About Us
AvodahConnect, a division of Avodah, fosters human connection through advanced AI translation to help people be heard, seen, and understood.
5
years
of working experience
20
languages
Language translation in 6 countries
21
patents
15 issued • 6 pending
2000
+ providers
Healthcare providers in the US
AvodahConnect is a division of Avodah, a mission-driven technology company dedicated to uniting work, worship, and service through human-centered innovation. At AvodahConnect, we tackle translation challenges with cutting-edge tools designed to accelerate and enhance translation so communities can connect globally while preserving cultural integrity.
Guided by Values, Driven by Impact
Generosity
We create tools that give translators the gift of time, allowing them to focus on their people.
Speed
Our solutions deliver real-time results for efficient workflows and better outcomes.
Excellence
We strive to meet the highest standards in translation technology.
Innovation
We use AI to revolutionize how translations are delivered and experienced.
Meet the Leaders
Driving Innovation
Our leadership team combines expertise in use of AI technology, language translation, sign language, and mission-driven innovation. Together, we are dedicated to transforming the translation experience, elevating translators, and fostering meaningful connections that preserve cultural identity and expand access to global opportunities
Shawn Ring
Founder & CEO
Shawn's Bio Founder, CEO, and President of several technology-based businesses, domestic and international, with 25+ years of experience History of building, implementing, and maintaining high-growth strategies. Strategies have produced national brands, national franchise systems, and startup growth exceeding $130m in annual revenue. Developed and led Mergers and Acquisitions of more than 9 technology companies. Developed multi-national strategies, international banking, and legal foundations in Singapore, South Africa, Fiji, and the United States. Built a service-based company serving 47 states with B2B and B2C offerings. BS in Information Technologies; MBA in International Business and cross-cultural Leadership
Mariam Varghese
COO
Mariam's Bio Mariam is Avodah's Chief Operating Officer. She oversees People Operations, Marketing, and Customer Success. Previously, she has led administration, research and design, product development, innovation, and operations and developed leaders across the globe. She is experienced in international operations and has led various leadership positions in Corporate Services and Operations. Mariam has a BS in Computer Engineering, an MA in Global Culture, and an Executive MBA. She has been certified as a PMP (Project Management Professional) for over 20 years. She is pursuing a Doctorate Program using AI in Bible Translation/Scripture Engagement with Fuller Theological Seminary.
Lori Miller
President of AvodahConnect
Lori's Bio Lori is the President of AvodahConnect. She oversees the acceleration of translation, including text, oral, and sign language such as American Sign Language (ASL). Previously, Lori held rising senior positions as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Field Programs, and Human Resources Manager for a global translation company from 2011 to 2022. Additional experience includes serving as a program manager at a non-profit organization equipping young adults in Jewish studies; CFI–Jerusalem, an international non-profit agency for humanitarian aid to terror victims, Holocaust survivors, and immigrants; and American Systems Consulting, Inc., an information technology and consulting services company.
Kristin Westbrook
Account Executive
Kristin's Bio As an Account Executive at Avodah, Kristin leads the development and growth of translation services, guiding clients through language research and helping drive Avodah’s expansion. With a BA in Linguistics and an MBA focused on global leadership, she brings over 10 years of experience in the translation industry and is fluent in ASL and proficient in Spanish. A former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Kristin applies the discipline, teamwork, and resilience she developed in that role to her leadership style, which is grounded in continuous learning and improvement. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes a commitment to excellence, work-life balance, and authentic communication. Outside of work, Kristin is a new mom to twins and is passionate about making a positive impact in both her professional and personal life.
Jonathan Malek
CTO
Jonathan's Bio Jonathan Malek co-founded Practice Fusion, where he served as Chief Technology Officer from 2005 until its acquisition by Allscripts (now Veradigm) in 2018. As CTO, Malek led the development of Practice Fusion’s technology platform, including the architecture of its first web-based user interface and the initial platform services and APIs, scaling the company’s EHR platform to 100,000 daily active users. Following the acquisition, he became CTO and General Manager of Provider Services at Allscripts, now Veradigm, where he unified and transformed the $360 million Provider Business by merging five distinct business units into a cohesive team, leading to an 8% growth in revenue on legacy products. Throughout his leadership at Veradigm, until accepting the position at Avodah, Malek oversaw a team of over 1,600 professionals, fostering innovation, collaboration, and technology modernization. Earlier in his career, Malek held prominent technology roles in leading companies. At The Associated Press, he served as Chief Architect and Director of Research, where he was responsible for modernizing the search and storage of structured media and partnering with Microsoft Research on image search and classification. At Capax Global, a Hitachi Group Company, he was a Senior Software Architect, contributing to software development and system architecture. Malek began his career with key roles at Saqqara Systems and Crossworlds Software (acquired by IBM), focusing on software architecture and technology consulting.