Q&A: Rebecca Levine on serving as ambassador for Alliance of Women in Workers' Compensation
In Aug. 2022, Rebecca Kopp Levine, co-leader of the firm's Workplace Safety Practice Group, was selected to serve as an Ohio ambassador for the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation. The group seeks to engage, enrich and advance women in the workers’ compensation arena across the country. In the following Q&A, Becca shares more about her new role with the Alliance and what she aspires to achieve during her term of leadership.
How did you first learn about the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation, and in what way(s), if any, were you active in the organization prior to your Ohio ambassador appointment?
During the pandemic, I had searched for ways to remain engaged in the workplace safety industry and connect with others while we were all working in a remote environment. I found AWWC on LinkedIn and began following its posts and attending its virtual events. The events were thought-provoking, engaging and inspiring – it was evident to me from the onset that this organization shared many of my personal and professional values.
What have you learned so far about expectations for serving in this new role? And, what do you hope to achieve during your appointment?
So far, I have learned that my fellow ambassadors are amazing, incredibly talented women who share my commitment to collaboration, networking and elevating others. I hope to ensure that AWWC has a lasting presence in Ohio beyond my term of service. It is my goal that through our engaging programming, we are able to facilitate authentic and valuable connection, collaboration and mentorship among women throughout the state.
This is the first year the Alliance has selected ambassadors for the state of Ohio. What opportunities and/or challenges might this present as you step into your new role?
The advantage of starting a presence in Ohio is that we have a blank slate to build upon. The disadvantage is that we have no template to follow, so there is a lot of time to be invested into developing, coordinating and growing our presence. I envision such opportunities as engaging a cross-section of women in the workers' compensation industry and connecting them with each other to drive meaningful relationships, despite the geographic differences within our state. Challenges may include gaining name-recognition for the organization, and securing sponsorships to ensure we build the brand so that the AWWC will continue to have a strong presence in Ohio.
How you do you feel your experiences as an attorney in the workers’ compensation field will help you as you serve the Alliance as an Ohio ambassador?
My experience as a workers’ compensation attorney in Ohio has afforded me the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of stake-holders across Ohio. I also understand the same opportunities and challenges that fellow women in the industry face on a daily basis. I have my finger on the pulse of trends in the system, and I truly feel I am well-positioned to bring together key people to share their wealth of knowledge with our membership to drive advocacy, mentorship and lasting partnerships.
