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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 both the interpreting and Deaf communities in Alberta. She began her 20-year interpreting career by enrolling in the Interpreter Training Program at MacEwan University (formerly Grant MacEwan Community College). Donna was a rising star in her class, and after graduation, she became loved and respected by both the Deaf and interpreter communities as an exceptional interpreter. While serving as the ACRID (now ASLIA) president and starting her career as an instructor in MacEwan University’s former Interpreter Training Program, she earned her AVLIC certification (COI).
As an instructor, Donna left a positive impact on many interpreters who now work across the country. Despite her talent and reputation, she remained humble, constantly questioning, growing, and learning about her work as an interpreter; she was the ultimate professional. Donna provided support to her colleagues and mentored many new graduates as they began their careers. She was also highly visible in the Deaf community, attending and supporting every event possible that fit into her busy life. Donna consistently modeled the importance of pursuing personal and professional development, demonstrating how that dedication benefits both the interpreter and Deaf communities.
This award is named in Donna’s honor in recognition of her many and varied contributions to the profession of interpreting, both at the provincial and national levels.
The Award
A $300.00 cheque, generously provided by an anonymous donor, will be issued to the recipient along with a framed certificate and engraved award.
Objective
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 themselves and others about the field of interpreting, and by leading, mentoring, and supporting their fellow interpreters.
Nomination Process
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 Interpreting community, Deaf community, or a strong ally of either. The nomination letter must present a detailed accounting that the proposed recipient demonstrates one or more of the following:
Evidence of regular and sustained mentorship to Interpreters
Willingness to share their time and abilities with other Interpreters, consistently offering support
and encouragementA commitment to life-long learning
Leadership through participation in local and/or national activities, committees, task forces that further the goals and mission of ASLIA
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 the form or emailing the required documents to aslia@aslia.ca
Selection Process
As determined by the Board, the selection committee may include members from the following groups: ∙ ASLIA Board representative; ∙ Deaf community member; ∙ additional ASLIA member (D/deaf or hearing) The name of the recipient is kept in confidence until the announcement at the ASLIA Award Ceremony. In the event a decision cannot be made by the Selection Committee (due to an inadequate number of applicants or all applicants failing to meet selection criteria), the award will not be given out for that particular year.
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