Adam Taha leads the Enterprise Translations Office (ETO) with a dedication to enhancing language accessibility across Minnesota’s government agencies. A US Army veteran who served honorably, Adam brings a rich academic and professional background to the role, including an MBA and a Master's in Homeland Security & Cyber Forensics from Penn State University. His extensive experience in language capability development and AI technology integration further strengthens his leadership at ETO.
Karine Lao Her holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Social Work, leveraging her extensive expertise in Hmong and French languages across various professional settings. With years of experience in community engagement and interpreting, she has significantly contributed to ensuring equitable access to services for diverse communities in Minnesota. Her extensive background in translating, interpreting, and community outreach highlights her commitment to promoting racial inclusivity and equitable service delivery for all. Karine’s proficiency in multiple languages and her dedication to high-quality translation make her a valuable asset to the Enterprise Translations Office (ETO).
Lasia Xiong, a dedicated community leader well-regarded for her tireless efforts in advocating for the Hmong community, has been a pivotal figure in promoting cultural preservation and community development. Lasia's extensive experience as a Hmong interpreter and translator has been invaluable in bridging communication gaps between Hmong-speaking individuals and service providers. Her linguistic skills have ensured that critical information and resources are accessible to all members of the community, particularly those who are not fluent in English. In addition to her advocacy work, Lasia is known for her role in organizing cultural events that celebrate Hmong heritage, fostering a sense of pride and unity among the younger generations.
Sarah Arriaza holds a master’s degree in Spanish Education and has extensive experience in education and linguistics. She has taught Spanish, developed immersion program curricula, and translated higher education documents. Sarah is dedicated to fostering inclusive communication across linguistic barriers, ensuring understanding.
Paulette Molina-Piedra holds an International Interpreter/Translator Certificate, is passionate about language, and is committed to fostering understanding across cultures. As a native Spanish speaker, she deeply appreciates linguistic nuances in her work. With years of experience in community engagement, Paulette has dedicated herself to creating bridges that close language barriers. Her background includes contributions to the healthcare field, having worked with institutions such as the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Department of Health. Paulette's work has honed her ability to connect with diverse populations, ensuring everyone has a voice and is heard.
Daha Gobdoon brings over two decades of rich experience in K-12 and higher education. He has held significant positions, including Education Manager at the University of Minnesota and Education Emergency Specialist with esteemed organizations such as the United Nations and Save the Children. He holds a Master of Education degree in bilingual education and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification. Daha’s extensive background in community-based programming further underscores his dedication to the linguistic bridge connecting government services with diverse communities. Daha’s diverse skills and experiences make him an asset to our team, contributing to the success and growth of our language operations.
Abas Moalin is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in interpretation and translation services, particularly for refugee and immigrant communities. Fluent in Somali, Arabic, English, and conversational Swahili. Abas holds multiple certifications, including a 40-hour medical interpretation training, 16-hour community training, and the Somali language E-LPT certificate. His skills extend to medical interpretation, community engagement, and document translation, adhering to professional ethics and quality standards. Abas brings extensive expertise in navigating diverse cultural contexts and fostering effective communication in translations and organizational settings.
