AFSA is celebrating Women’s History Month by featuring outstanding female leaders in the consumer credit industry.
What has been the most important lesson?
In 1997, I earned my first major promotion after single-handedly defeating a piece of legislation in the California legislature—a move that earned me the nickname “Heat-Seeking Missile” among my Capitol peers. But there was a catch: the company wanted to promote me without a salary adjustment—something no male professional would have accepted. I refused the offer and called out the male-dominated insurance industry for thinking that was acceptable. As a result, I not only secured a substantial raise but also walked away four months later for a role where I could build my own government relations department from the ground up. To mark the moment, my mother gave me a lucite plaque that still sits on my desk today. It reads: “Behind every successful woman is herself.” The lesson? Never accept the unacceptable—from others or from myself.
Was there a mentor who provided great insight in your early career?
My first office job was as a secretary for my mother, who was the assistant administrator of a long-term psychiatric hospital. Her work ethic was unparalleled—she would stay late to ensure important tasks were completed correctly the first time. She set high expectations, especially for me, but the lessons I learned from her have served me well throughout my career. Through her example, I gained a deep appreciation for loyalty, honesty, integrity, and an unwavering work ethic—qualities that have shaped my professional journey.
What do you wish the you of today could have told the younger you about building a career?
My younger self spent too much time caught up in “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” thinking—constantly second-guessing past decisions and replaying scenarios. In hindsight, that was wasted energy. If I could offer advice to my younger self, I’d simply say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things have a way of working out in the end.”
Women’s History Month | Tracy Sandin
Mar 11, 2025
AFSA is celebrating Women’s History Month by featuring outstanding female leaders in the consumer credit industry.
What has been the most important lesson?
In 1997, I earned my first major promotion after single-handedly defeating a
Guardrails on a Two-Way Street
Mar 11, 2025
The Washington Post recently made waves when its owner announced that the paper’s opinion section would focus on issues related to personal liberties and the free market. Which raises the question: why a full-throated – and inaccurate – defense
Industry Expertise | Why Asset Finance Firms Should Digitalize for Success
Mar 10, 2025
“Industry Expertise” is sponsored content produced by AFSA’s Business Partners’ to provide thought leadership and best practices for AFSA member companies. For more information about this sponsored content opportunity, contact Dan … Read the rest
AFSA Webinar | Transform Your Auto Finance Strategy: Mastering Margin Management in Uncertain Times
Mar 10, 2025
Join us Thursday, March 20th at 2:00 p.m. EST!
In the fast-paced world of auto finance, staying ahead of the curve is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. In early 2025 the landscape is shifting under our feet, brought on by political shifts, economic… Read the rest
Women’s History Month | Alicia Dagosta
Mar 10, 2025
AFSA is celebrating Women’s History Month by featuring outstanding female leaders in the consumer credit industry.
My most important lesson –… Read the rest
White Paper | March
Mar 06, 2025
AFSA’s March State Government Affairs white paper takes an in-depth look at interchange fees, the costs associated with processing electronic payments, and their effect on financial institutions and consumers. It explores ongoing… Read the rest
AFSA Opposes Anti-Consumer Credit Legislation
Mar 06, 2025
A group of Democrat Senate and House members recently reintroduced legislation misleading consumers and their ability to access credit, the Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic (SAFE) Lending Act. AFSA strongly opposes the mis-named… Read the rest
TODAY! | AFSA Webinar | Mastering Asset Recovery: How MVR Helps Lenders Reduce Risk & Maximize Vehicle Value
Mar 06, 2025
Lenders face significant losses from delayed vehicle recoveries, rising costs, and compliance risks.
Join our webinar to discover how MVR seamlessly integrates Impound Alerts, Vehicle Appraisals, and Recovery Services into a single,… Read the rest
AFSA Joins Sister Trades in Comments on American Arbitration Association Rules
Mar 03, 2025
AFSA, together with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (“Trades”), provided comments to the American Arbitration Association’s proposed amendments to its Consumer Arbitration Rules and Employment… Read the rest
CFPB Dismisses Ill-Conceived Suit
Mar 03, 2025
AFSA is pleased to learn that the CFPB has dropped the ill-conceived suit it brought against Heights Finance and its affiliates (“Heights”). This suit was initiated by the CFPB under the leadership of former director Chopra with much fanfare… Read the rest