Claudia Garcia
Claudia Garcia is the translator for the City of Northfield with Mexican and Cuban roots, though she identifies most strongly with the Mexican culture she grew up with. While she officially moved back to Northfield in 2023, her deep connection to the city dates back to 1996 when she first moved there with her family. Growing up as the daughter of a non-English-speaking immigrant mother, Claudia naturally took on the role of interpreter for her extended family from a very young age. Encouraged by her teachers and neighbors, she quickly realized that her bilingualism was not just a family necessity, but a powerful professional asset that many organizations desperately needed.
Claudia confidently used her language skills, consistently showing employers how being bilingual could help expand their reach. In 2021, the Northfield City Council created a new part-time translation position, which Claudia applied for and was accepted. The community’s need for her skills was so valuable that within just ten months, the city expanded her role to a full-time position, allowing her to fully dedicate her talents to serving the community.
Image by City of Northfield
Interview Questions with Claudia Garcia
In your day-to-day work, how do you think your job helps break down barriers for the Hispanic community here in Northfield?
This position has helped me open doors for our Latino community and build bridges to accessibility. For example, internally, the city holds a workshop on the “Language Line” service. The city had this resource for years before I started in this role. During one of those training sessions, I explained the importance of using this resource instead of relying on the Spanish speaker’s child to interpret.
Of course, translating all city documents helps break down the language barrier, but we have also included subtitles in the videos we produce. Again, internally, the city has a policy called the Limited English Proficient (LEP) Plan; this outlines the city’s commitment to providing good access to resources, programs, and information, as well as ensuring city staff provides excellent customer service.
And a final example: building relationships and trust with the community is the most important aspect. This facilitates access to various opportunities and resources for the community. One specific example is the “First-Time Homebuyer” program, which assists first-time buyers with their down payment. Not many cities have this program; Northfield is one of the few.
Is there a particular project, community initiative, or moment in your career in Northfield that you are especially proud of?
What makes me most proud is being able to serve as that link or bridge, helping the community feel confident and empowered to advocate for themselves.
What value or benefit do you think bilingualism brings to the broader Northfield community?
As I mentioned earlier, being bilingual is a superpower—a skill not everyone possesses. While some people study a second language, they may not yet grasp the cultural context. That is something that isn’t always valued.