Featured Volunteer: World Traveling Translator Arabella Pollack

“I’ve never come across another volunteer community like Kiva. I never feel like just a nameless person to the staff or other volunteers. The support and community I’ve experienced is really something extraordinary and I feel so fortunate to be a part of it.”

City: New York, New York
Language: Spanish
Translation Team: Saliendo Adelante
Time with Kiva: 1 year, 7 months
Outstanding Contributions to Kiva: In just over a year and a half, Arabella has proven to be a superstar translator, reviewing a whopping 1127 loans! She is a great presence on our Volunteer Forum.

Why do you choose to volunteer your time with Kiva?

I saw on Kiva’s website that volunteers were needed, and it was very fortunate timing. I was in a time of transition from my life in the corporate world to starting my own business, and had more time in my schedule to volunteer. Volunteering for Kiva is a way for me to use my language skills and give back to the Kiva community in addition to being a lender.

What is your favorite Kiva Field Partner or region?

I love to see loans from places I’ve visited, but I find loans from the Cuzco region in Peru particularly fascinating. Although they live in a major tourism region, the people there have somehow managed to really maintain their traditional values, culture, and way of life.

Tell us about a memorable profile you have reviewed.

Just last week I came across a profile of a man who was requesting a loan to pay for his niece’s cleft palate surgery. It was a real reminder of how much we can take for granted, and I was touched by the huge effect this loan would have on this child’s life.

Where is your favorite place in the world to travel?

I love to travel; I’ve been to over 70 countries! I have a soft spot for Asia, as it’s the first place I ever traveled on my own. However, Ethiopia is one of the most extraordinary, yet misunderstood countries I’ve ever visited. It has a stunning countryside, amazingly rich heritage, art, and culture, and the people are incredible. I tell everyone I know to visit.