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we champion the vital role of interpreters in ensuring justice and accessibility for all. United by our commitment to excellence, we empower language professionals across California.

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ABOUT US

CFI’s professional division provides educational activities for professional interpreters, students, and the bench and bar. CFI’s annual conference and other seminars offer required continuing education credits and networking opportunities to professional and aspiring court interpreters.

CFI provides collective bargaining, representation and other advocacy services to union members as the exclusive representative of more than 900 interpreters employed in the state trial courts in four regional bargaining units. As a union, CFI Local 39000 affiliation receives political, financial and legal support from The Newspaper Guild-Communications Workers of America, an international labor union with more than 750,000 members nationally
CFI became an organizing local in 2014 and in 2015 became CFI Local 39000, an autonomous local run by interpreters for interpreters. Read the Bylaws of CFI Local 39000.

Mission

CFI’s mission is to bring together interpreters of all languages to speak with one voice: the voice of unity.

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Vision

A future where every individual, regardless of language, has equal access to justice through professional interpreting services.

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Mission

CFI’s mission is to bring together interpreters of all languages to speak with one voice: the voice of unity.

View

Vision

A future where every individual, regardless of language, has equal access to justice through professional interpreting services.

View

OUR HISTORY: A Legacy of Advocacy and Excellence

For over four decades, the California Federation of Interpreters (CFI) has been at the forefront of championing the rights of professional interpreters across the state. Our story is one of unity, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to language access for all.

Humble Beginnings, Powerful Vision

In 1982, a small yet determined group of legal and court interpreters came together, recognizing the urgent need to establish fair working conditions and professional standards in the field. What started as the Guild of Legal and Court Interpreters (GLAC) soon evolved into a powerful voice advocating for language professionals.

Expanding Our Reach

By the early 2000s, our organization had grown, solidifying its reputation as a leader in interpreter advocacy. Through bold negotiations, strategic partnerships, and legislative efforts, CFI played a pivotal role in securing better wages, job protections, and professional development opportunities for interpreters statewide.

A Union for the Future

As the industry evolved, so did we. Today, CFI stands as a strong labor union, fighting for the recognition and respect interpreters deserve. From groundbreaking contract negotiations to legal battles that have shaped the profession, we have never wavered in our mission to uplift and empower our members.

Looking Ahead

The road ahead is bright. As technology, policies, and global communication needs continue to shift, CFI remains committed to innovation, advocacy, and education. We are more than just an organization—we are a movement, ensuring that every voice is heard, every interpreter is valued, and every community has equal access to justice.

Join us as we continue to write the next chapter of our history—together.

OUR HISTORY: A Legacy of Advocacy and Excellence

For over four decades, the California Federation of Interpreters (CFI) has been at the forefront of championing the rights of professional interpreters across the state. Our story is one of unity, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to language access for all.

Humble Beginnings, Powerful Vision

In 1982, a small yet determined group of legal and court interpreters came together, recognizing the urgent need to establish fair working conditions and professional standards in the field. What started as the Guild of Legal and Court Interpreters (GLAC) soon evolved into a powerful voice advocating for language professionals.

Expanding Our Reach

By the early 2000s, our organization had grown, solidifying its reputation as a leader in interpreter advocacy. Through bold negotiations, strategic partnerships, and legislative efforts, CFI played a pivotal role in securing better wages, job protections, and professional development opportunities for interpreters statewide.

A Union for the Future

As the industry evolved, so did we. Today, CFI stands as a strong labor union, fighting for the recognition and respect interpreters deserve. From groundbreaking contract negotiations to legal battles that have shaped the profession, we have never wavered in our mission to uplift and empower our members.

Looking Ahead

The road ahead is bright. As technology, policies, and global communication needs continue to shift, CFI remains committed to innovation, advocacy, and education. We are more than just an organization—we are a movement, ensuring that every voice is heard, every interpreter is valued, and every community has equal access to justice.

Join us as we continue to write the next chapter of our history—together.

News and Articles

Call for nominations, R3 Bargaining Committee

Bargaining Committee for Region 3 has been elected 

MEET THE TEAM

Montserrat Sánchez

Jefa de Oficina/ Auxiliar Administrativa

Local 39000 Board

Carmen Ramos

President

Begonya De Salvo

Vice President

Rosa Trevizo

Secretary-Treasurer

Maria Antonietta Pellicciari

Region 1 Board Representative

Vacant

Region 2 Board Representative

Lor Xiong-Roby

Region 3 Board Representative

Committees

Melissa MacCracken

Angelica Narvaez

Maria Luisa Carrera

Carmen Ramos, Chair

Incident Report Form


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MISSION

    • To unite interpreters who strongly believe that the recognition and advancement of the profession can only be achieved by providing quality oral, sign language and written translations.

 

    • To unite interpreters who know their role is vital to the justice system because reliable and impartial interpretation and translation are important to ensure due process of law and adequate representation by counsel for linguistic minorities and the hearing impaired.

 

    • To advance and uphold the profession of court interpreting and translating.

 

    • To promote high standards of proficiency by developing and implementing continuing education activities and supporting those of other interpreter/translator organizations.

 

    • To promote professional ethics and compliance with all laws, including antitrust laws.

 

  • To represent collective professional and legal interests of interpreters before the court and any local or state entity.

VISION

Core Values:

  • Professionalism: Upholding the highest standards in interpreting services.

  • Advocacy: Championing the rights and interests of interpreters.

  • Unity: Fostering a supportive and collaborative community.

  • Integrity: Ensuring transparency and ethical practices in all endeavors.