Virginia and DLL
partner for a better world

Debt collection. And civic leadership. Two topics we don’t usually link together. But Virginia Jonkers does! She’s not only a Senior Debt Collector at DLL in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. She also has a role in local government that demands many hours each week. “Balancing these two activities is only possible thanks to the support of DLL,” says Virginia. “We really partner for a better world.”

Broadening horizons

Virginia had worked for collection agencies since earning her Bachelor of Laws and she was looking to expand her horizons. “I knew the name DLL from living in Eindhoven but I had no experience with leasing,” she says. Nonetheless, a friend encouraged her to respond to a vacancy, and the rest is history.

Unravelling complexity

In 2018, she joined DLL as a Senior Debt Collector. Debt collection in a large leasing company like DLL is very much about investigation, problem-solving and unravelling complexity.

“When a customer defaults on their lease, we look into it together,” says Virginia. “We find out why the client isn’t paying and come to agreements. I review invoices, credit notes, everything. You have to understand each client’s situation. It’s like a puzzle. You dive in and find all the pieces. When you figure it out and it all falls into place it can be really satisfying.”

Sometimes, defaulting is the only option. “Then you follow the set guidelines and recover what you can,” says Virginia. “But most of the time we can resolve the situation, secure the payments under revised conditions and maintain the customer relationship.”

Ideals in action

While Virginia enjoys the challenges at DLL, there’s another side of life she pursues with great passion. “I had the opportunity to make a bigger difference and officially participate in local municipal government. But that required quite a commitment alongside my job at DLL. So I went to my Team Lead to discuss my ambitions. His response? ‘Who am I to get in the way of your dreams?’”

A demanding position with considerable responsibility

With the encouragement from her DLL Team Lead, Virginia accepted a civic leadership position with considerable responsibility.

She focuses on climate, quality of life and maintaining a healthy dialogue with residents living near major projects. “Eindhoven is a beautiful mix of high-rise buildings, parks, a lively city center and a diverse population. It’s a bustling, fast-developing city,” says Virginia. “However, all this can put pressure on the city and the local residents.”

Building, balancing and benefiting from two worlds

So what do debt collection and civic leadership have in common? According to Virginia, the two aren’t that far apart. She applies the same approach for both. Look for why things are the way they are. Look at who is affected and how to find solutions that work.

“You have to do your homework, know the rules, understand why things have to happen, and act so that people can see you’re working for them and with them,” says Virginia. “My activities in the local government benefit from the skills I use and develop at DLL. My job at DLL benefits from the insights I gain and skills I apply in civic leadership.”

“I’m committed to building a better world,” says Virginia. “So is DLL. It’s not just talk. They really give me the room to make that happen.”

Moments that matter

Virginia speaks highly of DLL’s support for moments that matter. “Just before the pandemic, my father underwent cancer treatment. My manager made sure I could go to appointments with him, with afternoons off if they proved difficult to plan in. It was a tough time, complicated by the pandemic travel restrictions, and it showed me how far DLL goes for its members.”

Life got even more challenging in 2023 when Virginia’s brother passed away. “It wasn’t easy,” says Virginia. “DLL was so understanding and I have an amazing Team Lead. People are important here. DLL is here when you need them. It’s like a family.”