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 Roslyn Annette Bankston was born in Lake Village, Arkansas, the daughter of James Bankston, college professor and administrator, and Helen Bankston, elementary and junior high school teacher. She developed an interest in politics at age 13 when her mother arranged for her to volunteer as a page for an Arkansas legislator. Roslyn graduated with honors from Dollorway High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and briefly attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. After transferring to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Roslyn was placed as an intern in the office of Congressman Beryl Anthony Jr. to complement her major of Political Science. She again graduated with honors with the goal of becoming a lawyer. However, she was recruited during her senior of college to become an insurance claims representative. She believed that practicing the art of negotiation for a year would enhance her future; hence she accepted a position with The St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Companies. And, to her surprise she found that a career in insurance offered more stimulating experiences than the field of law. Hence at age 26, she undertook the challenge of operating an exclusive insurance agency for State Farm Insurance. Roslyn’s agency was successful, and she quickly established a reputation for production and profitability which was recognized by several company awards. She is the president of her mult-imillion dollar insurance agency and has been recognized as a relocation specialist. Her agency has earned the following awards: Legion of Honor for Multiple Line Production, Millionaire Club Qualifier for Life Insurance, and Century-Liner for Top Sales.
In addition to managing an insurance agency, Roslyn also participated in community organizations as well. She joined Midtowners BPW in 1988 and served in many capacities including chairing the Awards,. Choices, and Legislation committees as well as acting as Corresponding Secretary and Vice President. In addition to serving at the local level, she became active at the state level serving as BPW/AZ Corresponding Secretary for the 1995-96 term. As a result of these activities, she received the Halo Award, Miss Midtowner Award for Leadership, Most Outstanding Committee Chair, Midtowner Spirit, and Most Outstanding Community awards from Midtowners BPW. Roslyn is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority club, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Alumni Association, and the First Institutional Baptist Church. In 1994 her life changed forever when she divorced her spouse, and he declared bankruptcy without notification or consent, (an action that left Roslyn with over $15,000 of debts and the threat of a bad credit record). Not only had her former spouse failed to notify her, he sold the family home (which held $30,000 of equity), rolled his $50,000 of mutual funds to a different company, bought a condominium and vehicle and invested in a new business leaving Roslyn to pay the debts. Due to his substantial assets, she was motivated to challenge his actions by contacting the Comptroller of the Currency. As a result of her efforts, she obtained a release of $5,700 in credit card debts.
Determined to prevent other women from undergoing similar financial hardships, Roslyn decided to solve the problem. The solution was to introduce a bill in the state legislature to create a new law providing dual notification to all co-debtors during divorces. In order to achieve this goal, Roslyn not only had to organize a grass roots lobbying organization for support,. but also had to convince the state legislators to support the bill. Months of intense lobbying work began and the bill was introduced in the Arizona legislature in 1999. During these months, Roslyn wrote countless letters and spoke to community groups to educate them about her issue. Additionally, she wrote letters and provided a packet of supporting documents for legislators not seen personally. After testifying at committee hearings, the bill passed the House of Representatives and was on its way to victory in the Senate when railroaded by a strike-all amendment. Although the bill had been defeated, Roslyn remained determined and re-introduced the bill in the 2000 Arizona legislature. She and her supporters met privately with many state legislators to speak with them about the issue. Additionally, Roslyn testified at committee hearings, and the bill was signed by Governor Jane Hull in March 2000 and became a law in June 2000. Arizona’s new law will allow for a logical procedure for the equitable distribution of debt during a divorce, and can be accessed globally through www.azleg.state.us under Title 25, Section 318. After the law was passed, she was released by Bank One from her ex-husband’s debt. As a result of her lobbying efforts and leadership in spearheading the divorce fairness movement, the BPW/USA Legislation/Issues Management Award at the 2000 National Convention was awarded to the Midtowners BPW Chapter. Roslyn also received the Founder’s Day 20001 Outstanding Soror For Service to the Community Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the 2002 Charlene D. Carodine Unique Professional Achievement Award at the Regional Convention. Roslyn continues her career with the State Farm Insurance Company and raises funds for non-profit organizations. In addition, she is finally traveling to use her time share and preparing diligently for a comfortable retirement.
Bluewater Grill (formerly "The Fish Market") - 1720 East Camelback Rd. - Phoenix, AZ 85016
Cost: $16 for guests - $15 for members - Payment Options: Cash or Check at the door. Paypal: Pay with PayPal
Please RSVP to Anita Auguste aeauguste@aol.com
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