Colleague Corner: Junior Achievement Volunteers
Welcome to the Encore Capital Group® (Encore) Colleague Corner. In this web series, we get a chance to learn from our colleagues across Encore about their careers and what our Mission to create pathways to economic freedom means to them, while touching on aspects of our culture.
To commemorate Financial Literacy Month in the US this month, this Colleague Corner features three Encore colleagues who are volunteers with Junior Achievement, one of the world’s largest and most impactful youth-serving nonprofits:
- Amber Gregory, Project Manager for Midland Credit Management (MCM) in Roanoke, Virginia
- Chris McCauley, Senior Manager, Business Analysis for MCM in Phoenix, Arizona
- Karin Starick, Executive Assistant for MCM in Troy, Michigan
Encore first started our relationship with Junior Achievement—which delivers hands-on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial health—in 2023 through the organization’s San Diego chapter. Since then, we’ve expanded our partnership with Junior Achievement USA and JA Worldwide, including in Costa Rica, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
At Encore, our Mission is to help create pathways to economic freedom. What does that mean to you? What do you think it means to our consumers?
Amber: To me, it means removing the financial obstacles that keep people from achieving important goals like buying a home or a car or establishing credit.
To our consumers, I believe this means being genuinely committed to helping them. Our goal is to support them, work alongside them and help them regain a sense of financial freedom and stability.
Chris: A pathway to economic freedom begins with knowledge, tools and opportunities. It’s about helping someone believe in their ability to manage their money, make decisions based on knowledge and create a road to a more secure future.
For our consumers, I think it represents real hope. Many of the people we talk to have been facing financial hardships for some time, and small victories make a big difference. At the end of many calls, consumers are surprised to realize that we’re not just here to collect a debt. We’re here to support them on their journey back to stability.
Karin: As a single woman who owns my home and is solely responsible for all financial obligations, economic freedom means feeling secure in meeting my basic needs while also having the ability to improve my circumstances.
I believe economic freedom means the same to our consumers. Since many of them are working with us to pay off debt, they’re experiencing financial challenges and rely on us to help them recover from that distress. Ultimately, they’re seeking the kind of economic freedom that will not only allow them to improve their circumstances but also to shape a future that isn’t dictated by financial pressures.
What is your role at Encore? How does it support our Mission?
Amber: As a Project Manager, my work supports our Mission by leading projects and initiatives that improve our organization and, ultimately, strengthen the support we provide to consumers. Everything we do is designed not only to enhance our business and empower our employees, but also to positively impact the consumers we serve.
Chris: I’m a Senior Manager of Business Analysis, leading the Account Manager Analytics team, and I also serve as the corporate social responsibility (CSR) lead for our Phoenix location. I feel both roles support economic freedom. Through my team’s analytics, we’re able to develop metrics and provide reports that ultimately improve consumers’ outcomes. As the CSR lead, I help connect our employees with opportunities like Junior Achievement.
Karin: As the Executive Assistant to the Managing Vice President of Operations in Troy, I play a direct role in supporting Encore’s Mission by ensuring that things run smoothly day to day. I also serve as the Site Administrator, coordinating events, sharing news and keeping everyone connected. Overall, I help make sure people have what they need to do their best work so they can continue supporting our Mission.
Q: What are some ways Cabot Financial France stands ready to help consumers in France create pathways to economic freedom?
Our approach is based on reconnecting consumers to their debt to encourage them to pay back, regardless of why they stopped paying back in the first place. We don’t judge; we want to help. In many cases, this means that people with past-due debt have a harder time accessing credit through the central bank. By repaying what they owe, consumers are able to regain access to credit.
What inspired you to volunteer with Junior Achievement?
Amber: Before joining MCM, I worked as an elementary school teacher, so I felt confident that I had the skills needed for this volunteer opportunity. I also knew that financial literacy is rarely taught in schools, and after starting at MCM, it became even clearer how important it is for children to learn these skills early. Building financial understanding at a young age gives them the foundation to achieve financial freedom and long‑term financial well‑being. Volunteering my time is also important to me, and this gives me an opportunity to give back to the community in a direct and impactful way.
Chris: I participated with Junior Achievement when I was in school and know their focus on financial literacy and real-world skills aligns perfectly with both our Mission and my personal values. This was an opportunity to plant seeds with many young people. It gives us the chance to demystify money, share practical lessons and offer guidance many of us wish we had earlier in life.
Karin: Sitting on the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and helping plan all the Junior Achievement volunteer events, it’s important to me not only to volunteer myself but also to encourage others to get involved. Taking just a few hours out of my day to help middle and high school students learn how to plan for their futures and find their own path to economic freedom is incredibly rewarding.
Why is financial literacy important for economic freedom?
Amber: Financial literacy is essential for achieving economic freedom because you need the knowledge and understanding to make informed financial decisions. The skills that prepare you to reach that level of independence are incredibly important. Unfortunately, many people aren’t taught these concepts and end up in situations they weren’t fully prepared for. You can’t know what no one has taught you, and there’s a real lack of financial education—yet people often assume you should already understand it.
Chris: Financial literacy is where the road to economic freedom begins. Without the knowledge (budgeting, credit, saving and long-term planning), it’s going to be a bumpy drive. People can avoid common pitfalls by understanding them so they can make choices that create stability and open doors: buying a home, starting a business or simply feeling confident about day-to-day decisions. Teaching financial literacy early gives young people the head start many adults wish they had.
Karin: Since financial literacy involves learning how to budget, save, invest and manage debt, it requires a strong sense of responsibility. Having experienced my own financial struggles over the years, I know firsthand how important it is to understand these skills—focusing on education, building a stable career, managing spending and saving and investing so that economic freedom is possible. I’ve learned that economic freedom means different things to different people, but regardless of the definition, I don’t believe it can truly be achieved without at least a basic foundation in financial literacy. With those skills, anyone can make major life choices with more confidence and be better positioned to reach the outcomes they want, whatever that may look like.
What stood out to you about your experience volunteering with Junior Achievement? What are you most proud of?
Amber: How excited the kids were to meet us and how quickly they adapted to having us in their classroom. They formed a bond with us almost immediately and looked forward to our visits each week. One moment that really stayed with me was when the teacher shared that a student with a difficult home life told her how happy he was to see us each week—and that when we couldn’t come one week due to state testing, he talked about how much he missed us.
I’m especially proud of how well my partner and I were able to adapt when needed. There were times when a lesson didn’t quite click for the class, and we adjusted on the spot to make it easier for the kids to understand. I think it’s great that the JA lessons are designed to be flexible when needed.
Chris: The students’ eagerness stood out the most. I’ve had amazing experiences because of their curiosity, thoughtful questions and a willingness to engage. A single conversation or lesson can spark something meaningful for a young person.
I’m proud of being part of a companywide effort that’s making a real difference in our community. Seeing our Phoenix team’s volunteer numbers grow so dramatically in the last year and knowing we’re helping the next generation build financial confidence is something I’m truly grateful to contribute to.
Karin: I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering several times with Junior Achievement at their Finance Park, where we work hands-on with small groups of students in a simulation that teaches them how to manage a month’s worth of adult finances.
What stood out to me most each time was how surprised the students were by the many different expenses they’ll face as adults. And honestly, even though I try to stick to my own monthly budget as an adult, it was an eye-opener for me as well. I could genuinely sympathize with these kids and understand how challenging it can be to maintain financial responsibility.
This Financial Literacy Month, Amber, Chris and Karin remind us that economic freedom starts with knowledge—and that sharing that knowledge is one of the most meaningful things we can do, whether we’re supporting consumers or volunteering in a classroom. Through partnerships like Junior Achievement, Encore colleagues are helping the next generation build the confidence and skills to shape their own financial futures.