Elsa Prado
Elsa Prado is a highly skilled Spanish interpreter, translator, and community advocate based in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She serves as a Certified Court Interpreter for Cook County and holds board certification as a Medical Interpreter. With over 20 years of experience, Elsa is adept in in-person, telephone, and virtual remote interpreting, bridging language gaps for limited English speakers in both legal and medical settings. Her professional translation work extends to government agencies such as Homeland Security, the Illinois State Police, and Chicago HIDTA, as well as private law firms, making her a trusted resource in multicultural communication.
Beyond her work in interpretation and translation, Elsa is a passionate media professional and author. She hosts and produces radio programs including Alas de Amor (“Wings of Love”) on Radio Dimension Latina FM, focusing on educational content and community resources for youth and families. Previously, she co-hosted Hands Off Our Children, raising awareness of child abuse prevention and safety. As an author, Elsa has published works such as Dear Donor, Querido Donante, and Heart Stomp, sharing personal experiences and advocating for family well-being, while her literary work continues to build empathy across cultural and social boundaries.
Elsa’s dedication to service extends to volunteering and community leadership. She has supported organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Break the Silence Foundation, and the Love Not Blood Campaign, contributing to programs that address domestic violence, social justice, and child welfare. With a career grounded in service, communication, and advocacy, Elsa Prado combines her expertise in interpreting, writing, and media to empower communities, uplift voices, and foster meaningful connections across multicultural environments.
• Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI)
• Certified Judicial Interpreter
• DePaul University - B.B.A.
• Domestic Violence and Community Service
• Adelante
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Break the Silence Foundation, Inc
What do you attribute your success to?
My childhood, full of abuse
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Persist until you make it
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn and keep on updating your knowledge.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being short staffed with a large workload.
AI is a challenge as it is not fully up to par with discerning context.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my professional and personal life center on community involvement and mentorship. Inspired by my mother, I have dedicated myself to giving back through service and advocacy. I have had the privilege of working alongside remarkable leaders such as Hilda Frontany and Dr. Nora Comstock, the founder of Las Comadres, and mentoring through organizations including Save the Children. My commitment to social service was reinforced during my time at DePaul University, where I made a personal vow to prioritize service in all that I do, including teaching Spanish and supporting educational initiatives. I have also been deeply involved in healthcare volunteer work, focusing on quality improvement and providing medical interpreting to ensure patients receive the care they need. Beyond healthcare, I am committed to immigration advocacy, partnering with the Council of Resistance to educate migrants about their rights and actively participating in protests against family separations. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the importance of service, equity, and empowering others through mentorship and advocacy. Through all of my work, I strive to make a meaningful impact in my community, fostering opportunities for growth, understanding, and social justice wherever I can.
Locations
Cook County Government
Oak Lawn, IL 60453