Dawn Pérez
Maldonado

A Milwaukee native and native Spanish speaker, Dawn Pérez Maldonado learned the importance of being understood at an early age. As a child, she often interpreted for her parents as they built their lives and navigated everyday situations in a language that was unfamiliar to them.

Whether helping with a conversation, explaining a document, or making sure an important question was answered, Dawn became a bridge between her family and the English-speaking world around them. Those experiences gave her a lasting appreciation for the courage it takes to ask for help — and the relief that comes when someone takes the time to listen and understand.

Years later, that same desire to help others find their voice became the heart of Bylyngo Interpreting & Translation. Dawn founded Bylyngo in her hometown of Milwaukee in 2001. She earned her Spanish court-interpreter certification through the Wisconsin Court System in 2004 and has since spent more than two decades serving people in courtrooms, hospitals, schools, community organizations, and public agencies.

Although Bylyngo has grown, Dawn has never lost sight of the people at the center of the work. She remembers what it was like for her parents to rely on someone else to understand important information and make themselves heard. That memory continues to guide the care, respect, and sense of responsibility she brings to every client and every assignment.

Today, Dawn’s work reaches beyond interpreting and translation. She helps organizations create thoughtful language access plans so that people with limited English proficiency can receive information, ask questions, and access services with dignity. She also writes, speaks, and advocates for stronger language-access practices throughout Wisconsin and beyond.