Sonia M. Santiago did not speak English when she arrived in the United States from Puerto Rico. As a result, she appreciates the importance of quality translation and interpretation.

“It has to be doubly frightening for someone who has legal problems, medical issues or has to deal with the government,” Sonia says, in relation to how difficult it is to bridge language gaps without proper assistance.

Her desire to bridge that communication gap led to the creation of Para-Plus Translations, Inc. in 1980 after many years in the legal industry translating and interpreting for numerous clients.

Under Sonia’s leadership, the company experienced more than 30 years of consistent growth and success. She has received numerous awards such as The Campbell Soup Small Business Person of the Year, The Rutgers State University Leadership Award and The Hispanic Women’s Leadership Institute Alumni of the Year award among others.

In fact, as a result of her steadfast leadership and excellent team of professionals, Para-Plus Translations has repeatedly received accolades including:

• Top 100 Women-Owned, Top 100 Diversity-Owned, and Top 100 Privately-held Businesses in New Jersey
• Top 500 Hispanic American Owned Businesses in the U.S
• One of Inc. Magazine’s Fastest Growing Private American Companies in 2010 & 2011
• One of SJ BIZ Magazine’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2011
• The Legal Intelligencer's Best of 2010  in Translation Service

To Sonia, such awards mean that she and the company are seen as leaders in the marketplace and that she is a successful businesswoman meeting the linguistic needs of the company’s clients. “I hope that I’ve set an example to my kids and to other Hispanics – demonstrating what can be accomplished if you really put your mind to it.” 

Today, Sonia’s sons, Robert Santiago and Carlos Santiago, serve as executives with Para-Plus Translations, preserving and building upon the original core values and vision.

An avid volunteer, Sonia served with the Economic Development Committee in Barrington, N.J., on the Board of the Red Cross, and as a mentor for Hispanic Female Students at the Camden County Technical School. She is a member of the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, American Translators Association, Delaware Valley Translators Association, Association of Language Companies, Globalization and Localization Association.