Larissa
“partners for
change”
in so many ways

When Larissa Cabañero applied for a position at DLL, she was looking for a change and a challenge. “I got it,” says Larissa. “Not only a wonderful new job and a mentoring program that changed my life. As a DLL L&R Analyst, I deal with the challenges of climate change on our customers. And in May 2024, catastrophic floods affected dozens of DLL members in our area. Just two months earlier, I had joined the DLL Partners for Change volunteer group. Suddenly we had a very big job. Dealing with change!”

Destined for a life in law

As a child, whenever anyone asked Larissa what she wanted to be in life, her answer was short and simple. A lawyer! “I started my legal journey at age 19, balancing a full-time day job with nighttime studies,” says Larissa. “The challenge was immense, but the rewards were great. I forged lifelong friendships at law school.”

Today she is a Litigation & Recovery Analyst at DLL Brazil. “We are a team of five people who define the DLL strategy to recover assets when a customer cannot make payments on their lease. Every situation is different. Every day is challenging. That’s one thing I love about my job.”

Climate change, customer challenges

Like most countries, Brazil is affected by climate change. Some areas experience more frequent and severe flooding, some are affected by drought.

This affects our customers, especially in agriculture,” says Larissa. “Delinquency rates are up, which brings new challenges for our Litigation and Recovery team. It can be devastating for our customers, so we strive for a human and balanced approach, such as multiple installments or stretching payments out over longer periods.

A great environment

Larissa speaks highly of her job. “DLL is a welcoming, supportive company. I work in a wonderful team of professionals who openly share their knowledge. We have a range of genders and ages on the team and in supporting departments. It’s a great environment to work in.”

Larissa speaks especially highly of the DLL Mentoring Program. “My manager encouraged me to participate and choose from a list of members who volunteer to be mentors. I chose Ted Boris, a colleague from DLL in the USA.”

So much more

Ted Boris is a senior analyst in Group Risk at DLL in the USA. “I didn’t know Ted,” says Larissa, “but Risk is a fascinating topic. And I wanted to work on my English. So Ted seemed like a good choice from the list. But I got so much more than I bargained for.”

Of course, the mentoring program focused on the hard skills of working in DLL. But equally valuable for Larissa was Ted’s experience and advice in soft skills. “I am a shy person by nature,” says Larissa. “I discussed this with Ted and he gave me great coaching that I have applied. Thanks to the DLL Mentoring Program I have really grown and become more confident.”

Partners for Change

One of Ted’s tips was to take small steps and get involved in company activities. Larissa took this to heart and volunteered for the Partners for Change program. This is a DLL Brazil initiative in line with DLL’s global ambition to provide a purposeful place to work. DLL offers members two volunteer days each year for the good cause of their choice as part of the company's Social Impact Strategy.

“Partners for Change supports members in using their volunteer days,” says Larissa. “We participate in community activities and mobilize members to participate. I joined the group in March 2024, just two months before the floods hit!”

The worst flooding in 80 years

In late April 2024, heavy rains caused the worst flooding in southern Brazil in 80 years. The Porto Alegre region, home to DLL Brazil headquarters, was hit hard. About 50% of the members in the Porto Alegre office were affected by the floods.

“We have about 25 members in Partners for Change,” says Larissa. “So we took action. We contacted all DLL members in the Porto Alegre office to make sure everyone was safe and assess the immediate need for assistance. Then we divided into teams to organize donations, work in shelters, contact blood banks and raise funds.”

DLL Brazil also took action. Members who needed to be home to attend to flood damage or take care of family members were given time off. DLL organized a global fundraising program that collected over €60,000 and another €60,000 was raised by members locally.

Very proud to be here

Larissa’s short career at DLL has been characterized by challenge and change. Change in some very positive ways. Change in challenging ways that require strength and resilience.

“It’s a great company and I already have an amazing story here,” says Larissa. “I feel at home and more confident every day. The company is so caring for its members and our customers. We are determined to make a positive impact on the world. It makes me feel very proud to be here.”