Tsuker Y.
Interpreter of the Month

The Bridge is pleased to introduce Tsuker Y. as our “Interpreter of the Month”, September 2005.

Languages: Native Hmong, Near Native English, Conversational Laotian
Years as professional linguist: 5 years

Tsuker came to the United States from Laos in 1978, a few years after the country fell to the Communists. After attending high school, Tsuker graduated from Cincinnati Bible College in 1987 with a degree in International Missions. He continued his studies at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity in 1991.

Shortly thereafter, Tsuker was appointed the Pastor of 3 small churches in Northwestern Wisconsin. With the appointment, he became the first ever Hmong speaking Pastor appointed to an English speaking church within the United Methodist Church.

Tsuker began interpreting in 2001 for medical and community appointments. In 2003, he was approved by the MN State Court Interpreting program and was placed on the Statewide Roster for legal interpreters.

Currently, Tsuker pastors a small Hmong-speaking church on the East side of St. Paul. He continues to interpret part-time for medical, community and legal appointments. He also translates written documents into Hmong. Tsuker is a very pleasant person to work with; he’s someone who enjoys connecting with his community and reaching out to people.

Tsuker has returned to his homeland of Laos 3 times in the past few years, as well as to Thailand. He plans to travel there again in the future