Enterprising Women Magazine Names Chicago Language Services Company Founder A 20

11 Enterprising Woman of the Year

Turning a passion into taking a plunge has reaped rewards for founder, Elizabeth
Colón.
Chicago, IL – February 8, 2011 – Intercultural roots, a desire to help others and a
passion for language are all ingredients in an award-winning company recipe, cre
ated by Chicago entrepreneur, Elizabeth Colón. The language services company, Meta
phrasis Language and Cultural Solutions (Metaphrasis) today announced its founde
r, Elizabeth Colón received an honorable mention as one of Enterprising Women Maga
zine’s 2011 Enterprising Woman of the Year.
According to Enterprising Women Magazine, the interpreting and translation agenc
y s founder was selected for this distinguished group of women because she was a
ble to demonstrate a fast-growth business, mentor or actively support other wome
n and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in the commun
ity. Many of these women are also leaders in key organizations that support the
growth of women’s entrepreneurship.
With over 300 translators and 100 interpreters, Colón has created a company that p
rovides much needed services to Chicago s multi-cultural businesses. Her unique
model provides professional training for those already speaking a second languag
e to begin a career as an interpreter. “Empowering people to take a skill they alr
eady have and apply it to the professional world is something everyone can appre
ciate. I believe in providing a corporate environment where we are service-minde
d in what we do, but also who we are," commented founder Elizabeth Colón. This spe
aks to the company s recent opening of an Intercultural Center to be used for ev
ents, training and meetings.
Colón was born in Chicago, but spent some of her young years living in Puerto Rico
where she enriched herself in the culture and language. Having parents who were
Limited-English Proficient (LEP), she is committed through her company’s mission,
to provide equal access to services to the Latino and other diverse communities
by eliminating disparities and language barriers. She is an outspoken proponent
of diversity and bridging communication gaps and promoting equal access to qual
ity services through the use of trained medical interpreters and her passion for
languages.
“I am so pleased to receive this award and be grouped with such prestigious compan
ies. The fact that Enterprising Women recognized me among this group is so rewar
ding. I have always strived to run a company that makes a difference in our comm
unity,” continued Colón.
Her experience in both non-profit and for profit environments enables her to cat
er to the needs of many different business environments. She is the Midwest Regi
onal State Representative for the International Medical Interpreters Association
(IMIA) and is Board Director for the Midwest Association of Translators and Int
erpreters (MATI).
Through Colón s efforts, Metaphrasis currently has contracts with such distinguish
ed healthcare facilities as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, NorthShore Universit
y HealthSystem and Advocate Health Care, among others.
About Metaphrasis
Metaphrasis is a full-service language company connecting businesses with their
diverse clients and community. Language services include onsite interpreting, te
lephonic interpreting, document translation, cultural diversity training, testin
g, and consulting. Providing language services is just one way businesses can sh
ow their dedication to their clients, employees, and community. Based on a recen
t company survey, Metaphrasis was rated superior in the areas of professionalism
, client service, expertise in their field and trustworthiness. The company is h
eadquartered in Frankfort, Illinois and may be reached at 815-464-1423, in Chica
go at 312-924-1845 or online at www.metaphrasislcs.com. Follow Metaphrasis on Tw
itter @Metaphrasislcs.
Contact :
Amy Chilla
Metaphrasis
Chicago, IL
815-464-1423
achilla@teaminnova.com
http://www.metaphrasislcs.com