Connected Conversations

Artificial intelligence is transforming the localization and language industry faster than ever. From translation workflows to content delivery, automation is reshaping how we connect, but also raising new questions about trust, quality, and the future of human work. In our latest episode of Connected Conversations , hosted by Elena Petrova, Robin Ayoub, Founder and CEO of N49 Networks, and Founde...

What happens when tech accelerates faster than trust? In this episode of Connected Conversations , Elena Petrova sits down with Robin Ayoub , Founder of N49Networks and host of Localization Fireside Chat , to explore the shifting ground beneath the language industry. Robin brings two decades of leadership in localization—and he’s not afraid to challenge the status quo. Together, they dive into the...

What does it really take to drive change in today’s workplaces? In this compelling episode of Connected Conversations, host Elena Petrova is joined by Amira K.S. Barger, executive, professor, columnist, and author of the upcoming book The Price of Nice. Together, they unpack what it means to lead with humanity, challenge comfort culture, and take meaningful action in Difference, Opportunity &...

How do we make healthcare feel safer, more human, and more equitable? In this special episode of Connected Conversations, host Elena Petrova speaks with Pedro C. Díaz, Director of Language & Guest Services at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., about how language access and culturally competent care shape the patient experience from the very first “hello.” In this episode, we exp...

What if preserving a language meant preserving a world? In this episode of Connected Conversations , host Elena Petrova speaks with Eugenia Urrere , founder of Indigenius , a language service provider dedicated to digitizing and dignifying Indigenous languages across the Americas. Eugenia shares her powerful journey as a linguist, entrepreneur, and advocate—offering insight into the importance of...

How do we stay grounded when the world feels upside down? In this episode of Connected Conversations , host Elena Petrova meets with Analía Cordero, a psychological consultant and counselor from Buenos Aires, to explore the emotional toll of living through societal and political uncertainty—and how tools from counseling can help us adapt, reflect, and grow. In this episode, we explore: The differe...

What makes a story powerful enough to connect people across borders? In this episode of Connected Conversations , host Elena Petrova sits down with Lele Heredia , a seasoned filmmaker and visual storyteller who has spent nearly two decades capturing the world through his lens, from conflict zones to the heart of global sports events.  In this episode, we explore: The emotional and cultural power o...

Is coexistence enough, or is it time we rethink the way we build community? In this powerful episode of Connected Conversations , host Elena Petrova speaks with Julia Risso Villani - activist, educator, theater teacher, and voice-over artist—about why disability should never be framed as a tragedy, and how we can move beyond “coexistence” to something deeper: coexistence, collective care, and comm...

What does it take to become a professional interpreter today, and how does AI fit into the picture? In this episode of Connected Conversations , host Elena Petrova sits down with Amparo Villar García , a veteran interpreter and Head of Training at Ad Astra. Together, they unpack what it means to enter (and thrive in) the interpreting field, the real meaning of certification, and how human connecti...

What does community mean in a global company where every voice matters? In this special episode of Connected Conversations , host Elena Petrova brings together three Argentina-based team members from Ad Astra to explore the meaning of community - both inside and outside the workplace. In this episode, we explore: What community means across cultures, borders, and professions How Ad Astra supports...

What if Latin America was seen not as a resource to extract—but a region of opportunity? In this episode, Elena Petrova sits down with Facundo Armas, Sustainable Business Director at Globant, to explore how sustainability, technology, and community engagement can shift paradigms and reshape futures. 🟢 Key Topics: How sustainability and AI are transforming communities in the Amazon The power of sh...

💛 Ready to help? Donate here: ⁠https://bit.ly/Voicesofthefuture⁠ As Ad Astra celebrates its anniversary, we're shining a spotlight on what matters most: Education . In this special episode of Connected Conversations, host Elena Petrova speaks with Joe Callahan , Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools , about a powerful new initiative supporting st...

What if we stopped asking what a child can’t do—and instead started unlocking what they can ? In this transformative episode of Connected Conversations , host Elena Petrova sits down with Physical Therapist Elena Maugere to explore the profound ways that movement, joy, and deep connection can unlock brain potential in children with developmental disabilities. From neuro-biomechanical stimulation t...

What does the recent wave of executive orders mean for employees, employers, and independent contractors? In this critical episode, labor and employment attorney Scott Mirsky joins host Elena Petrova to unpack how federal executive orders are reshaping the American workplace. From shifting legal interpretations to the real-world effects on government contractors, remote teams, and marginalized com...

How can we build a world where everyone feels included, regardless of their communication style? In this enlightening episode of Connected Conversations, Carina Morillo shares her personal journey as a mother to a non-verbal autistic son and her mission to foster inclusion and understanding for individuals with autism. Drawing from her experiences in Argentina, Carina discusses the challenges of a...

What does resilience look like in the face of war? In this deeply personal and powerful episode, we sit down with Margaryta Suvorova, a Ukrainian nurse, activist, and community advocate living in Washington, D.C., who has turned heartbreak into action since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. From frontline volunteer missions to fundraising for life-saving equipment, Margaryta shares...

Can the spaces we live and work in help us connect & heal? In this transformative episode of Connected Conversations , Ghizlaine Mallek explores the world of trauma-informed design—an approach to shaping physical environments with emotional safety, healing, and community resilience at its core. She also speaks Arabic, French, and Derja. Drawing from her own experience as a migrant from Algeria...

How does language advocacy shape national security, economic development, and AI ethics? In this insightful episode of Connected Conversations , we sit down with Dr. Bill Rivers, Principal at WP Rivers & Associates and Chair of the SAFE-AI Task Force (SAFE-AI TF). With over 35 years of experience in language advocacy, policy, and intelligence, Dr. Rivers shares his expertise on the critical ro...

How does fitness go beyond the gym to create lasting lifestyle changes? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we sit down with Alessia Martullo , Founder and Owner of Fit Life Coaching , to explore the intersection of fitness, wellness, and personal growth. Born and raised in Italy and now thriving in the U.S., Alessia brings a global perspective on health , emphasizing the importance of mo...

How does love evolve across cultures and generations? In this heartfelt Valentine’s special, we explore love, relationships, and identity through the lens of diverse backgrounds and personal experiences. Our guests—Vince Brantley, Amparo Villar Garcia, and Paris Nia—share their unique perspectives on how love is defined, experienced, and celebrated across cultures.🔹 Cultural Perspectives on Love...

How can young leaders use creative expression to drive social change? In this inspiring episode of Connected Conversations , we speak with Lily Scheckner, the 2025 Youth Poet Laureate for Montgomery County, about the power of storytelling, advocacy, and youth leadership in shaping the future. As an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and social justice advocate, Lily shares how creative expression br...

How can education empower communities and bridge global divides? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we sit down with Ramya Vivekanandan , Senior Education Specialist at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), to discuss her transformative work in international development. From advocating for girls’ education to addressing systemic challenges in global learning, Ramya shares her uniq...

How is leadership evolving in today’s world, and why are empathy and connection more important than ever? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we speak with Vince Brantley , President and Co-Owner of Veritas Culture , about his remarkable journey as a leader, innovator, and cultural change-maker. From his 28-year military career to founding Veritas Culture, Vince shares powerful insights i...

How does music bring people together during the holiday season? In this special holiday episode of Connected Conversations , we’re joined by Jackson Caesar , a talented vocalist, educator, and multilingual artist, to discuss the profound impact of music on holiday traditions and cultural connections. Jackson shares insights from his new album, 'Tis the Season Again , while reflecting on how music...

How is the voiceover and localization industry evolving in a world shaped by AI and globalization? In this episode of Connected Conversations, we sit down with Arturo Valdivia, President & CEO of Polyglot Communications, Inc., to explore his journey from interpreting and translating to becoming a leader in multilingual communications. Arturo shares valuable insights into the challenges and opp...