Current Role & Responsibilities
As the lead and sole Spanish Interpreter and Translator for the Language Access Division within the Tril Group at the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, Brenda helps to ensure meaningful access to legal representation for Limited English Proficient (LEP)client. In this role, she oversees the day - to -day language access functions that support clients, attorneys, investigators, social workers, and staff throughout the legal process. Her responsibilities include providing interpreting and translation services, coordinating language access resources, developing and implementing procedures, collaborating with attorneys and court stakeholders, and advancing efforts to strengthen equitable access to justice.
Brenda also works closely with the Training Division to support and mentor interpreting and translation interns, helping bridge academic learning with real-world public service experience/ Through this work, she contributes to the development of future language access professionals while fostering a culture of service, professionalism and advocacy.
She earned an Associate of Fine Arts Degree from Richland College in 2017 and later completed dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish Translation and Interpreting and Broadcast Journalism in 2019. She also holds academic certifications in Spanish Interpreting and Spanish Translation.
Education & Background
Prior to joining the Public Defender’s Office, she served as a Medical Interpreter at JPS Health Network, a Level I Trauma Center in Fort Worth, where she facilitated communication between healthcare providers, patients and families during critical medical situations. She also worked as a Consumer Investigative Producer for NBC/Telemundo, contributing to investigative reporting that promoted transparency, accountability, and public awareness. Earlier in her career, she gained valuable legal experience as a legal assistant/paralegal for a persona injury law firm and as a file clerk for a defense personal injury firm while completing her undergraduate studies.
Values & Motivation
Her commitment to language access and advocacy began long before her professional career. Growing up, she often served as an interpreter for her parents, helping them navigate systems and conversations that would have otherwise been difficult to access. Those early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of communication and the vital role language access plays in ensuring fairness and opportunity.
Although she initially aspired to become a television news anchor, she came to realize that interpreting is also a powerful form of communication, one that allows individuals to be heard, understood, and empowered. Her background in journalism has strengthened her ability to listen intentionally, communicate effectively, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Throughout her career, she has remained committed to bridging communication gaps, amplifying underrepresented voices, and helping build systems that are more accessible, responsive, and equitable. She is passionate about language access, cross-cultural communication, public service, and creating meaningful impact in the communities she serves.
