The Donna Korpiniski Mentorship Award, presented by the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Alberta (ASLIA), was established in 2008 to honour the memory of Donna Korpiniski who was a remarkable interpreter, educator, life-long learner, mentor, and leader.
Donna Korpiniski was a valued member of the interpreting and Deaf communities in Alberta. She began her 20-year interpreting career by taking the Interpreter Training Program at MacEwan University (formerly
known as Grant MacEwan Community College). Donna was a rising star of her class and after graduation, became loved and respected by both the Deaf and interpreter communities as an exceptional interpreter. While serving as the ACRID (now ASLIA) President and beginning her career as an instructor at MacEwan University’s former interpreter training program, she earned her AVLIC certification. As an instructor, she left her positive mark on many interpreters, who now work across the country. Despite her talent and reputation, Donna remained humble, constantly questioning, growing, and learning about her work as an interpreter; she was the ultimate professional. She provided support to her colleagues, and mentored many interpreter graduates as they began their careers. Donna was visible in the Deaf community, attending and supporting every event possible that fit into her busy life. She consistently modeled the importance of pursuing personal and professional development and how that kind of dedication contributes to the interpreter and Deaf
communities.
This award is named in Donna’s honour because of her many and varied contributions to the profession of interpreting, at both the provincial and national level.
The Mentorship Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates outstanding dedication and support to members of the interpreter community. This person is someone who has contributed to the growth of the profession, by educating oneself and others about the field of interpreting, and by leading, mentoring, and supporting interpreters.
You may either (a) email the letter of nomination with signatures to aslia@aslia.ca, or (b) complete the form below.
Part One
The following criteria are to be used as a guideline.
The recipient of the Donna Korpiniski Mentorship Award is either a member of the interpreter community, Deaf community, or a strong supporter of either. The nomination letter must present a detailed accounting that the proposed recipient demonstrates one or more of the following:
Part Two
Two signatures are required in addition to the nominator — one from the interpreting community and one from the Deaf community.
Part Three
Complete the nomination by submitting it through the form or emailing the required documents to aslia@aslia.ca
A $300.00 cheque, generously provided by an anonymous donor, will be issued to the recipient along with a framed certificate and engraved award.
