Founder and CEO of AAA Translation shares her story of success and helping the immigrant community in St. Louis
Susanne Evens is the founder of AAA Translation a company located in St. Louis dedicated to providing professional translation, interpretation, marketing, and global consulting services to help businesses and organizations grow through successful expansion into international markets.
Susanne’s passion for languages and culture started at a very young age through extensive travel with her parents. “In Germany, where I was born, we get 30 days paid vacation per year, plus we have to learn English in school. I studied French, Spanish, Italian and Russian,” said Susanne. “I moved to the U.S. in 1992 and started working for Deutsche Financial Services (Deutsche Bank) and started German Language Communications on the side which evolved into AAA Translation in 2005. We now offer more than 250 languages and access to our vast global business network.”
Susanne is also helping the immigrant community during COVID-19. Evens noticed that access to language translation was lacking with some local organizations. She started donating important COVID-19 messaging in multiple languages to STL Juntos, Metro West Fire Protection District and St. Charles County Government.
AAA Translation has also helped to translate the Missouri History’s Museum St. Louis Strong video into Chinese, French and German. “I love showcasing St. Louis on the global stage and I make sure that all foreign visitors get a tour of our great city,” said Evens. “Each one of them is always very impressed of what St. Louis has to offer.”
Susanne Evens, Founder of AAA Translation and Tim Nowak, Executive Director for the World Trade Center-St. Louis
Susanne Evens (2nd row, 2nd left) attending a past World Trade Center-St. Louis Growing Global event
In addition to her work with AAA Foundation, Evens has served on the board of the World Trade Center St. Louis since 2006. Her company is also the 13th St. Louis Mosaic Project Ambassador Company
Susanne has mentored and connected immigrant professionals with various employment opportunities in the region. Evens is also the President of St.Louis -Stuttgart Sister Cities, the oldest Sister City relationship. Every year, Susanne and her team also hosts a Winter Ball Karneval in celebration of supporting business, cultural and educational exchanges in an evening of music, dancing and delicious German food.
Evens (left) at a past Stuttgart Sister Cities Winter Ball Karneval event
As a successful business owner, Evens also shared encouraging advice for other entrepreneurs during this time. “Be agile, adapt to current market trends, look at your competition, but first and foremost, take care of yourself,” said Evens. “Invest in where the world is going, not where it is.”
Susanne is driven to move her business forward. “Currently, we are brainstorming and planning to provide more online video interpreting via a new AP and also online language instruction services,” said Evens. “When the markets rebound, the need for more innovative and better services will drive demand.”
For more information about AAA Translation visit their website here.
