Founder Koy Saephan Jay's professional Iu Mien interpreting career began in 2000, when she was hired by Sacramento County, after she passed California’s Court Interpreter exam. As a full-time employee, she covered California Courts for ten years before deciding to launch Excel Interpreting & Translating. From school teaching to studying law, Koy's trajectory was as varied as it was enriching. However, her true calling lay in bridging the language gap, a vision born of deeply personal experiences. Koy is a refugee from Laos. Growing up, she experienced first-hand the challenges of inadequate language services, which often led to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.

In her community, Koy naturally stepped into the role of an ad hoc interpreter, translating not just words, but emotions, aspirations, and cultural nuances. Her dedication to her community's needs for a Mien language interpreter became her beacon, highlighting the urgent need for professional, accurate, and empathetic interpretation services. The leap from being the go-to interpreter in her locality to establishing Excel Interpreting & Translating was fueled by a singular vision: Equity through language access. Koy understands that for communities to thrive, every voice must be heard, and every message must be conveyed clearly. Koy studied English Literature and earned her B.A. from U.C.L.A. Her 14 year tenure on the board for non-profit, Lao Family Community Development, Inc., speaks to her steadfast commitment to community.