Agola Language Services Inc.

Francis Agola is the co-founder and CEO of Agola Language Services, Inc., bringing over 20 years of expertise as a professional linguist, foreign language instructor, conference interpreter, translator, and instructional systems designer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Rouen, France, and a graduate-level certificate in Instructional Systems Design from the University of Wisconsin. Fluent in seven languages—English, French, Spanish, Italian, Swahili, Luo, and Kenyan Sign Language (KSL)—Francis has an extensive background in linguistic services and cross-cultural training. As an International Affairs Analyst with the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP), he plays a pivotal role in facilitating partnerships between 21 African countries and 16 U.S. States under the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) region. His responsibilities include analyzing national security, foreign policy, and defense strategies, conducting security cooperation studies, and providing critical briefs, talking points, and information papers for senior leadership. Originally from Kenya, Francis has lived and worked across several African countries before relocating to the United States in December 2006 with his family. His rich experience includes working as a Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Subject Matter Expert (LREC-SME) at the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA, where he delivered country and region-specific cultural briefings to senior leadership. Additionally, Francis has served as an Instructional Systems Designer at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, VA, and as a Linguist Task Manager at ManpowerGroup Public Service. His experience also extends to teaching foreign languages and culture at the Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and Alliance Française in Nairobi and Washington, DC, among other institutions. Francis is also a visiting instructor at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), where he designed and facilitates an Introduction to Interpretation course for DIA linguists training to become interpreters. With a passion for reading, painting, traveling, cycling, and exploring languages and cultures, Francis continues to drive Agola Language Services Inc. forward, leveraging his vast experience to provide high-quality, culturally attuned language solutions for clients worldwide. He is married and has three children.

Florence Makokha-Agola is the Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Agola Language Services Inc., bringing over 20 years of professional experience to the company. Florence's distinguished career includes working with the World Bank Group, first in the Nairobi office and later in the Washington, DC office, where she honed her expertise in management, communication, and organizational skills. Additionally, she is a seasoned real estate and relocation specialist in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, providing valuable insight and guidance to clients. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, Swahili, Kikuyu, and Luhya, Florence's multilingual capabilities are a testament to her passion for languages and cultural exchange. Her broad skill set, combined with her dedication to fostering meaningful connections, enhances the quality of services offered by Agola Language Services Inc. Florence is known for her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to build lasting relationships with clients and partners. Married with three children, Florence balances her professional commitments with her love for family, literature, traveling, and design. Her dedication to excellence and passion for cultural understanding continue to drive the growth and success of Agola Language Services Inc.