About Us

What is a Blue Urpi and
who is behind it?

Blue Urpi is a boutique translation, interpreting, and instruction company founded and run by Gloria M. Rivera. She is an English/Spanish translator, Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) and Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI), CA Certified Court Interpreter and trainer.
Here are some interesting facts about Gloria:
  • Made in Peru: She was born and raised in Lima, Peru.
  • She is a physician-surgeon: Graduated from Universidad San Martin de Porres’ College of Medicine and worked at the Peruvian Navy Medical Center as a general practitioner and general surgeon.
  • Moved to the US and changed careers: Followed one of her dreams and achieved the Professional Certificate of Translation and Interpretation at UCSD Extension. She also taught for this program.
  • Certified as a court and medical interpreter: Gloria is a Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI-Spanish), Certified Healthcare Interpreter (CHI-Spanish), and California Certified Court Interpreter (CCCI).
  • Teaching experience in educational settings: She taught for the Translation and Interpreting Certificate at UCSD and she is a Faculty Member of the National Center for Interpretation’s Agnese Haury Institute (University of Arizona) teaching the Medical Interpreter Training Institute (MITI) since 2013. She has also taught at the Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazón (UNIFE, Peru) and Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo with Dr. Fernando Navarro.
  • Sharing her knowledge with her peers: In several conferences in the US, like ATA, NAJIT, CHIA, IMIA, IITA, ATI, MICATA, and internationally at IITA, Colegio de Traductores del Perú, and IAPTI.
  • Mentoring new and novice translators and interpreters: She likes doing so through her Facebook Group, Medical Translation and Interpreting Crew. There, she shares tips and resources with the crew. Gloria started it in June 2016 and has over 8,300 members!
  • Recognized by her peers: She was the recipient of CHIA’s 2018 Trainer of the Year Award. 
  • Supports professional associations: She is a proud member of CHIA, ATA, AAPTI, NAJIT, and Tremedica.
In short, whether it is a translation, interpreting, or training project, she uses her love for medicine, translation, and interpreting on every project she takes.  

Blue Urpi’s name is comprised of two special words: Blue and Urpi.

The color blue is associated with inner peace, calm, and optimism. Being the same color as the ocean and the sky, it is universal. The word urpi (oor-peeh) is from the Quechua, one of the official indigenous languages of Peru. Urpi means “paloma” in Spanish or “pigeon” in English. Pigeons have been used for centuries as trusted messengers.

This is what we strive to provide our clients: carry their message clearly and timely in a calm and relaxed manner. 


 Blue Urpi is located in Oakland, CA. We serve Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.

Whatever your project is, please feel free to reach out for a quick quote. You can contact us at info@blueurpi.com.

Gloria with her fellow translators and interpreters on audio and video

 Written Contributions 

Teaching Events