TLCC Receives CSAC Challenge Award at Board Meeting

The County of San Diego Translation, Language, and Culture Connection (TLCC) Workgroup received the California State Association of Counties Challenge Award during today's Board of Supervisors meeting. This award recognizes their dedicated efforts in strengthening language access throughout the enterprise.

The CSAC Challenge Awards “recognize the innovative and creative spirit of our California Counties as they find new, effective and cost-saving ways to provide programs and services to their citizens.” 

Launched in July 2020, TLCC serves as a County-wide resource for guidance on developing culturally sensitive, accurately translated, trauma-informed, and accessible communications for multilingual, diverse San Diego communities.

“Emerging during the height of the pandemic, the TLCC started as a translation best practice hub. It has transformed into a space that supports and guides staff in improving other communication methods, like ensuring materials resonate with diverse communities, including culture, language, and lived experience,” said TLCC Tri-chair Justine Kozo, chief regional community coordinator for the Health and Human Services Agency’s Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities (HSEC).

The group is comprised of over 100 employees, representing departments across the enterprise and all four business groups with varying expertise in linguistic translation, communications, cultural sensitivity, health equity, and community engagement. Since its formation, TLCC has elevated translation and communication priorities, informed county-wide translation processes, developed trainings and guidelines, and shaped Board policy on the development and implementation of a County-wide equitable and inclusive language strategy.

The TLCC is co-chaired by Kozo, County Language Services Manager José A. Álvarez and Elizabeth Bustos, HHSA agency equity liaison. HSEC provides support to the TLCC with coordination and logistics. If interested in joining the TLCC, please contact Cassandra Muñiz at cassandra.muniz1@sdcounty.ca.gov.

For more information and resources about the County’s translation and interpretation services, visit Language Services: Inclusive & Equitable Communications.