about us
Island Voices is a professional interpretation and translation services company.
Island Voices is a professional interpretation and translation services company dedicated to expanding language access for diverse communities across the Pacific Northwest. We provide culturally responsive language services in healthcare, legal, educational, business, and community settings, with a strong commitment to accuracy, ethics, and professionalism.
Chuukese is one of the most widely spoken Micronesian languages in the Pacific Northwest. Recognizing the growing need for qualified language professionals, Island Voices prroritizes Chuukese and other Micronesian languages to ensure effective communication, dignity, and equitable access to essential services.
Chuuk, (formerly known as Truk) is one of the four states within the Federated States of Micronesia, located in the western Pacific Ocean.
- Geography: Chuuk consists of several island groups, with the main group being the Chuuk Lagoon, which includes numerous small islands formed from the rim of a large, ancient lagoon.
- History: Chuuk has a rich history, with human settlement dating back thousands of years. It was part of the Spanish East Indies, then taken by Germany in the late 19th century, Japan in the early 20th century, and finally the United States during World War II.
- Culture: The culture of Chuuk is diverse due to its history of migrations and colonial influences. The traditional way of life includes fishing, farming, and a strong emphasis on family and community. The Chuukese language is the primary language spoken, although English is also used, particularly in education and government.
Our story
Island Voices LLC was founded by Joncy Reneé Uruo-Clark after immigrating from Chuuk to the Pacific Northwest. Reneé began working as a freelance interpreter in the mid-1900s and later became a Washington State-certified Chuukese interpreter while completing her Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education. Through years of service, she recognized significant communication barriers facing Micronesian communities in educational, medical, legal, and social service settings. To address these gaps and expand equitable access to essential services, she founded Island Voices LLC- grounded in cultural understanding, lived experience, and professional language expertise.
