18 Mar Women’s History Month with Judy Graves
Celebrating The Women Who Shape Our Industry
During Women’s History Month, Synergy Adjusting is proud to recognize the talented women across our organization who bring expertise, perspective, and dedication to the work we do every day. Their experiences and insights help shape not only our company culture but also the broader insurance industry.
This month, we are proud to spotlight Judy Graves, Senior Liability Examiner, who works in New Orleans, Louisiana. With three years at Synergy Adjusting, Judy brings both thoughtful perspective and deep appreciation for the women who have shaped her journey.
Meet Judy Graves
Reflecting for Women’s History Month
For Judy, Women’s History Month represents both reflection and momentum. While society has made meaningful strides toward equality, she believes it is important to remember how recently many of those freedoms were secured, and how much work remains to be done.
"In today’s world, it can sometimes be hard to imagine that women once lacked many of the integral rights that we have today. While we’ve made meaningful progress, there is still work to do."
Judy also emphasizes that while progress has been made in the United States, women in many parts of the world still do not have the same rights and opportunities.
“We should celebrate how far we’ve come, while staying committed to the work that remains. Progress is something to honor, and something we must continue to fight for.”
Inspired by her Mother’s Past
When Judy reflects on the woman who has inspired her most, she immediately points to her mother.
Her mother immigrated to the United States at a young age, arriving alone and speaking very little English. Despite the challenges she faced while building a new life, she remained determined to create opportunities for her family. Together with Judy’s father, she built a stable and supportive home for their four children while also helping extended family members whenever they needed support.
Life in rural Louisiana sometimes left her feeling isolated and unwelcomed, and she navigated difficult family dynamics with grace and resilience. Through it all, she remained steady, strong, and committed to her family’s future.
“She is the strongest woman I know, and I am endlessly grateful that she is my mother.”
Judy credits her mother with instilling a deep appreciation for education, independence, and opportunity. Because her mother experienced firsthand what it meant to build a life in a new country, she made sure her children understood the value of the opportunities available to them.
Words that Continue to Make a Difference
Throughout her career and life, Judy has found inspiration in these words by Eleanor Roosevelt:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
For Judy, the message behind the quote is simple yet transformative.
“Once you truly understand that idea, everything changes.”
The Guidance of Sisters
Judy attributes much of her personal growth to the influence of her two older sisters. As the youngest sibling, she admits she occasionally tested boundaries growing up, but her sisters were always there to guide her and help keep her grounded.
“There are so many advantages to having older siblings, and my sisters embody all of them—they were, and still are, steady, supportive, and genuinely uplifting influences in my life.”
Their encouragement and steady presence played a meaningful role in shaping the person she has become.
Advice for Women Starting Their Careers
Judy considers herself fortunate to have found a career that she truly enjoys, and she encourages others to pursue the same sense of fulfillment in their own professional paths.
“Choose work that excites you, challenges you, and motivates you to grow.”
Rather than feeling obligated to remain in a role that doesn’t bring satisfaction, she believes it’s important to explore opportunities that spark genuine interest and motivation.
The Strengths Women Bring to the Industry
According to Judy, women bring a unique and powerful set of strengths that make a meaningful impact in the insurance industry.
She points to qualities such as attention to detail, empathy, and strong communication skills as particularly valuable. Many women also develop mediation and problem-solving abilities through personal and professional experiences, skills that translate well in negotiations and complex claims environments.
“Women bring an incredible range of strengths to this industry, many of which deserve far more recognition than they often receive.”
Beyond technical skills, Judy believes women contribute resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. These skills help their teams to navigate challenging situations with clarity and confidence.
“Women contribute not only technical skill and professionalism, but emotional intelligence, perspective, and steadiness under pressure—strengths that make this industry better every day.”