“I’m excited to be here, working with the interpreters and community at Gallaudet. Working alongside this diverse and dynamic community and the best interpreters in the nation is a privilege and pleasure. I look forward to continued collaboration with the Gallaudet Interpreting Services team and the Gallaudet and surrounding community. Through collaboration, we will continue advancing the profession of signed language interpreting at GIS and provide best-in-class communication services to the Gallaudet community and beyond. I’ve been heartened by the community wide progress I’ve seen on many levels to date, and I look forward to many more impactful changes in the years to come."

Yoshiko joined the GIS team in December of 2008. Prior to working at GIS, she was responsible for overseeing a non-profit, statewide interpreter referral which provided services to hospitals, courts, law enforcement, and other private and public entities. Yoshiko also served as Co-Chair of the RID Video Interpreting Committee and was an active member of the Administrative Office of the Courts, Statewide Court Interpreter Advisory Committee. Yoshiko also is an interpreter, with previous work experience as freelance and staff, within community settings, post-secondary education and Video Relay Service.

Yoshiko's main work goals at GIS include creating a welcoming and supportive environment for staff and all working interpreters at GIS, through mentoring and staff development; collaborating with campus departments for best-in-class services to the University; and locally supporting the profession of signed language interpreting through organizational and governmental involvement. Other professional interests include diversity in the profession, the Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities and its implementation in developing nations, and the advancement of ethical standards for entities that provide interpreting services in the United States.