Every great business starts with a need, and The SOS Agency is no exception. Its journey began in Atlanta, sparked by a recurring demand from an out-of-state agency that was struggling to fill interpreter assignments in a crucial setting, a mental health hospital. The agency reached out repeatedly, asking for referrals, and Tanesh Foster found herself acting as the middleman, connecting interpreters to fill the assignments. It wasn’t long before a bright idea took root—why not formalize this role? Why not become the agency for the agency?
Tanesh shared this idea with her colleague and friend, Makeba Orr Smith, and together, they envisioned a solution. They could help this agency fill their jobs, not as a favor but as a business. When Tanesh pitched the concept to the out-of-state agency, it was met with enthusiasm, and the very next day, SOS Interpreting Solutions was born. The name itself carried significance: SOS is universally recognized as a signal of distress, and solutions are what they were soon to provide. The idea was simple yet powerful: connect interpreters with the agencies that need them, creating a bridge that would soon prove essential.
Makeba Orr Smith believed deeply in the potential of the agency, and her confidence helped propel the business forward. However, the unexpected loss of Makeba brought a period of deep reflection. Tanesh faced a difficult decision: should she continue the work they started together, or should she close this chapter and move on? After much deliberation, she decided to honor Makeba’s memory by evolving the business rather than letting it go. Thus, SOS Interpreting Solutions was dissolved, and from its foundation rose SOS Language Solutions—an agency that would continue the mission they began together, while also embracing growth and change.
The community quickly took notice of this new entity. SOS Language Solutions began to gain traction, with more customers and interpreters joining the fold. The agency earned a reputation for being reliable, professional, and committed, and soon enough, it became affectionately known simply as “SOS.” Embracing this nickname, the company officially rebranded as The SOS Agency.
Fast forward to the present, The SOS Agency has become one of Atlanta’s fastest-growing agencies, loved by both interpreters and clients alike. The internal team has expanded from just two people to seven, and the agency’s reach has grown significantly. They have forged new partnerships with other agencies and direct customers, and they’ve been called upon to staff interpreters for high-profile events, including local government campaigns, presidential candidacy events, concerts featuring A-list performers, non-profit organizations, school districts, and much more.
This October, The SOS Agency is proud to be celebrating five years of growth, resilience, and success. As the agency embarks on this milestone anniversary, there’s a sense of excitement and gratitude. The SOS Agency is thankful to everyone who has made this journey possible—clients, interpreters, partners, and staff. But The SOS Agency’s story is far from over. With each new milestone, the vision grows clearer: The SOS Agency aims to become the go-to agency for interpreting services in Atlanta and a leader in the interpreting industry. The future is bright, filled with promise, and driven by the same spirit of innovation and collaboration that started it all. From being a middleman to becoming a solidified agency in Atlanta, The SOS Agency’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when you see a need, take action, and never stop evolving.
