Interview with Nic Zapko, Deaf Interpreter

Renca Dunn: Last week on Tuesday, March 9th, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recognized and congratulated Deaf Interpreter Nic Zapko for her interpreting work since the pandemic started. Also, March 9th was proclaimed Nic Zapko Day.

[A short clip of Nic Zapko interpreting beside Tim Walz.]

Tim Walz: ...serving. I’m Tim Walz, announcing that Tuesday, March 9th 2021 is Nic Zapko Day.

Nic Zapko: Thank you!

Tim Walz: Thank you.]

Renca Dunn: We reached out to Nic for a short interview.

Renca Dunn: I’m curious, how are you feeling? How did it get to that point?

Nic Zapko: Really, I’m astounded. It’s a huge honor. I didn’t expect it. It started a year ago when the pandemic started. The team took turns interpreting, and with the civil rights and the George Floyd upheavals, I found myself interpreting frequently ever since alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. I was often next to him for these events. On March 9th, which was my 50th birthday, I didn’t expect that to happen but they offered me to work that day. Sure, so I enjoyed interpreting on my birthday, and after that he said he had something to say. Sure, so I went along with it, and I realized he was talking about me! I remained optimistic and stuck to the role.

-Right, right.

He might have been wondering if I’d mess up, but I kept interpreting. After that was finished, as Nic, I was shocked. I feel honored. It’s been a lot of interpreting over the last year, yes.

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Nic Zapko: My hope going forward is that CDI/DI becomes non negotiable with no question. Anytime you need to request an interpreter, bring in both a Deaf and a hearing interpreter. That should be non negotiable and it shouldn’t be questioned whether a job needs a CDI/DI or not. Just bring in both interpreters at all times. That’s my dream, for that to happen everywhere. So, what we need right now is to continue to show and emphasize the importance of having both in a team. That’s key, because that will satisfy both Deaf and hearing consumers.

Renca Dunn: If there’s one thing you really love about being a DI, what would that be?

Nic Zapko: The platform. I enjoy the platform. At the same time, it’s challenging. I enjoy the challenge of processing information and translating it in a range of ways. I enjoy the platform. I think it relates to how actors are comfortable in front of a camera or being on stage. I enjoy that.

Renca Dunn: Yeah. Thank you for your time and I appreciate your words. Now, we know that March 9th is Nic Zapko day!

-Thank you!

We’ll celebrate it every year. I hope to see more DIs and CDIs having days named after them! That would be cool.

Nic Zapko: Definitely, definitely!

Renca Dunn: Thank you!

-Thanks!

Renca Dunn: Thank you, Nic, for your time. How cool is it to have a day named after a Deaf person? I hope for more days named after Deaf people we have in our Deaf community.

https://www.facebook.com/GovTimWalz/posts/1798846083622272