Tuğgen brings years of extensive experience to her role as Dialecta’s founder and CEO. With a First-Class BA Honours degree in English from Türkiye, she relocated to the UK in 2008 as a highly skilled migrant. Her distinguished career includes providing linguistic services for the NHS, UK Police Force, Home Office and Ministry of Justice, as well as serving as a language tutor at the University of Manchester and Durham University.
At Dialecta, Tuğgen applies her comprehensive industry knowledge and strong leadership to deliver high-quality language services to her clients. She’s a member of Women in Localisation UK, actively promotes women’s empowerment in the industry and ensures Dialecta’s involvement in a multitude of charitable initiatives. Her background spans various aspects of language services, from sworn translation to content creation and project management.
Beyond her professional life, Tuğgen enjoys travelling, reading and knitting. She has a preference for black tea with squeezed-out lemon, and her approach to life and business can be summed up best by her favourite J.M. Barrie quote: “Always be a little kinder than necessary”.
María José’s journey in the world of languages began with her university degree as a Sworn, Literary, Scientific and Technical Translator of English. She further honed her skills with a postgraduate degree in Business Administration, and from there, she has mastered nearly every aspect of the language industry, moving from a Linguist to roles in Project Management, Vendor Management, Operations Management and Account Management, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
As Americas GEO Manager for Women in Localisation, she works tirelessly to support and empower women in the industry. Her commitment to promoting regional industry standards is reflected in her role as Board Member of the Association of Translation Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean (ATCLAC). And as co-founder and former President of the Argentine Association of Language Services (AASL), she has helped shape the industry through participation in international panels and collaborations with government agencies.
When not working to take the language industry to the next level, María José enjoys running, yoga and meditation, as well as relaxing with a cup of loose-leaf vanilla tea. Her motto, “The sky is the limit!”, encapsulates both her approach to life and to business, driving her to constantly push boundaries while reaching for new heights.
A graduate of the prestigious National University of Rosario, Argentina, Violeta has continuously pursued excellence in her field. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of financial practices is evident in her credentials, which include specialised training in Mergers and Acquisitions from Harvard Business School and certification as an IFRS specialist from ICAEW.
In addition to helping small and medium-sized businesses improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and navigate complex economic challenges, Violeta frequently shares her expertise at professional workshops and lectures. She also serves as an academic jury member for her alma mater, shaping the next generation of finance professionals.
Known for her passion for stylish footwear, her fluency in English, German and Spanish, and her devotion to the traditional South American beverage, mate, Violeta brings a dash of style and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Dialecta’s clients.
With a career spanning two decades, Federico brings unparalleled expertise in competition law and antitrust matters to our team and clients.
A graduate of the University of Buenos Aires School of Law, Federico has established himself as a leading figure in his field, with a wide range of clients in various industries. His experience includes serving as a Partner at an international law firm and holding key positions at Argentina’s National Commission for the Defense of Competition.
Federico’s contributions to the legal field are significant and far-reaching. He co-authored Argentina’s Competition Law 27,442 and has been instrumental in shaping antitrust policies and regulations. His work has earned him international recognition, including being named “International Ambassador of the Year” by the American Bar Association’s Antitrust Law Section.
An educator and thought leader, Federico shares his expertise as a professor at several prestigious universities and frequently speaks at international conferences. His multilingual skills and global perspective make him an invaluable asset in navigating complex international legal landscapes.
At Dialecta, we appreciate not just Federico’s professional acumen but also his creative side. An accomplished bass and guitar player, Federico brings harmony to both his legal work and his music. His favourite motto – “Carpe diem” – reflects his dynamic approach to life and work.
A graduate of medicine from the Czech Republic, with additional training in France and Greece, Dr. Šmajer has established himself as a leading figure in surgical care. His specialisation in laparoscopy and upper gastrointestinal cancer care, including early cancer diagnostic endoscopy, places him at the forefront of medical innovation.
Dr. Šmajer has served communities around the globe, having practised in France, Greece, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Mongolia, South Sudan and more. His work with MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) and Hernia International underscores his commitment to global healthcare and humanitarian efforts.
As a senior lecturer at the University of Manchester and a recipient of multiple Clinical Excellence Awards, Dr. Šmajer combines academic rigour with practical expertise. His role as principal investigator for NHS research projects further demonstrates his dedication to advancing medical science and serving wider interests.
At Dialecta, we value not just Dr. Šmajer’s professional accomplishments but also his holistic approach to life. An avid practitioner of yoga and meditation, a polyglot with a deep respect for languages, and a man whose motto “Be kind whenever it’s possible; it is always possible” has taken him to the furthest corners of the world, Dr. Šmajer is an invaluable asset to the life sciences sector.
Marc brings a wealth of experience across marketing services, from research and insight to creative and design-led sectors. With a diverse background working for renowned brands, media owners, design studios, and agencies, his entrepreneurial mindset has been honed through involvement in startups, scale-ups, and his own events business focused on the arts and cultural sectors. As a student at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Marc furthered his university studies with courses in strategic marketing and the digital customer experience.
His career began in print advertising, where he helped trade publishers navigate declining sales by opening new revenue streams through events and digital advertising. Since then, he’s helped some of the world’s most iconic brands launch new projects that deepen audience engagement and inform future strategy, collaborating closely with strategic, creative, marketing, and insight-led functions.
With extensive experience in global business, Marc understands the importance of cross-disciplinary cooperation, bringing together diverse talents to enhance efficiency and creativity. His relationship-oriented approach ensures clear communication between stakeholders, breaking down silos to foster collaboration and celebrate diversity. He adopts a pragmatic mindset that instils confidence in decision-making, helping organisations enter new markets and achieve their strategic ambitions. His deep knowledge of the marketing services industry enables him to leverage strong partnerships that drive meaningful change and create lasting commercial impact.
Outside work, he’s an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying everything from camping and trekking to fishing. His love for nature and travel is fuelled by an insatiable appetite to explore new destinations through their culinary landscapes. This love for learning and exploring new cultures is summarised by a quote from one of his favourite authors, J.R.R. Tolkien, “The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.” Marc’s ever-changing tastes make choosing a drink tricky, but his time in Tokyo sparked a lasting fondness for cold-brewed teas, with barley tea remaining a firm favourite.
With a nursing background and a multicultural perspective, Tina leverages her innovative approach to design tailored strategies that meet each client’s specific needs. Her diverse experience in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals equips her with a deep understanding of the complexities within the life sciences sector, enabling her to formulate creative, strategic solutions that address both immediate challenges and promote long-term growth.
Her clear and approachable communication style empowers clients to make informed decisions that yield significant results. Her methodology is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of science, medicine, clinical development, and business, making her skilled at spotting emerging opportunities in the global market. Whether she’s navigating regulatory frameworks, conveying medical information, enhancing clinical trial outcomes, or building partnerships, she effectively aligns her clients’ objectives with practical and innovative solutions.
Outside of work, Tina enjoys the comforting ritual of a strong cup of Yorkshire tea, taking the opportunity to recharge, reflect, and organise her thoughts. This calming practice keeps her focused, energised, and passionate about her work. “Strong tea, stronger resolve—let’s have a cuppa and discuss solutions.”
Rupert is passionate about helping businesses of all sizes thrive, both in the UK and internationally. With extensive experience supporting the growth of SMBs, multinational organisations, and government entities, Rupert understands the unique challenges businesses face in expanding their reach.
At Dialecta, Rupert is committed to fostering connections that help clients achieve their goals in the global marketplace. He believes in the power of communication and strong relationships to deliver tailored services that truly meet client needs.
Outside of work, Rupert combines his love of travel with his passion for exploring new languages and cultures, often on two wheels as an enthusiastic motorcyclist. Whether discovering hidden corners of the world or enjoying a well-earned beer, he lives by his motto: “Every day is a bonus: make it count in any way possible!” With Rupert’s support, your business can make every day count too.
With 20 years of experience driving success for global organizations, Victoria is passionate about helping clients thrive in a globalised world. Her unique combination of legal and technology expertise, coupled with over a decade of living and working in the UAE, provides her with the skills to address the complexities of diverse markets.
Victoria specialises in delivering tailored linguistic solutions to meet your specific needs—whether it’s accredited translations for legal documents, culturally accurate marketing materials, or precise technical content. She ensures your message is professional, impactful, and resonates with your audience in any language.
Known for her collaborative approach and knack for building strong, lasting relationships, Victoria partners with clients to uncover opportunities, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Victoria enjoys ballet, kickboxing, and being a proud mum, all while savouring a cup of Yorkshire tea. Her mantra, “Feel the fear and do it anyway,” inspires her commitment to tackling challenges and delivering excellence for Dialecta customers.
Nisa is a digital strategist with a knack for combining creativity and innovation with a solid analytical mindset. Armed with a BSc in Business Administration and a minor in Digital Entrepreneurship from USC, she leverages her background in financial analysis, entrepreneurship and marketing to craft compelling, forward-thinking campaigns that resonate across continents and cultures.
Nisa’s involvement with UNICEF and the Turkish Trojan Association reflects her belief that
business can be a catalyst for positive global change. From AI-supported content creation to
culturally nuanced campaigns, she’s reimagining how language services connect with the
world—and how Dialecta can help its clients tell their story and amplify their message.
Off the clock, Nisa is as dynamic as her marketing strategies. A slope-shredding snowboarder
with a soft spot for her poodle, Romeo, she lives by the mantra: “In a world of noise, make your
message matter.” It’s this blend of digital savvy, cultural insight and adventurous spirit that
makes Nisa—and Dialecta’s marketing—truly stand out.
Yana’s journey in the world of languages began at The University of Manchester, where she earned a First-Class Honours degree in Japanese Studies. But her love of languages didn’t stop there – she’s also studied Turkish, Russian and German, showcasing the same lifelong desire to communicate that drives Dialecta beyond borders.
While at university, Yana also worked as a Student Ambassador and Peer Mentor, helping to guide and connect people across cultural and academic boundaries. This experience, combined with a stint at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, has given her a unique perspective on the intersection of language, diplomacy, leadership and international relations.
When she’s not busy coordinating linguistic teams and building relationships with our vendors, Yana enjoys taking long walks, listening to music, travelling with friends and family, soaking up fun linguistic trivia and spending time with her charismatic sausage dog, Berry, who’s become something of a mascot at Dialecta.
