Over more than three decades, we have navigated challenges, weathered crises, and collaborated closely
with translation professionals to establish a legacy of excellence and social commitment.
Origins and Foundation:
On one side was Luis Mª Revilla Alayza, with a rich background as a professional translator in both France and Spain;
on the other was Carmen Yates, always the entrepreneurial spirit capable of adapting her commercial acumen to any environment.
It was, in essence, the perfect synergy
From a modest office on Calle Santísima Trinidad in Madrid, furnished with second-hand furniture and aided by their daughters,
then aged 10 and 9, they established Word Works' inaugural headquarters.
Luis crafted our first logo, a design that still adorns the entrance of our office in Pozuelo de Alarcón, marking the beginning of our
journey together.
Word Works' initial clients were those they had worked with in Paris, until Carmen ventured out to seek new opportunities.
Leveraging then state-of-the-art technology - a noisy modem - they stayed connected with their Parisian contacts, ensuring
timely deliveries of translations each day.
Our beginnings were humble yet resolute, propelling this daring duo to relocate to Pozuelo de Alarcón and begin hiring
project managers to handle the influx of orders from Carmen's expanding network in Madrid and France. Our network of
collaborators grew rapidly, heralding Word Works' trajectory of growth and innovation.
Today, our commitment to quality, cultural sensitivity, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering, echoing the
spirit of our founding years.
Growth and Resilience:
We've navigated through tough times, from economic downturns to technological leaps. Yet, each challenge has fortified
us and spurred innovation, adaptation, and unwavering progress.
It's crucial to remember that Word Works was born during Spain's economic turmoil. The early '90s weren't easy for
businesses, with many startups folding rapidly. Coupled with the nascent state of our industry (translation services
were far less standardized then), those initial years were an uphill climb. But we persevered
From a lone project manager (Michelle, who worked closely with Carmen and Luis) to a robust team, our growth was rapid.
The confines of our Pozuelo office soon necessitated a move to a duplex, where along with expanding accounts, technology
advancements, and our steadfast commitment to quality, we thrived.
In 1999, Word Works achieved a milestone as the first Spanish translation company to
earn
2007 marked a peak for Word Works, prompting a move to Las Rozas de Madrid. Yet, the 2008 crisis brought a sobering reality
check, leading us back to Pozuelo de Alarcón. This shift, though humbling, fueled our resilience. Weathering subsequent years
of global financial turbulence, we remained steadfast in our commitment to quality, technology, and reliability, a strategy
that saw us through uncertain times.
Our journey has been one of growth, adaptation, and unwavering dedication to our clients' needs. As we look ahead, we remain
resolute in our pursuit of excellence and unwavering service.
Collaborating with Professionals:
Word Works is a translation company with no translators on staff. While it's true that the company's foundation
rests on the image and work of our founding partner and professional translator, Luis M.ª Revilla Alayza, and that
his contributions were vital during our early years, Carmen and Luis soon recognized that growth required a
global network of collaborators.
Our team of translators, proofreaders, editors, copywriters, designers, and layout specialists spans across five continents.
Many have been part of our journey since the beginning, and we maintain a close-knit relationship with them.
Others have started with us as project managers during internships and later ventured into freelance translation, supported
by our production team. We value these beginnings immensely and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit by aiding in their training
and initial professional experience.
Our resource management team plays a pivotal role in maintaining excellent relations with our collaborators. They continuously
onboard new talents and conduct evaluations, ensuring that we remain a people-centric company, boasting an exceptional team and
an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality of service.
The Family
When we talk about Word Works, we can't overlook the significance of family. The Revilla-Yates family embodies the essence of this company.
Founded by Carmen and Luis, a Peruvian couple with a global perspective, Word Works is a family affair that extends beyond its founders.
Oscar, Carmen's eldest son, was among the first to join the team. He led sales efforts and steered the ship alongside his mother for a period.
Sylvia, Carmen's eldest daughter, also played a pivotal role in production, leaving a lasting organizational mark during her tenure.
However, the true backbone of Word Works has been the Revilla sisters, Trilce and Eva. While they joined at different times, their
contributions have profoundly shaped the company's trajectory.
Trilce joined Word Works in 1998, fresh out of high school. She combined studies and work to meet her father's requirement of a university degree,
eventually taking charge of the production department. Transitioning to sales management, Trilce later assumed leadership as her parents
pursued ventures outside Madrid. Today, after over 25 years, she remains actively involved from Bali, where she resides with her children,
while also pursuing independent projects.
In 2015, Eva, the youngest of the family, brought about transformative change in Word Works' administrative and financial landscape. Her meticulous
approach and relentless dedication revolutionized operations, leading to substantial organizational improvements. Eva assumed project leadership,
initially alongside her sister and mother, and later independently, steering the company through recent challenges with remarkable resilience.
Her titanic work has allowed the company to weather the recent crises in a very smooth way and has helped to unite a team that today operates
with the precision of a Swiss watch.
For the Revilla-Yates family, the team is an extension of family. The company operates on the belief that work should enrich life, and true passion
makes every day fulfilling. These values, championed by leaders like Eva and Daniela in management, Carmen in financial stewardship, and Trilce in
strategic support, define Word Works' ethos.
As we reflect on over 30 years of history, we do so with pride and a steadfast commitment to excellence, guided by values that transcend boundaries.
This article pays homage to everyone who has contributed to our journey—clients, collaborators, and team members—as together, we continue to forge a
legacy of excellence, commitment, and integrity.