Laura Valdes is the founder, owner, and lead linguist of Valdes Language Services, a woman-owned agency based in San Diego. With over 14 years of experience, Laura established Valdes Language Services to provide high-quality translation and interpretation services that empower multilingual communities. The agency specializes in both in-person and remote interpretation, as well as written translations across various languages.
Growing up in a multilingual household, Laura’s passion for bridging language gaps started as the go-to interpreter and translator for her Colombian family and Pakistani stepfather. She studied Translation and Interpretation at CUNY Hunter College and the Southern California School of Interpretation and holds a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. In 2011, she completed Interpreting for Social Justice training with Roberto Tijerina from the Highlander Research and Education Center.
Valdes Language Services is certified as a Women Business Enterprise and Minority Business Enterprise by Supplier Clearinghouse, and Small Business by the Department of General Services. Laura was also named a finalist for the 2024 Small Business Awards by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and won a Community-Minded award from the National Latina Business Women Association.
Valdes Language Services focuses on serving community-focused organizations and companies in sustainability, gender equality, DEI, education, tourism, legal, government, financial institutions, marketing, advertising, public relations, personal and professional development, community services, and more, driving growth and diversity in the local economy.
