Women in Collections Network Expanding its Membership

An organization made up of professional women in the collections industry has grown to 168 members nationwide from its beginnings of eight members about 18 months ago.

The Women’s Network for Collection Professionals is committed to furthering the careers of women in an industry that has long been dominated by men. The primary goals of the group are to promote opportunities for women, share ideas, and provide career assistance and advice, according to Victoria M. Edwards, one of the group’s founders.

The members come from collection agencies, lenders, and debt purchasers, said Edwards, director of business development with Convergys. Membership has grown through word of mouth though the Network is starting a drive to grow its rolls.

The Network typically holds meetings on the first day of an industry conference, taking advantage of its members flying in to attend the show, said Edwards. Presentations have covered gender differences in the workplace, the plusses and minuses of working from home, and how to develop a mentoring relationship.

Edwards credits the industry being supportive with such firms as Convergys, Plaza Associates, IC System, Ocwen, Resource Management Services, and others, donating space, refreshments and other needs for the meetings.

The network has also held several teleconferences featuring guest speakers, publishes a quarterly newsletter and plans to launch a Web site in the first quarter of 2008. All the work has been strictly voluntary, said Edwards. The group is led by a steering committee guiding four other committees — New Members, Activities, Professional Resources, and Communications.

Those wishing to join the Network should contact Edwards at victoria.m.edwards@convergys.com