Board Elections 2024 Candidate
Francesca Sorrentino
Localization Director, Phrase | Spain | LinkedIn
"I fully support GALA's mission to lead the language industry into the future by training and inspiring everyone involved."
In your view, what are the most important challenges and opportunities facing GALA?
Over the coming months and years, GALA faces the unique challenge and opportunity to provide an independent and neutral forum. This will allow globalization stakeholders—both customers and vendors—to collaborate on adapting processes and best practices in response to emerging technologies.
Everyone involved in globalization and localization programs needs some form of guidance and the opportunity to exchange insights with others in the industry facing similar challenges. I am also convinced that the industry needs more standards, common practices, and greater transparency on rates, areas which have traditionally been difficult to address.
However, every year, GALA's initiatives and events bring us closer to a more unified industry, and I believe the association will continue making valuable contributions to that goal.
How have you engaged with GALA as a member?
I started attending local events in 2018 and became an official member through Phrase in 2022. Since then, I have participated in several webinars, as well as the Dublin and Valencia conferences, and I contribute content whenever possible.
Besides your work with GALA, how do you engage with our industry (associations, conferences, speaking, publishing, community events, etc.)?
I regularly attend Women in Localization, LocWorld, and LocLunch events. I also lead a B2B community dedicated to senior localization industry professionals, sponsored by Phrase (Loc Leaders).
Since 2017, I have been a speaker, panelist, and host at several industry events. From 2020 to 2023, I collaborated with LocWorld on organizing its online conferences and its dedicated video game localization event, Game Global, both online and in-person.
What superpowers can you bring to board service? Describe previous board experience, leadership training, or strategic leadership you’ve had.
I have led strategic localization initiatives at Phrase and in previous roles, with additional experience in event and community management.
Which segment(s) of GALA's membership do you represent? What perspective will you bring?
I bring the perspective of a technology solutions provider and user, along with my experience as a Localization Director, helping customers navigate their needs with best practices and cutting-edge technology.