Helen is our lead translator on French to English projects. She currently lives in York, north of England, though she has also lived in France, between Perpignan and Carcassonne. In addition to being a translator, she works as a graphic designer and is involved in software development and user experience design. She loves traveling, working with people and technology, and feels fortunate to have been able to make a lifestyle out of her passions.

She started translating professionally soon after her postgraduate degree in Translation. She began working on small projects for the local tourism office while she was living in France, but it was really through BeatBabel that she was able to establish herself as a translator. She loves the profession because she never knows what kind of requests will appear on her inbox on any given day. The variety also allows her to become an expert on different topics, which she finds very appealing. She admits that, at times, it can be stressful due to tight deadlines, but for the most part, the profession is very enjoyable. She loves that translation allows her to constantly learn new facts and interesting things.

For Helen, translation is all about breaking down barriers and divisions, helping people communicate and connect. “This is really important, not only for business but for the future of the planet. I am also a volunteer translator for Amnesty International and I love the idea of helping to make the world a better place through this small contribution.” If she were to pursue a different career, working for an NGO is on the top of her list.

At the moment, her favorite city Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. She visited Bhutan as part of a trip to Asia (her first time there!), and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscapes, the friendliness of the people and the richness of the culture. “In Thimphu I visited the 50-metre high Buddha Dordenma and the temple underneath it, which left a big impression on me.”