Aimee Ansari, the Chief Executive of CLEAR Global and Executive Director of Translators without Borders (TWB), is in conversation with VistaTalks host Simon Hodgkins. With over 30 years of experience as an aid worker, Aimee passionately shares her journey and the mission behind CLEAR Global, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down language barriers so people worldwide can access vital information and have their voices heard.
A Global Language Advocate: From Translators Without Borders to CLEAR Global
Aimee recounts the origins of Translators without Borders, founded by Lori Thicke following the Haiti earthquake, as a pro bono initiative providing translations for humanitarian efforts. Over the years, the organization grew exponentially, now boasting a thriving community of over 100,000 volunteer linguists who have translated over 90 million words into marginalized languages.
Recognizing the need for a broader approach, Aimee explains how CLEAR Global evolved as the umbrella organization, expanding its reach to incorporate advanced technology and research. “Translators without Borders remains the heart of our linguistic community,” Aimee notes, “but CLEAR Global allows us to advocate, innovate, and engage on a larger scale.”
Bridging the Gap: The Power of Language Technology
Aimee highlights the significant technological advancements spearheaded by CLEAR Global, such as CLEAR Tech and CLEAR Insights. She discusses the organization’s innovative approach to developing language maps and multilingual glossaries that aid humanitarian workers in understanding the linguistic landscape of crisis zones. Aimee shared a powerful example from Northeast Nigeria, where language mapping revealed that aid messages only reached about 33% of the displaced population because they were communicated in Hausa, not the local language, Kanuri.
“We’ve built about 30-50 language maps now,” Aimee explains, “layering data such as literacy rates, mobile connectivity, and radio broadcast information to ensure aid reaches as many people as possible.”
CLEAR Tech: Pioneering Solutions for Scalable Impact
Aimee shares how CLEAR Tech is building voice data collection platforms like TWB Voice, focusing on developing Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech capabilities. “When people don’t receive formal education in their language, reading and writing become barriers. That’s why speech technology is crucial for us,” she states, emphasizing the importance of building scalable solutions.
What Drives Aimee Ansari: A Personal Mission for Change
When asked about what motivates her daily, Aimee shares personal stories from her career, underscoring the importance of giving marginalized communities a voice. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how critical it is to communicate with people in their own language. It’s not just about information—it’s about agency, dignity, and empowerment,” she reflects.
Aimee passionately believes in effective humanitarian aid and worldwide development. She calls attention to the 4 billion people who lack access to language resources and how this gap impacts their participation in global conversations on climate change and health.
The Future of CLEAR Global: Building a Movement for Language Inclusion
Looking ahead, Aimee emphasizes CLEAR Global’s commitment to building infrastructure and tools that prepare the organization for future crises. “We are building a movement for language inclusion, and we want everyone to be a part of it,” she says. She invites individuals, companies, and organizations to join this movement by volunteering, donating, or advocating for language inclusion.
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