A passion for language access
Valdes Language Services, LLC provides high quality interpretation and translation services with the goal of bridging the language gap in the United States, guided by the core values of community, inclusion, integrity and empathy.
OUR STORY
How Valdes Language Services began
Our founder, Laura Valdés, is a seasoned linguist with 16+ years of interpreting and translating experience. She previously served as a Translator Coordinator for East Coast and West Coast based organizations and has extensive national and international interpreting experience. That leadership makes sure your messages are accurate, culturally attuned and right for diverse audiences.
Valdes Language Services is a woman owned, ethics driven language access partner. We help corporations, institutions and mission driven organizations bridge language gaps and host inclusive, high impact events.
Today we provide culturally sensitive translation and interpretation in more than 30 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Arabic, Vietnamese and American Sign Language (ASL), with in person, hybrid and remote interpreting and professional interpretation equipment rental.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
What we believe about language access
Language is access
Language is more than communication. It is access, opportunity and empowerment. As a proud multilingual business rooted in the San Diego and Tijuana border region, we are committed to bridging language gaps and fostering inclusive growth.
People, not machines
Professional language support matters most when clarity, cultural relevance, accessibility, confidentiality or reputation are at stake. We work with human linguists who are native speakers of the target language, so your message reads naturally.
Values you can share
When you work with us, you meet your language access goals and partner with a vendor that aligns with your values, integrity and community impact.
B CORP
Working toward B Corp certification
We are working toward B Corp certification, the standard for businesses that meet high, verified standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
It reflects how we already work: we donate part of our profits to nonprofits that advance education, human rights and youth empowerment, and we invest in the communities we serve.
RECOGNITION
Awards, certifications and press
Awards and nominations
- 2026 San Diego Business Journal Startups, Innovators & Entrepreneurs Finalist
- 2025 Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics Finalist
- 2024 San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Finalist: Outstanding Minority, Woman, LGBTQIA+, or DBE Owned Business
- 2024 National Latina Business Women Association Winner for Latina Community Minded
- 2024 San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognition
- 2024 San Diego Magazine Celebrating Women Finalist for the Trade & Craft Category
- 2024 Latino Leaders of Influence Finalist (San Diego Business Journal and San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
Certifications
- California Department of General Services: Small Business (Micro)
- Council for Supplier Diversity (MBE)
- The Supplier Clearinghouse: Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Metropolitan Water District (Certified Small Business Enterprise)
In the press
We have been invited to speak with TV, radio and magazine hosts, and featured by CBS, KSDY, Telemundo, San Diego Business Journal and San Diego Magazine.
Laura uses every media opportunity to talk about the importance of sharing stories across audiences that do not speak the same language.
MEMBERSHIPS AND CERTIFICATIONS
COMMUNITY
Our commitment to community
We believe in using our expertise to uplift the communities we serve. That is why we partner with The Cultura Media and its initiative, The TransFronterizo Institute, dedicated to empowering bilingual and bicultural students.
Supporting The Cultura Media. We contribute $1,875 every year to The Cultura Scholarship Fund, supporting Latine students in reaching their educational goals.
Empowering TransFronterizo students. As a global and border region business, we know the challenges TransFronterizo students face as they navigate multiple cultures and education systems. Through The TransFronterizo Institute we help provide career exploration, professional development and resources for higher education, and we translate students’ transcripts so they have the documents they need.
We also donate part of our profits to organizations that champion human rights, education and youth empowerment.
Frequently asked questions
Why use a professional language services provider instead of machine translation?
Professional language support matters most when clarity, cultural relevance, accessibility, confidentiality, reputation or compliance are at stake. We work with human linguists who are native speakers of the target language and produce content that reads naturally, not like a literal word for word conversion.
Will my translation sound natural to native speakers?
Yes. That is the goal. Our human linguists are native speakers of the target language and focus on accurate, culturally sensitive communication. They consider the intended reader, context, terminology, voice and purpose of the original.
Work with us
Tell us about your project, audience and languages. We will recommend the right approach and send you a clear quote.
Get a quote within one business day.
See what our clients say, our San Diego projects, or all our language services.
