Words can literally change lives
My name is Musa Abubaker, and I currently serve as the African languages co-lead at Respond Crisis Translation (RCT). When I first joined RCT, I was drawn to its mission of providing language access and dignity to people in crisis, especially refugees and asylum seekers from marginalized and displaced communities.
As someone who grew up seeing how language barriers can determine who gets hurt and who is left behind, I felt a deep personal connection to that mission. I began my journey here as an interpreter supporting clients through asylum interviews. It was intense, emotional, and deeply human work. I still remember some of those cases of individuals who had fled unimaginable situations, relying on interpreters to tell their stories truthfully–and sometimes for the first time. Hearing later that some clients’ asylum applications were approved, and knowing that my interpretation played a part in that success, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Those moments remind me that our words can literally change lives.
Over time, I took on more responsibility and grew into my current role as African languages co-lead. Today, I help coordinate translators and interpreters across dozens of African languages. Managing this network isn't just about logistics or matching jobs to linguists; it's about building community. Every day, I get to collaborate with incredibly talented linguists who bring not only their skills, but also their compassion to each assignment.
Working with RCT has shown me what a truly community-driven model looks like: one that values care, transparency, and collaboration above all else. We operate as a collective, and not a hierarchy. That means we listen to one another, share lessons, and uplift each other when the world becomes emotionally heavy. For me, being part of RCT is more than volunteering or leading. It's being part of a movement that insists that language justice is human justice. It's about ensuring that no one is silenced because of the language they speak. As I continue this journey, I feel proud of what we've built together and inspired by what's ahead: expanding access to underrepresented languages, training new interpreters, and ensuring that every voice–no matter where it comes from–can be heard with dignity.
