Stefania De Angelis Williams was born in Padua (Italy) in 1966.
After graduating in Chemistry at the University of Padua in 1989, she moved to Lausanne (Switzerland) obtaining the PhD in Chemistry in 1995. In the same year she moved to England and started working as a research assistant on medicinal chemistry at the University of Durham.
In 1996 she left academia to start a family and decided to become a linguist, using as building blocks for her new career her language knowledge (Italian, French, and English) combined with her scientific background.
In 1998 and 1999 she attained the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting in Health and Law, respectively, and started to work as a public service interpreter (Police Stations, Law Courts, Health Sector). Her decision to work as an interpreter was based on a past experience. She recalls how lost and frustrated she felt having to seek medical attention for an allergy in Switzerland, and not knowing the language. “I was unable to describe my symptoms to the medical staff, who in turn was unable to assist me because of language barriers. This kind of situation is frustrating for both parties. A language liaison, a mediator between speakers of 2 different languages should always be present whenever the lack of communication could have severe consequences”.
In 2000 she attained the Diploma in Translation from the Institute of Linguists in London, specialising in technical and scientific translation. “During my career as a chemist” – she recalls “I had identified a need for high quality translations in the scientific sector. In some occasions chemical syntheses could not be reproduced due to incorrect translations, or publications were not clearly expound due to the use of an incorrect register. It is like walking on a bridge which suddenly breaks under your feet: poor translations – resulting in a lack of communication – could slow down scientific progress”.
She is a full member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (www.iti.org.uk) and of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (www.iol.org.uk), as well as a member of the European Medical Writers Association (www.emwa.org).
She is the founder and owner of Williams Language Solutions Ltd, a translation company established in 2004 and based in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK. The core of the company is made of over 30 qualified and experienced translators from all over the world (freelance and in-house) who provide high quality language services.
Stefania has also a passion for e-learning and language courses and has designed an online course endorsed by the Italian Consulate in London. In 2007 she wrote with some colleagues a Guide on cultural awareness – Dos and Don’ts in 10 countries – to celebrate the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.
“In our work, there are no secret ingredients: just preparation, dedication, patience, attention to details. And a great passion for languages”
