In this Women’s History Month spotlight, Tammy Schoenberg, director of member and association services at ACA International, shares about women in history who have inspired her, including her grandmother and mother.
03/30/2022 5:00 P.M.
4 minute read
Women make up a significant portion of the ARM workforce, including as leaders, business owners and advocates. In recognition of Women’s History Month, ACA is featuring some of those members as well as staff in ACA Daily.
In this week’s spotlight, Tammy Schoenberg, director of member and association services at ACA International, shares about women in history who have inspired her, including her grandmother and mother.
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 U.S. career fields, according to The Library of Congress Women’s History Month website.
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 and its group on The Hub.
Q. What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
A. I have always strived for a balance between “I am woman, hear me roar” and being a loving wife and mother somewhat the old-fashioned way. So many women before us have paved a way for us to be free to be whoever we want to be, so during Women’s History Month, I think about those brave, strong women who allow us to be exactly the women we choose to be, whether that is “I am woman, hear me roar,” a stay-at-home mom, CEO, astronaut, soldier, doctor, judge, politician—the list goes on.
Q. How do you celebrate and honor Women’s History Month on a personal level?
A. During Women’s History Month, I honor all of the people in my life who have made me the strong person I am today, from my grandmothers and mother down to a very special male mentor who made a huge impact on my life. I also celebrate and am proud of the strong, independent women that I have raised.
Q. What ideas do you have for companies interested in embracing diversity and inclusion among your team and in the industry, both this month and year-round?
A. I saw a post recently that asked the question, “Would you hire someone with zero experience?” My answer is yes. Sometimes people do just need a chance. Not everyone goes to college or is at the top of their class or is great at interviewing. I, personally, was not a great student. I do not have a college degree. When I was fresh out of technical school, I had a very hard time finding a job because I didn’t have any experience and I was a quiet, somewhat shy, introvert. The mentor I spoke about above saw something in me. I remember during the interview, he asked me, “What is the thing you like to do the least?” and I said, “Answer the phones.” He hired me as their receptionist, which, as an introvert, challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. Now, member services is my passion.
Q. Who inspires you among women in history or in your life? Why?
A. There are so many, it’s hard to choose. I often think about and am in awe of certain women in history. Rosa Parks for instance—think of the courage it took for her to finally say “enough,” or the pioneer woman who crossed the U.S. looking for the American dream, working so hard, watching their children and/or husbands sometimes die and yet they persevered on. I have also had the privilege to work alongside some talented, strong women in the accounts receivable management industry who have accomplished great things: Pauline Kussart, Tina Hanson, Melissa Nash, Wendy Badger, Rozanne Andersen, Jessica Hartmann and Mary Thao. You all rock!
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. I would like to see more women in leadership positions. We need to promote these woman and pay them equally.
Upcoming Events
ACA’s Women in Collections Resource Council (WICRC) is hosting a monthly Water Cooler Chat on the second Thursday of the month. The Water Cooler Chat is organized as an uplifting, professional 30-minute networking event fueled by the WICRC. Take this opportunity to recharge by connecting with your industry peers, asking questions, getting feedback or just hanging out. Complete a one-time registration for the online event here. Tip: Once you register, add the meeting as a recurring event on your online calendar.
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!
If you have executive leadership updates or other member news to share with ACA, contact our communications department at [email protected]. View our publications page for more information and our news submission guidelines here.
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