In addition to being productive and efficient business leaders, it is often said that women have innate abilities to bond and cultivate relationships – incredibly useful in the insurance industry, where there is a constant need for empathy, transparency, and communication skills when handling claims.
While workforce barriers still exist for women, we have thankfully experienced a shift in the insurance sector: where there was a lack of opportunity a few decades ago, today we see more than ever the powerful advantage of having a diverse group of women uplifting and supporting each other, driving progress, and inspiring the next generation.
Just such an all-woman team now makes up Crawford’s Edmonton GTS unit in Alberta – experienced professionals who have not only excelled in their own roles, but who, through example, have also helped remove barriers for women who wish to follow.
“When I was younger, I had to work extremely hard to reach the same level as many of my male co-workers. Women bring a valuable diversity to this role. Empathy and expressiveness are things that make women in this industry a force to be reckoned with. I like to lift-up other women” says Phedra Milne, Branch Supervisor, who also says she finds herself most fulfilled when helping those experiencing the worst devastation in their lives and launching them on their journey back to normalcy. This passion for problem-solving and challenging work helped Phedra land her current role as Branch Supervisor.
“My career started as a broker’s receptionist 36 years ago, followed by typing cheques in the claims department for an insurer. I worked my way up to a telephone claims adjuster and then on to field adjusting,” says Cindy Curtis, General Adjuster. Over the years, Cindy has worked on major catastrophic events including: the 2017 Fort McMurray wildfire; hurricane events across the Caribbean; the Australia storm in 2020; and most recently hurricane Fiona in Nova Scotia.
“I am most proud of my work on the CAT team, travelling to areas of devastation and working in adverse conditions to assist those that have suffered losses due to major events. The hours are long, the work exhausting, and you’re away from your home and family – but it is the most rewarding work I have ever done in my career.
Cindy openly credits her female colleagues in the GTS unit in Edmonton as invaluable sources of knowledge, support, and inspiration.
Jennifer Jubinville, Western Canada Practice Leader for Transportation & Marine, has worked on complex collisions involving equipment, cargo, personal injuries, and environmental losses. She started her career at a transportation company and handled hiring adjusters for its losses. Crawford was the control adjuster of choice, and she appreciated the services so much that she decided to make the leap to become an adjuster.
Jennifer praises her team for having diverse skills that allow them to address every aspect of a loss from the Edmonton office. “Over the course of a career, you end up with a wealth of contacts and knowledge. You end up being the go-to for everyone when they need an expert’s name,” says Jennifer.
Despite the challenges they have faced in the past, it is highly skilled and dedicated women like these that will continue to break down barriers. They have more than earned their roles thanks to the support of their managers, colleagues and their own talents and personal ambition. All three share the same sentiment: that when they live and breathe Crawford’s purpose of restoring lives, businesses and communities, they can easily and naturally inspire and influence the next generation of women to become insurance industry experts.
