#SignProfConf2025
Selection Panel and Process
At The Together Conference for Sign Language Interpreters and Translators, we are committed to ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process for all session proposals. Our goal is to curate a programme that reflects variety, innovation, and relevance to the profession, while upholding the highest standards of integrity.
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Our Review Process
Every submission undergoes a blind review process, meaning that reviewers evaluate proposals without knowledge of the authors' identities. This ensures impartiality and allows for a fair assessment based purely on the content and quality of the submission.
What We Look For
Proposals are carefully evaluated based on their alignment with the conference theme, Blurred Boundaries: Sharpening Perspectives, and their potential to contribute meaningfully to the field of sign language interpreting and translation. Each submission is scored on key criteria such as originality, clarity, methodological rigour, and professional relevance.
Our Panel
The selection panel is made up of a diverse group of experienced professionals, including Deaf and hearing interpreters, translators, and educators. Their combined expertise ensures a thorough and thoughtful review of all submissions, helping to shape a dynamic and inspiring programme.
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We are proud of the dedication and care our panel brings to this process and grateful for their commitment to fostering excellence within our profession.
Aurélia Nana Gassa Gonga
Aurélia Nana Gassa Gonga is a French Sign Language (LSF) interpreter with over a decade of professional experience. She holds a degree in Sign Language Interpretation from Paris 8 University and is currently a PhD candidate at Radboud University, focusing her research on interpretation in International Sign. Aurélia is the creator and editor of Le 15-15, a leading newsletter providing interpreters with insights, tools, and updates on developments in the field. Through her work, Aurélia is committed to advancing the profession and promoting collaboration and excellence in signed language interpretation.
Thomas M. Holroyd
Thomas M. Holroyd is a qualified British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, trustee for a national interpreter register, and director of an agency. With a deep interest in the interpreting industry, Thomas focuses on improving systems, supporting stakeholders, and ensuring collaboration among interpreters, coordinators, and clients to enhance professional practices.
Lisa Harvey-Coleman
Lisa Harvey-Coleman is an experienced Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreter with 17 years of professional practice. Working across various domains, she has recently expanded her expertise into performance interpreting. Lisa is dedicated to supporting Deaf colleagues and collaborates regularly with Deaf interpreters. In addition to her interpreting qualifications, Lisa holds an MA in Ethics and is currently pursuing an MA in Sign Language Interpreting at Queen's University Belfast.
Rachel Benyon
Rachel Benyon is the Head of Translation and Data at Signapse and a Trainee Sign Language Translator (TSLT), with plans to qualify as a Registered Sign Language Translator (RSLT) by early summer 2025. With a professional background in social care, particularly in quality assurance, Rachel is passionate about improving the lives of Deaf people. As a Deaf and native British Sign Language (BSL) user, she has a keen interest in signed languages worldwide and enjoys continually learning new ones.
Michelle Grogan
Michelle Grogan is a trainee Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreter currently studying for the Signature Level 6 Diploma and an MA in Sign Language Interpreting at Queen's University Belfast. Michelle has extensive experience supporting the Deaf community through her 10 years on the board of the Foyle Deaf Association, where she focused on capacity building, fundraising, and project management. She is passionate about fostering strong connections within the Deaf community and is dedicated to her professional growth through training, supervision, and mentorship.
Dr. Sharon Grigsby Hill
Dr. Sharon Grigsby Hill is a Master Level interpreter with 28 years of professional experience in the United States, the highest certification awarded by the Board for Evaluators of Interpreters (BEI). She is an Assistant Professor in the Deaf Studies program at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Sharon completed her doctoral studies in Applied Linguistics at the University of Birmingham, exploring the impact of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) on ASL/English interpreters. Her work is groundbreaking in examining language attitudes, perceptions, and biases within interpretation and translation.
Hannah Wilson
Hannah Wilson is a qualified interpreter with nearly 20 years of professional experience, having earned her qualification in 2004. As an A1 Assessor and PGCE-qualified teacher, Hannah has spent her career developing professional practices and delivering interpreter qualifications in the North West of England.