Steven Ishwardat

Passionate about building bridges through expertise, commitment, communication, education, and cooperation.

Paramaribo, Suriname

About

With more than 25 years of professional experience, I have built a career that connects education, translation, and international relations. I began in the classroom, teaching at the primary, secondary, and higher education levels. Along the way, I contributed to curriculum development and program coordination, and was honored with the Exemplary Teacher Award (2013–2014) — recognition of my commitment to quality education. In parallel, I developed a professional path as a Sworn Translator/Interpreter (Dutch ↔ English) and trainer in Business English and communication skills, helping both academic institutions and government agencies communicate with clarity and confidence. From 2020 to 2025, I had the privilege of serving as Advisor in International Relations at the National Assembly of Suriname, where I represented the Assembly in bilateral and multilateral forums, authored key strategic documents, and strengthened Suriname’s parliamentary diplomacy with partners worldwide. Throughout my career, one theme has remained constant: a passion for bridging cultures and building understanding. Whether in a classroom, at the negotiation table, or in translation work, I aim to create connections that matter — and deliver results with professionalism, integrity, and vision.

Experience

  • Advisor at Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken
    Apr 2026 - Present · 3 mos

  • Sworn translator English/Dutch- Dutch/English at Self-employed
    Apr 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 3 mos

  • Desk Officer at the Directorate of Foreign Affairs, Europe Division at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Suriname
    Oct 2025 - Apr 2026 · 7 mos

    To support the Ministry in formulating, implementing, and monitoring Suriname’s foreign policy and international cooperation with European countries, thereby strengthening diplomatic relations.

  • Advisor International Relations at DNA Suriname
    Sep 2020 - Sep 2025 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    Over the past years, I’ve had the privilege to represent the National Assembly of Suriname (DNA) as advisor to the Speaker and parliamentary delegations at several high-level international conferences and missions that allowed Suriname’s voice to be heard on pressing global issues. Beyond conferences, I have also supported parliamentary contact plans with our Caribbean neighbors (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten) and accompanied missions to countries such as India, Gabon, and the United States, strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties. As focal point for DNA with partners like ParlAmericas, CPA, Bússola Tech, HWPL, and the diplomatic community, my role has been to build bridges, facilitate dialogue, and ensure that Suriname is actively engaged in shaping international parliamentary cooperation.

  • IMEAO 1 (Full-time · 15 yrs 7 mos)
    • Coordinator Student Internship Program
      Oct 2017 - Jul 2020 · 2 yrs 10 mos

    • English Teacher Vocational education
      2005 - 2020 · 15 yrs

    • Vice Principal Student Affairs
      2007 - 2014 · 7 yrs