Training & Continuing Education
Upcoming Lunch & Learn
Our Lunch and Learn series is a free educational programming, designed to help mediators and legal professionals maintain their continuing education credits while strengthening their mediation skills. Held six times a year (every other month) on Tuesdays at noon, these sessions provide high-quality courses and information to support both professional development and the delivery of exceptional mediation services.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 12:00-1:00pm CST
How To Effectively Work with a Spoken Language Interpreter
Diana Sanchez-Vega, Founder and CEO of Sanchez-Vega Communications, will lead a discussion around how legal professionals and mediators can effectively work with a spoken language interpreter. Accuracy and completion of utterances, as well as faithfulness to the original message, are essential in everyday life communication, but especially in high stakes instances such as conflict resolution. Requirements when serving limited English speaking proficient (LEP) individuals include the use of professional interpreters that participate in the mediation process to facilitate interactions between English and LEP individuals. This interactive presentation covers a brief overview of legal requirements and credential levels for interpreters, the roles of the interpreter, recommendations on how to work as a team with interpreters during interpreted mediation sessions, and a Q&A segment.
This course is approved for one (1) hour of general mediation issues or general continuing education CME credit. It is pending CLE approval.
About Diana Sanchez-Vega
In a world where language and culture often create divides, Diana Sanchez-Vega stands as a catalyst for connection and empowerment. Growing up bilingual and bicultural in Argentina, Diana has always lived 'in the hyphen,' navigating between two rich languages and cultures. Her message is clear: recognize the high value of bilingualism, and embrace the growing need to connect in an increasingly globalized world.
As the Founder & CEO of Sanchez-Vega Communications, Diana has a 30+ year track record as a bridge-builder ‘making bright connections happen’ in linguistic diverse industries such as construction, education, government, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing, among others. Whether training bilingual staff, leading a multi-language translator team, or interpreting at international conferences, Diana’s focus is to empower others to have effective, accurate, and complete communications.
Diana is a sought-after presenter. Her dynamic and authentic speaking style captivates audiences as she draws from personal experiences connecting the human condition to the world of business with an unforgettable ‘A-ha moment!’ approach.
A twice nationally certified Spanish medical interpreter, Diana also holds a Master of Arts in Psychological Studies, and a Bachelor's of Science in International Business. In addition to her native Spanish and near-native command of English, Diana is also versed in Portuguese and French. She has served as an advisor for multiple local nonprofit and government organizations, and has also been honored with the 'Spirit in Entrepreneurship' Award from the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award for nonprofit leadership.
When not working, Diana enjoys building 3,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, engaging in new arts and crafts, and exploring the eclectic city of Nashville, TN, her home away from home.
Mediation Training
Mediation training is a seminar focused on the theory and practice of conflict resolution skills necessary for an individual to apply to become listed as a TN Rule 31 mediator. Trainings are either a 40 hour general civil mediation course or 46 hour family mediation course. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) ensures that mediation trainings comply with Rule 31 requirements, approves listing applications, and oversees court-related mediation under Rule 31. NCRC requires that volunteers be Rule 31 trained.
AOC guidelines and resources for Rule 31 Training
Complete text of Rule 31
