Meet Beatrice De Salles
We had the good fortune of connecting with Beatrice De Salles and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Beatrice, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to be one of bridges: between languages, cultures, and people. That I lived as a global citizen committed to diplomacy, justice, and dignity. That I used my voice, multilingual and humanitarian to advocate for those unheard. That I turned interpretation into inspiration, and cultural heritage into a living dialogue for peace. That I helped empower women, youth, special needs and leaders alike to find their place in the global conversation. Let people remember me not just as a connector or a communicator, but as someone who truly listened, translated dreams, and helped build a more compassionate world: one word, one act, one relationship at a time:
By championing language as legacy that empowers multilingualism as a tool for equity, dignity, and diplomacy
By being a pioneer in cultural diplomacy, merging heritage with humanity to bridge geopolitical divides
By supporting women, youth, and underrepresented communities with lifelong mentorship and advocacy
By building a global web of partnerships through empathy, wisdom, and purpose
By Serving as a voice of peace in international forums.: from the UN’s
SDG’s to the G-100 movement.
By leadinf with humility, faith, and elegance, always reminding the world that the heart of diplomacy is service.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Despite living and working across many continents, what sets my life apart is not the stamps in my passport, but the stories I’ve heard and translated; the bridges I’ve built and the voices I’ve helped rise. As a multilingual interpreter, global affairs specialist & international journalist I’ve dedicated my life to transforming language into legacy and diplomacy into connection. My career has never been just about words, but about empowering global understanding, honoring cultural heritage and curating human connection at the highest levels of society. From interpreting for world leaders and celebrities and the most important venues to mentoring young academic leaders and women from non priviledged communities, I have followed a calling that blends service and soul. My work is where language meets leadership and where empathy becomes international diplomacy.
But it wasn’t easy. I’ve faced financial hardship, discrimination, and moments of silence when I had to find strength within. I didn’t arrive at this point because doors were opened for me, I pushed many open myself, often speaking five languages a day just to stay seen. I overcame by leaning on faith and drawing wisdom from my roots and family legacy. Each challenge was a chapter, not the end of my story. I am most proud of the lives I’ve touched through mentorship, the young leaders who now see possibility because I spoke in their language about their dreams while navigating global stages. The world should know this: I am not here by accident. My story is a testimony of resilience, culture, and leadership. I carry voices with me, and I speak for more than just myself, I speak for unity.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I was born in São Paulo, Brazil, but grew up in Italy and Switzerland, lived in Germany, France, UK, Mexico, Australia and Hong Kong before I moved to New York City and California. That’s an extraordinary adventure if I think about it! My cross-cultural life gave me a beautiful lens to highlight global gems.
Eventually, New York City sharpened me. It was there I found my voice in the global conversation by interpreting for world leaders, leading tours and delegations all over the US and Canada until I started leading international tours.
I was transferred to California after surviving the 9/11 attack while working on the Twin Towers. But that’s another story to tell.
From diplomatic missions in Los Angeles to lecturing at numerous colleges and universities, from quiet reflections in the desert to global summits in Silicon Valley. California holds the pieces of my past, it’s where my kids were born and I have been living ever since.
As a delegation leader, I try to inspire when showcasing California’s beauty, every place is a classroom, every culture is a chapter in the story I now share with the rest world.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If there’s one truth I’ve learned in this journey, it’s that no one leads alone. I dedicate my shoutout to my beloved family, especially to my children, my grandparents & my dear mentors; Count Enrico Palazzi and Countess Anna Lia Palazzi, whose lives were rooted in elegance, nobility and cultural duty. Their example taught me that heritage is not something you inherit, but something you live, preserve, and pass on with pride.
To my father, who gave me the strength of purpose, resilience, and faith to follow a path that crossed continents and causes. His role model became my compass.
To the women who shaped me, the mentors who guided me, and the students who continue to teach me everyday I mentor and learn with them: you are my constant inspiration.
To the interpreters and educators who carry the weight of words with dignity: you are my global family.
To the international institutions, from the United Nations to UNESCO, who welcomed my voice: I honor your trust.
To the global young leaders and women in the communities who let me into their world: you gave my mission a soul.
And to the Divine, for turning every trial into testimony: thank you for transforming language into legacy, and service into sacred work.
My life’s voyage is not just my story, but also a reflection of every language, country and voice that carried me. May it carry others, too!
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/biadesalles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biadesalles?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Ruth de Souza photographer
UNA-OC
SOKA University
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