For the last two years, Cindy L. Isaacsen, RPR, has been a steadfast presence at the Judge David J. Waxse Memorial Summer Lecture Series, Teaching the Constitution. This year Isaacsen joined the Legal Occupations Panel Discussion, which also featured local prosecutors, attorneys, paralegals, and the Chief Judge of the Kansas Court of Appeals.
As NCRA’s President-Elect and an official court reporter for the 10th Judicial District Court in Olathe, Kan., Isaacsen brings her expertise and enthusiasm to inspire the next generation of legal professionals. Her consistent participation in these events, alongside lawyers and judges across the region, underscores her commitment to promoting court reporting as a rewarding and dynamic career.
“I originally joined NCRA in 1988 and every step of the way I was afforded the opportunity to connect with established mentors who helped guide me as a student, freelancer, official, and even as a member of our Association,” said Isaacsen.
Whether it’s the NCRA A to Z® program, finding a school, or figuring out what licensure requirements would look like for that person, I believe that every interaction with a curious mind is a way to elevate your impact as a member of NCRA.
Cindy L. Isaacsen, RPR,
NCRA President-Elect
She is a seasoned professional with more than three decades of experience, and she has made it a priority to serve as the final presenter at any career day event she attends.
“By the time it gets to me, I like to open by telling students, ‘Well, the good news is I’m not a lawyer, so you don’t have to go to school forever and graduate with six figures of student debt to have a lucrative career,” said Isaacsen.“Then I take out my machine and they just become entranced.”
This strategic choice allows her to leave a lasting impression on attendees, many of whom are unfamiliar with the court reporting profession. Isaacsen will often refer to court reporting as “the best career you’ve never heard of,” highlighting its blend of technology, flexibility, and critical role in the legal system while offering a lucrative and rewarding skill set.
With her engaging presentations, Isaacsen highlights the precision and skill required to capture the spoken word in real time, emphasizing the profession’s unique appeal and the growing demand for qualified reporters.
“I always make sure to direct folks — young and not-so-young alike — seeking a career or career change to NCRA,” said Isaacsen. “Whether it’s the NCRA A to Z® program, finding a school, or figuring out what licensure requirements would look like for that person, I believe that every interaction with a curious mind is a way to elevate your impact as a member of NCRA.”
Isaacsen’s dedication to the field extends beyond local career fairs. She has served in various leadership roles within NCRA, including as Secretary-Treasurer, Director, and two terms as president of the Kansas Court Reporters Association. Her advocacy efforts have also taken her to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where she has participated in the NCRA Leadership & Legislative Boot Camp alongside Executive Director Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLC, and NCRA’s Government Relations staff to lobby for the profession.
These experiences have equipped her with the tools to confidently promote court reporting, but her true passion project is advocating to remove the stigma of an often-overlooked aspect of this career, absorbing witness testimony.
“We held our first peer-to-peer support event [in June] via Zoom, and while it was initially eight people, it was a candid and vulnerable conversation that left us feeling stronger and closer than before,” said Isaacsen.
As she prepares to ascend to the NCRA presidency at the 2025 NCRA Conference & Expo in Minneapolis, Minn.,, on July 25, Isaacsen’s influence continues to grow. By sharing her journey,from freelancing in Germany to serving in an officialship in Louisiana, then moving to Kansas where she has been both a freelance and official reporter, as well as an active member of NCRA, she has inspired many around her.
The President-Elect of NCRA inspires students and career changers to consider a path in court reporting, professional captioning, and legal videography through action and not just words: “Court reporting is not just a job, but a calling that offers unparalleled opportunities for those willing to earn it,” Isaacsen concluded.
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