As a leader at my company, it is my job to not only develop the people who report to me, but also to provide an example of the behaviors that will help everyone to excel in their jobs and in their personal lives, says ACA member Debra Ciskey.
3/25/2021 11:30
Women’s History Month originated from a weekly national celebration in 1981. In 1987, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month to recognize the achievements of women in various career fields in the U.S., according to The Library of Congress Women’s History Month website.
ACA International represents a diverse industry. Women make up a high percentage of collection agents when compared to the workforce, according to research from Kaulkin Ginsberg and ACA. According to 2020 data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Population Survey, which studies trends in the labor force, 66% of bill and account collectors identified as female.
In this week’s member spotlight, Debra Ciskey, executive vice president of CACi and a member of ACA’s Women in Collections Resource Council (WICRC), shares how role models influenced her career and the importance of providing professional development opportunities for all employees.
Q. What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
A. I think it is commendable for the world to dedicate a month to women’s history, but in a way, it feels somewhat condescending as well. We are done with being patted on the head and told to be happy for what we have and get back to work. It’s just not satisfying anymore! I think about the women on whose backs this country was built and all their hard work raising children, working alongside men for no pay, going to bed exhausted after everyone else, and getting up, still exhausted, before everyone else. Sadly, they were rarely celebrated, yet the work they did was as important as important as that of the individual women who will be celebrated this month.
Q. How do you celebrate and honor Women’s History Month on a personal level and/or at your company?
A. I am pleased to be employed by a company that regularly notices the contributions of all employees, regardless of gender. On a personal level, I think back on the women who have helped me become the person I am today. My mother showed me that we can excel even when we encounter adversity. For example, she did not have the opportunity to go to college because there was only money for the boys in her family to do that, but she was able to excel as a newspaper journalist for 10 years until our family moved. Despite her experience, which included reporting on everything from school board meetings and other local happenings to serving as the “women’s section” editor, she was denied even an interview at a big city paper because she lacked a college degree. Overcoming these challenges, she opened her own business, which thrived and was recognized for excellence. She was smart, worked hard and loved on her family. I hope I have learned and applied those lessons in my life. In the collections industry, my role models were Betty “Sam” Henry, a longtime ACA International staffer who developed and ran ACA’s insurance program, and Linda Russell, famously the first female president of ACA, a renowned ACA instructor, and one of the best people I will ever know.
Q. How is your company embracing diversity and inclusion among your team and in the industry, both this month and year-round?
A. CACi provides opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender or race. As a leader at my company, it is my job to develop not only the people who report to me, but also to provide an example of the behaviors that will help everyone to excel in their jobs and in their personal lives. Everyone deserves a step up. Everyone.
Q. What current role do you see women playing in the ARM industry?
A. I am ecstatic to see so many women in active leadership roles in the accounts receiveable management (ARM) industry. Forty years ago it was rare, but today we see a plethora of female agency owners; attorneys; board members; unit leaders; committee members and chairs; and ACA staff members working to advance the ARM industry.
Q. What would you like to see for the future of women in the ARM industry and what can we as an industry do to help accomplish that?
A. Sometimes, women feel shut out. It can be uncomfortable, still, to sit down at a table at a conference where you would be the only woman. You may be drawn into the conversation if one of the men knows you, but if not, you may be ignored, or, even worse, receive attention that you do not welcome because it isn’t appropriate, such as, “Oh, you have kids? Well, what are they up to while you are here at conference?” (Yes, it has happened to me.)
Q. Do you have any suggestions for other companies in the industry working on educational and inclusiveness programs?
A. Look past the gender and race of your employees. Provide everyone with professional developmental opportunities. Provide positive support and help people learn from their mistakes. Accept input and feedback when employees put themselves out there to provide it. Together everyone achieves more!
If you’re interested in learning more about networking, mentoring and events for women in the ARM industry, check out ACA’s Women in Collections Resource Council.
The WICRC is hosting a meeting during the 2021 Washington Insights Virtual Fly-In April 22. Members Fran Fisher, business development manager at Payscout, Pauline Kussart, president of The Stark Collection Agency, and Anita Manghisi, IFCCE, president of Independent Recovery Resources Inc., will moderate a discussion with women leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Registration for both events is open now.
Do you know a member you would like to see featured in ACA Daily’s Member Spotlight or Collector magazine’s Origin Story? Would you like to share your story? We are also looking to highlight our international members and new members of ACA. Simply reach out to our communications team at [email protected] with your ideas. We’d love to hear from you!