OUR MISSION
NMRID is a group of interpreters/community members committed to creating and nurturing a community of interpreters that collaborates to grow as a profession and, in turn, provides the highest quality communication access to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Deaf Plus community of the state of New Mexico.
Collaboration
Professionalism
Provider
2024-2026 NMRID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rhonda Hall (they/them)
PresidentRhonda Hall (they/them) is a nationally certified sign language interpreter. They were born in Atlanta, GA, but were raised in Albuquerque, NM most of their life. They attended the University of New Mexico, graduating in 2020 with two bachelor's degrees. Realizing their true passion is sign language, they went back that fall to complete a third degree in sign language interpreting. After graduating in 2022, they became an apprentice with the New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing as well as a participant in the Sorenson Emerald Program. They have been a full-time freelance interpreter in a variety of settings since then, and now work primarily as an educational interpreter. They have an amazing partner and a family of four cats, a leopard gecko, and a snail. In their free time, they enjoy reading, keeping up to date with all things Disney Parks related, going to concerts, being with animals of all kinds, and spending time with loved ones. They have been involved with NMRID since their time as an interpreting student and are looking forward to finding ways to further enhance the unique interpreting community in New Mexico as President! Contact: PresidentNMRID@gmail.com
Jacqueline Trujillo (she/her)
Vice PresidentJacqueline Trujillo is a Certified Interpreter and Heritage signer (SODA) who was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She graduated from UNM’s Signed Language Interpreting program in May 2021 and became an apprentice at the New Mexico Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. During this time and thereafter, she worked in a variety of settings as a full-time Freelance interpreter. She has since transitioned to primarily post-secondary interpreting while still freelancing in other settings. She is an inquisitive, open-minded, and positive person who loves to take advantage of learning opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys being around family, traveling, and trying new foods. As well as spending time with her two dogs and two cats. As a former member-at-large, Jacqueline is excited to see how else she can contribute to NMRID and the deaf/interpreter communities in this new role. Contact: VicePresidentNMRID@gmail.com
Liana Wingerd (she/her)
SecretaryLiana was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She graduated from the University of New Mexico (UNM) Interpreting Program in 2019 and has been interpreting ever since. She was an intern with the Linguistics Department at UNM for 3 years and since then has been freelance interpreting. In her free time, you will find her out walking or hiking with her dog or at home reading. She is excited to be a part of the interpreting community here and looks forward to seeing it grow! secretarynmrid@gmail.com
Elizabeth Helf (she/her)
TreasurerElizabeth (Liz) Helf was raised in Gallup, New Mexico. In 2017, she moved to Albuquerque to attend the University of New Mexico to pursue a bachelors degree in Signed Language Interpreting, where she graduated in 2021. Liz was selected for an internship for the RGC-Access community interpreting agency, she gained experience working in a variety of settings as a freelance community signed language interpreter. In 2022, Liz was hired as a full-time Educational Signed Language Interpreter, where she is currently working. During her free time, she has many hobbies including reading novels, doing puzzles, and relaxing with her two cats. Liz is a highly motivated and organized individual and is beyond excited to serve her community in her role as NMRID Treasurer. Contact: TreasurerNMRID@gmail.com
Ashley Marshall (she/her)
Member At LargeAshley Marshall graduated from UNM and now works as a freelance interpreter. She was born and raised here in Albuquerque, NM and wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else! When she’s not working you can find her outside playing catch with her son. She enjoys reading all things crime and thriller next to one of her three dogs. She looks forward to the opportunities to further support the interpreting community! Contact: MemberatLarge1.nmrid@gmail.com
Sara Eaves (she/her)
Member At LargeSara Eaves proudly hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2017 she graduated from UNM with a BS in Sign Language Interpreting and a minor in creative writing. Currently, she works in a variety of settings including community, but educational interpreting is close to her heart. In her free time, you can find her journaling, exchanging ghost stories, and hanging out with her dogs. As a Member-at-Large, Sara is eager to serve the local Deaf community and aspires to encourage and support fellow interpreters. Contact: MemberatLarge1.nmrid@gmail.com
Alicia Elder (Trujillo) (she/her)
Member At LargeAlicia was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and currently lives in Albuquerque with her husband Kameron and their fur baby Cody. Alicia graduated from the UNM interpreting program in the Spring of 2022, has been working part time as a freelance interpreter and recently finished an apprenticeship with the Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She also works part time at a small horse boarding facility in Corrales and is a certified Equine Massage Therapist. In her free time, she loves being outdoors and enjoys hiking, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding and playing spikeball and volleyball. She also loves a cup of tea and a good book! Alicia is passionate about people and improving herself as an interpreter. She is honored to serve the Deaf and Interpreting communities as a Member-at-Large and hopes that through this role she is able to connect with both communities in a deeper way as she continues to become a better interpreter and serve the people around her. Contact: MemberatLarge1.nmrid@gmail.com
Committees
Certification Maintenance Program
Purpose: To review, approve, and process CEUs/ACETs for RID members at the Sponsor’s discretion following the guidelines from RID
Community Engagement
Purpose: To coordinate events that encourage community involvement with NMRID and to provide opportunities to give back to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and interpreting communities as a whole.
Fundraising
Purpose: To plan and host fundraising activities/events in support of NMRID. Works with all committees and board members to gain input and ideas to raise money and solicit sponsors for future NMRID events.
ProBono Requests
Purpose: To facilitate networking with sign language interpreters who are willing to provide pro bono services. These pro bono services are provided for interpreting needs that are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) such as funerals, weddings, family functions, etc.
Scholarship
Purpose: To assist NMRID members with the cost associated with interpreter certification/skills testing. Scholarships will come in the form of a reimbursement check to be awarded after the test is taken. There will be two scholarships awarded annually to candidates wishing to take any interpreting performance exam for the first time or one award to retake the exam. The scholarship amount will cover 50% of the fee. This scholarship is open for currently certified or pre-certified licensed interpreters working in the state of New Mexico. Tests include but are not limited to the following: Educational Interpreters Performance Assessment (EIPA), Hearing Interpreter Performance Exam (HIPE/NIC), and the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters Certification Exam (BEI)