side company in CA.
Why did you join this amazing tribe?
As a woman relatively new to localization, I was really surprised to find WL. I didn’t think our industry had such an organization. I think it’s amazing that WL has such a huge presence in localization globally. I joined because I wanted to expand my horizons and do so while supporting other women within my profession. I have met so many wonderful women in the industry who have been so supportive and knowledgeable, I have learned so much from them and it has made me a better person in my professional endeavors. I wanted to take part in advancing the WL mission and to support women in the industry as others have supported me.
What would you say is the greatest challenge facing our industry?
Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic as a radically transformative element, I would definitely say that the gender disparity is one of the greatest challenges facing our industry. I have found that it is female-dominated, and yet, men hold the majority of leadership positions. I think something we as an industry should strive for is equality, equity, and justice on that front. Things are growing and moving so quickly, though I think we have the necessary flexibility to find a better balance.
Where would you like to see localization in 5 years?
Going back to the previous question, I would like to see greater gender equality in leadership such that our industry is better reflected in terms of representation. I expect to see greater efforts for diversity and inclusion, and greater active efforts for diversity and inclusion, not just for women, but BIPOC and members of the LGBTQ community within localization, specifically in the US. Representation and diversity matters, and we are in such an incredible industry that is already multicultural.
Tell us something unique and fun about yourself.
I have always been a linguist—I spoke six languages before I was 10!
Where can we find you?
You can follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethehawkes/ or via the WLMIIS channels: @wl_miis on Twitter and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-localization-miis/