Leadership Institute
Embracing Change: Cultivating Leaders
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Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.
-Walt Disney
The field of interpreting is traveling at the speed of light! In the past ten years we have witnessed an unprecedented number of changes that directly affect and regulate the work of interpreters in community, legal and K-12 settings. Are you content to bear witness and remain victim to these changes, or do you want to have a hand in shaping our future?
Now more than ever interpreters need a strong voice to guide them through the maze of change:
- new RID and EIPA certification standards
- new professional codes of conduct
- new state regulations and legislation
- the advent of Video Relay Services and other technology
The list of changes goes on and on. The future of our field is about change – are you ready?
The Leadership Institute provides tools and resources needed to effectively lead ourselves, and one another through this critical time of change. Through custom designed
you will learn to cultivate your own, and a collective voice for your organization and encourage active participation in change efforts.
The Leadership Institute offers services to
- enhance the skills and knowledge of those currently serving as leaders,
- prepare the novice but enthusiastic leader,
- promote better teamwork among boards, committees and other groups of leaders and members, and most importantly,
- assist individuals in finding their own voice.
There are no rules. Just follow your heart.
-Robin Williams
The Leadership Institute for Interpreters (LII) was born out of the realization that while the demands of leadership in the field of interpreting are on the rise, the supply of tools leaders need to be effective may not be keeping pace. While doing research for her Master's Thesis, founder Amie Seiberlich recognized that although much significant work is happening on a state, local, community and individual level, those in leadership positions (formal or otherwise) do not always feel equipped to handle the challenges they face. LII was created in an attempt to provide leaders and members with the tools, knowledge and skills they need to be successful in a rapidly changing professional environment. Click here to learn more about the founder.
LII Vision Statement
The Leadership Institute for Interpreters promotes healthy connections, trust, and mutual respect among members of interpreting organizations and systems, between leaders and members, and among members of the larger Deaf community. This creates an environment where all people can show up authentically and be challenged comfortably. This environment cultivates self-awareness, moments of insight - and propels us beyond our wildest dreams!
What we believe...
The Leadership Institute for Interpreters (LII) shatters traditional notions about what interpreting, leadership in the field of interpreting, and membership in an interpreting organization entails. Sign language interpreters do more than process messages and bridge cultures - they leave their mark on the lives of consumers and other interpreters. Leaders are more than the people at the top managing the organization - they are each one of us, leading by example. And members do more than pay dues - they impact the culture of the field, and their organization, by their personal and professional willingness to open up to the larger community. So isn't it time that we started talking about it?
LII believes that:
- the creation of healthy relationships,
- the ability to engage one another in meaningful dialogue,
- the encouragement of life-long learning,
- the desire to interact authentically, and
- the courage to welcome change
are vital to the continued growth and success of our profession.
Click here to hear what participants in LII events have said about how LII sets this vision and these beliefs into motion.
(Click here to view Amie's resume)
Amie’s passion for leadership in the field of interpreting began in 1993. Early in her leadership career she developed the understanding that positive change is born not of being constrained by our past, but by dreaming - without limit – of our desired future. As President of the Colorado RID Amie continued to explore and create her own leadership dream - which led to the founding of the Leadership Institute for Interpreters.
Amie has most recently taken to sharing her passion for self-discovery through leadership by developing the Leadership Institute Online Education Center. The Online Education Center offers internet based workshops, called WebShops, on a variety of interpersonal and skills based topics. She also shares her passion for leadership by coordinating and facilitating “Leadership and Visioning Retreats” for officers and members of RID state affiliate chapters and regional groups. She has presented on a variety of leadership topics locally and nationally and wrote her Master’s Thesis on local and state affiliate leadership in RID. Amie is the 2006 recipient of the “Spirit of Region IV Award” for her leadership training efforts within the Region. She is also the recipient of the 2006 Colorado RID Most Valuable President (MVP) Award and the 2007 Mary Lee Ragland Award for the Outstanding Colorado RID Member of the Year. Amie is in her first year of service to RID members as the RID RIV Representative.
In addition to her work with LII Amie has developed coursework for the University of Northern Colorado's DO IT Center and Regis University, and is currently teaching courses she developed in leadership, supervision and interpreting. Amie is also a Certified Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Facilitator and utilizes AI in her consultation and retreat work. 
Amie holds a Master's degree in Communication from the University of Denver, a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Marquette University and an Associate's degree in Sign Language Interpreting from Front Range Community College. Outside of professional circles and in her free time Amie can be found in the Rocky Mountains on her motorcycle or in her kayak, exploring the Colorado backcountry, perfecting on her water and snow skiing techniques or playing with the world’s three most adorable dogs - Shiloh, Rocky and Sophie.
Director, LII Online Education Center
Kari is passionate about leadership, particularly within the field of interpreting. She is the current President of Colorado RID Mile High and is in the running for Colorado RID President Elect. Kari has also been involved in a variety of committees within Colorado RID over the past four years. Upon graduation from Front Range Community College’s Interpreter Preparation Program Kari worked as an agency interpreter/interpreter coordinator. She currently manages the Online Education Center for the Leadership Institute and continues to hone her skills as an interpreter practitioner. In addition to receiving an Associates of Applied Science degree in Interpreting Kari is pursuing a Bachelor's degree from Regis University in Community Interpreting. Kari loves to learn and loves to apply that learning to real life! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and doing anything in the mountains (except for skiing!).
Click here to contact the Leadership Institute.