Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebekah Ratliff.
Rebekah Ratliff is a native of Chicago, IL and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana, holding a degree in Psychology. Ms. Ratliff is a credentialed insurance expert with more than 25 years of experience as commercial insurance claims professionally responsible for evaluating, negotiating and resolving complex matters nationwide and internationally with settlements totaling in the millions. In 2016, Rebekah left Corporate America and founded Capital City Mediations, LLC, transforming her career landscape into a national mediation, arbitration and consulting firm. She leveraged her industry relationships, unique skill sets and rare subject matter expertise to expand her practice internationally.
In 2021, Rebekah joined the JAMS (Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service) panel of neutrals, serving clients in the U.S., the Caribbean and London, UK. Rebekah Ratliff is an influencer, speaker and compromise facilitator. She is a highly sought Moderator, Presenter and Panelist, commanding audiences across the country and internationally in the insurance, legal, collegiate and business communities. She is a contributor for National Bar Association, American Bar Association and various insurance trade association publications. As a way of giving back, she serves on the Georgia State University Risk Management Foundation Advisory Board and the North Carolina Central University School of Business Board of Visitors. Rebekah has become a trusted resource for talks on bridging multi-generational gaps, leadership and trending topics such as unconscious bias and diversity and inclusion. In 2020, Ms. Ratliff was recognized as an insurance industry change agent by Insurance Business America and was named to their HOT 100 List. Rebekah is the recipient of a Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award and a 7th U.S. District Congressional Award for her work in dispute resolution. Rebekah is known for bringing the house down while displaying her authentically delightful sense of humor, genuine good nature and powerful ability to inspire.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No road to success is easy. When I left Corporate America and a steady paycheck to step into the world of “eating what I kill”, it was tough. I was an African American female in an industry (insurance) that is predominantly white and male for over two decades. As a mediator and arbitrator, I am now a legal industry professional facing many of the same realities and challenges. I have found the answer to be a strong faith life, hard work and continuous forward-thinking.
We’ve been impressed with Capital City Mediations, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I possess unique negotiation skill sets from the perspective of the payer as a former commercial insurance professional. My mastery of subject matter areas is rare and extensive in areas including but not limited to personal injury/wrongful death, auto/trucking liability, medical malpractice, commercial premises liability, products liability, nursing home liability and municipal liability. I have managed and evaluated cases in most of the 50 states and internationally. I am an award-winning, nationally sought after dispute resolution professional and recipient of a 7th U.S. District Congressional Award. I am an accomplished professional in the insurance and legal industries and she is highly respected as a moderator, presenter and lecturer and is a trusted resource in complex matters involving sensitive issues with high profile individuals. I serve in leadership positions for the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association. I am the President of the Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals and visionary founder of HBCU I.M.P.A.C.T., a non-profit with focus on attracting, educating and employing students at historically black colleges and universities into the insurance and legal industries. I serve on insurance-focused advisory boards in the U.S. and London, offering perspectives relevant to diversity and inclusion.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I present seminars on the art of networking and how to make quality connections because I understand that relationships are the currency for success. I serve as a mentor for students, young professionals and career colleagues. I also have a panel of mentors to assist me with career navigation and decision-making. I advise my audiences of the importance of seeking out mentors inside and outside of their organizations. As a mentee, it is your responsibility to “drive” the terms of the relationship. My advice on the importance of seeking out mentors is that you want to build a relationship with someone whom you trust to give constructive feedback. Feedback is a gift, be teachable.
Contact Info:
- Email: rratliff@jamsadr.com
- Website: www.jamsadr.com/ratliff
