GORDANA SMITH
Native Serbo-Croatian and Bosnian Linguist since 1996
Home/Fax: (904) 819-5448, Cell: (904) 238-1000
gordana.smith@yahoo.com


WORK EXPERIENCE

Drug Enforcement Administration
Contract Title III Linguist / Monitor (2009 - Present)

Provide idiomatic translations of non-technical material including handwritten, using correct syntax and expression

Monitor, Translate and Transcribe - Listen to or read foreign language communications, lawfully intercepted, and perform immediate verbal summaries, then subsequent written or typed summaries and transcripts.

Validate - Review work conducted by someone else, or the quality control review of the specified original work in order to attest to the accuracy of the final work.

Supervise - Train other linguists, organize work activities; assign, direct and evaluate other personnel.

Certified OPI Language Tester (2008 - Present)

Perform Oral Proficiency Tests for Serbo-Croatian and Bosnian Language.

Freelance Serbo-Croatian and Bosnian Linguist (2003 - Present)
Interpret, translate and perform language tests for over 20 agencies. Language support and escort for visiting political parties.
Interpret on-site (simultaneously or consecutively) and over the telephone. Can read and write Cyrillic alphabet.

Central Texas College – Army Education Center, Field Offices in Bosnia (2002 – 2003)
Language instructor
Taught over 500 classes SFOR (Stabilization Forces) soldiers Serbo-Croatian/Bosnian language, culture and history. Prepared and taught classes on numerous US Army offices / base camps..

US Army, Field offices in Bosnia (1996-2002)
Interpreter/Translator (contracted by Northrop Grumman/former BDM and TRW)

Trained and supervised translators in G-2 (OSINT) office in Brcko, Bosnia. Translated and reviewed Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian open media sources, including Internet sites, newspapers, press agencies, television, radio and specialized publications, collecting intelligence from these media to deliver high-impact products to the US Military officials.

Provided interpreting support to U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel/General level Task Force Commanders leading Stabilization Force (SFOR) units.
Facilitated interpersonal communications during sensitive meetings with high-ranking police, military, and government officials.
Provided precise and simultaneous translation during live radio and television broadcasts and press conferences.
Coordinated meetings with local civilians, police, military leaders, government officials and local media representatives on issues ranging from regional stability to economic development.
Familiarized new commanders with the key individuals, local geography, political and ethnic considerations, and potential hazards in the area of responsibility.
Work schedule required teamwork, extensive travel, highly flexible hours, and a positive attitude even in a hostile environment.

Saint Sava Elementary School, Bosnia (1995-1996 )
English teacher

Taught English (as a second language) classes to children 5 through 8 grades immediately following the war.

EDUCATION

Associate degree in Teaching English as a second languageTeaching
Academy of Sabac, Serbia (2001)
Political Science College
Completed 3 years in Sarajevo, Bosnia


VOLUNTEEER EXPERIENCE

Serbo-Croatian and Bosnian Language Instructor on the US Army base camps.
Provided off-duty instruction to help them learn not only language skills to interact with the local population, but culture and ethnic considerations in the host country as well.
Taught over 1000 classes.

HONORS and AWARDS

Over 20 Letters of Recommendation.