On November 15, 2025, the Translator Interpreter Program (TIP) hosted a Symposium in honor of our organization’s 25th anniversary, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and community members to celebrate TIP’s legacy and future.
The day opened with refreshments and a keynote from co-founder Fatema Sumar ‘01. Reflecting on her time with TIP, Fatema shared, “TIP was one of those experiences that shaped not just what I do, but how I see the world. It taught me that development isn’t only about resources but about connection, dignity, and inclusion… That early understanding of access and equity has guided my entire career in international development and diplomacy.”
Her speech was followed by an engaging panel featuring speakers actively involved in language learning and advocacy: Jadon Geathers, a Ph.D. candidate in Info Science at Cornell University, whose research focuses on AI-assisted language learning; Meejeong Song, a senior lecturer of Korean in Cornell’s Department of Asian Studies; and Jose Tzul, a Board Member and student of Open Doors English, a community organization for English language learners in Ithaca and Tompkins County. Each panelist underscored how language advocacy operates within their respective spaces and their vision for the future of language access efforts, especially with technology’s growing role in communication.
Symposium participants also took part in an interdisciplinary Language Challenge, collaborating to find solutions to real-world accessibility issues while enjoying food from local restaurants. After lunch, TIP alumni shared how the program influenced their experiences at Cornell and continues to guide their work and communities beyond campus.
Former Co-President Jordine Williams ‘22 recalled that TIP was central to instilling her commitment to service, increasing her awareness of and involvement in addressing Ithaca’s diverse language needs. As an Applied Economics and Management student, TIP provided Jordine with an outlet to pursue her passion for languages and international relations, as well as to expand her community at Cornell. Sergiy Syndorenko MPA ‘25 looked back on his TIP experience through a similar lens: “Some of my most memorable times at Cornell came from my work as an Agency Co-Chair and Ukrainian language volunteer… While I was possibly the only grad student to ever join TIP, I admit I did not feel singled out. It was quickly clear to me that I was surrounded by mature and responsible young professionals, who were seriously dedicated to the program.”
The symposium concluded with closing remarks and a presentation of the newly established Joyce Muchan and Fatema Sumar Language Advocacy Scholarship. The scholarship was created to honor Joyce and Fatema’s legacy of social justice and language advocacy. The inaugural recipient is Nazifullah Samim Akbar ‘27, who — as a volunteer and professional interpreter — supported hundreds of refugees in navigating diverse needs.
TIP is very grateful for the past 25 years of commitment to language advocacy within the broader Ithaca area. While the symposium underlines the impact and importance of our work thus far, we hope to continue building on this progress as we grow as an organization. TIP Event Chair, Edward Chen ‘26, shared, “The highlight for me was reconnecting with some of the alums and hearing how deeply TIP shaped their college experience. Listening to their stories, especially Pearl’s [former Co-President and Service Learning Chair] incredibly powerful speech, reminded me of how transformative this community can be. It was inspiring to see how TIP not only gave them a sense of belonging but also challenged them to grow, serve, and strive for excellence. Their reflections made me feel genuinely grateful to be part of a mission that continues to impact people in such meaningful ways.”