Each year on World Refugee Day, we pause to recognize the journeys—sometimes forced, always brave—that bring new voices, talents, and perspectives into our communities. At Linguava, we see these stories not just as headlines or distant news, but as lived experience within our own team. They shape the work we do and the way we see the world.
Doriana’s Journey: A Story of Courage, Curiosity, and Connection
When Doriana McGraw was eight years old, her parents told her they were going on vacation. It was a gentle story for a much more complicated truth: their family was leaving Romania, fleeing the uncertainty of communism for a chance at safety and a new beginning.
“We boarded a plane, and I didn’t return to my homeland until I was 26,” Doriana recalls.
Their journey took them through Israel and Greece, before finally landing in the United States. In those early months, language was more than a barrier, it was an isolating silence. Doriana and her sister learned English quickly, but for a time, her parents could not communicate with teachers, healthcare providers, or even utility companies. At just nine years old, Doriana became her family’s interpreter.
“I didn’t know then that one day, I would build my life’s work around language access,” she says.
Today, as Linguava’s VP of Operations, Doriana leads a talented team that ensures patients, clients, and interpreters can connect across languages. Her story is woven into every aspect of the company’s culture: hard work, humility, and the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table, especially in healthcare.
Why Refugee Stories Matter in Healthcare
The contributions of refugees often go unseen. Yet every day, people like Doriana bring not just their resilience but their insight to our industry. They know what it feels like to be silenced by language, and what a difference it makes when someone offers understanding instead of indifference. For the healthcare community, this is not an abstract lesson.
Language access in healthcare isn’t just about communication, it’s about dignity, safety, and participation. Refugees, immigrants, and those who speak a language other than English face unique challenges when seeking care. When we listen to their stories, we’re reminded why our work matters.
Building a Future of Inclusion
At Linguava, our mission is grounded in people: creating a company where linguists are proud, employees are inspired, and the healthcare community trusts us to provide exceptional language services. Our team is built by those who understand, firsthand, what it means to build a life in a new country, and to help others do the same.
Doriana leads by example, mentoring her team with empathy and curiosity. “I am always learning because I never settle,” she says. “Hard work, self-awareness, and a good attitude can take you far—let’s see where we end up.”
Honoring Many Journeys
Today, as we mark World Refugee Day, we honor not just one story, but many. Each journey is unique. Every person who has crossed borders brings something irreplaceable to their communities and workplaces. Their stories shape our company’s vision, and remind us of the true power of language and culture in building a healthier, more connected world.
If you have a story to share, we want to hear it. Together, we can build a future where everyone belongs.
About Linguava
Linguava Interpreters has been a driving force in the medical language services industry. As a full-service language company, we offer video and telephonic interpretation, along with document translation, available around the clock. Our team comprises a diverse array of professionals committed to delivering comprehensive, responsive, and top-quality language access for patients, providers, families, and health insurance companies. We also provide client training and ongoing support, solidifying our commitment to raising the bar for language access standards. We are passionate about helping patients find their seat at the table to fully participate in their healthcare regardless of what language they speak or sign.
Have questions? Connect with us today.
