Welcome back to our interview series with the ELIA Board of Directors! In this series, we’ll get to know the personal and professional journeys of our new 2025 Board Members who started their term at ELIA Networking Days in Budapest. We’ll explore their roles within their companies, and learn more about how they contribute to their ELIA committees.
First up is Aleksandrina Karabasheva, Business Development and Innovation Manager at arte.doc Bulgarian translation agency. Aleksandrina’s journey is shaped by purpose, structure and precision—in her processes, vision and communication—making her a perfect fit for the ELIA Board of Directors and new ELIA Vice-President.
What was the most unexpected job or role you’ve had before joining the language services industry, and how did it shape your career?
Not many people in the industry know this, but I’m a trained pastry chef. 🥐 And strangely (or not), it’s shaped how I work to this day.
Pastry teaches precision – every gram and every second matters. It’s where I learned that consistency isn’t luck; it’s process. That mindset stayed with me. I think structure, clear workflows, and perfect timing are key.
It also taught me to think from the client’s perspective – in pastry, success is also about the experience. You start with how you want people to feel and build backward from there.
And of course, working in a kitchen teaches teamwork and communication like nothing else. You stay calm under pressure, support your team, and get things done. All lessons I use daily when managing projects, partners, and people.
If your company were a person, what kind of personality would it have and why?
If arte.doc were a person, she’d definitely be that friend who somehow balances everything. The one who cracks a joke during a crisis but still delivers as promised and on time. She’s organised, a little bit of a perfectionist, but never boring. She loves her spreadsheets and her karaoke nights (very much so).
We’re a women-led team that works hard, laughs harder, and knows that great results come from both skill and heart.
How does your ELIA committee enhance the member experience? What value and benefits do members gain from this?
I’ve always believed ELIA should help its members navigate challenges, grow together, and stay connected.
The AI Committee seed was “planted” at ND 2024, after seeing how AI both excites and overwhelms people. Months later, that spark became an initiative led by Diego, Tony, and I with one goal: to make AI practical, accessible, and useful for our members.
We send a monthly AI Newsletter with relevant updates, helpful prompts, and our “AI 101” section that breaks down complex topics in a clear, relatable way and then we build on them for more advanced users.
We’ve hosted our first webinar discussions focused on real workflows and honest challenges, and we have planned more to come. Our aim is to help every member feel confident and stay curious.
Networking Days 2025 marked the first event gathering our new Board. Do you have any special memories or particular moments from the event you would like to share?
ND 2025 was truly fantastic! Our first in-person Board meeting was hours of inspiring, forward-looking discussions. And honestly, we could’ve gone on even longer. Seeing everyone around one table, so passionate about what we’re building for ELIA and its members was energizing. I felt at home.
The conference that followed was equally rewarding, full of open conversations, shared challenges, and real solutions. Exchanging perspectives from the LSP side reminded me why this community feels so special: collaboration here isn’t just a word, it’s how we grow.
Once again, welcome to the Board, Aleksandrina.
Name: Aleksandrina Karabasheva
Company: arte.doc
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