Jorge Russo dos Santos

Jorge Russo dos Santos is a distinguished localization expert who combines his role as an instructor at the University of Washington's Professional Certificate Program in Localization with his position as a Localization Program Manager at Block. His journey in the technology sector began in Portugal, leading to a pivotal role at Microsoft Ireland where he localized the first server operating system into European Portuguese. His career at Microsoft spanned multiple divisions including Windows Server and Tools and Cloud Enterprise, following his relocation to Seattle in 2003. His professional expertise has been further enriched through positions at major technology companies including Cisco, Workday, Facebook, and Amazon, where he has managed complex localization projects across hardware, firmware, and multimedia platforms. As an educator at the University of Washington, he shares his extensive knowledge in the Localization Project Management module, teaching crucial aspects of vendor selection, localization models, and project management methodologies. A certified Project Management Professional, his work is driven by the fundamental belief that native language should never impede access to information or technology. His multilingual capabilities include native fluency in Portuguese and English, working knowledge of Spanish, and elementary proficiency in French and Italian, making him a valuable asset in the global localization landscape. His teaching approach combines practical industry experience with theoretical foundations, preparing students for the complex challenges of modern localization project management.