NextUp has a wealth of volunteer opportunities that offer women the chance to build skills, gain valuable experience, grow their networks, and advance in their careers. As part of our ongoing series, PowerTalks with The Coca-Cola Company, hear first-hand from Susan Lazaro, Senior Director Marketing Content Activation at The Coca-Cola Company, and a volunteer within the NextUp Atlanta community, about how her volunteer experience with NextUp has positively affected her career. Read on to learn how you can, and the many reasons why you should, volunteer with NextUp!
How has volunteering with NextUp contributed to your personal and professional growth, and what unexpected skills have you developed through this experience?
Volunteering is part of who I am, so my engagement with NextUp is a way to expand my network outside of my day-to-day. By volunteering with NextUp, I’ve been able to grow both personally and professionally while also making a positive difference in the lives of others. It’s helped me expand my capacity for my current role while leaning into my passion areas.
What lessons about leadership have you learned through your volunteer work that you’ve brought back to your role at Coca-Cola?
For me, it’s a constant reminder not to sweat the small stuff. There are many things that must happen before an event, regardless of its size, and you want everything to go perfectly. As we all know, the unexpected usually occurs. While you may be aware of it, those on the receiving end might not. In the end, everything always works out as it should.
Another lesson is to take time to celebrate the successes. We often move so quickly that it’s nice to pause and appreciate the wins, big or small.
What initially motivated you to volunteer with NextUp, and how has your experience compared to your expectations?
NextUp has been a great partner for The Coca-Cola Company, and although I was often on the periphery due to other commitments, I have always loved the mission. Once those commitments freed up, volunteering felt like the next logical step for me. Of course, it certainly helps to have people who believe in you and your ability to lead.
As for expectations, I believe there is often an underestimation of the time required to volunteer effectively in this capacity, but when you see the positive impact it makes on the members we support, it’s incredibly rewarding.
How do you encourage your colleagues at The Coca-Cola Company to get involved with NextUp, and what benefits do you highlight when talking about the experience?
Whenever I connect with people looking for advice on ways to grow personally and professionally, I always encourage opportunities with organizations like NextUp. It’s a great way to build your network, gain exposure, and develop new skills in a safe environment. You’re in finance but want to try out marketing? We can make that happen!
What has been the most fun or unexpected aspect of volunteering with NextUp that has kept you engaged and motivated to continue your involvement?
The power of a network is undeniable. When we were rebuilding the NextUp Atlanta Board, our team was able to connect with our collective networks to share our excitement and passion. I had never met any of the people we recruited, and they represented different industries and backgrounds. This diversity is where the real magic happens.
Can you share a moment or project during your time with NextUp where you felt you were making a tangible difference in advancing women’s careers?
Last year, our membership lead had the idea to start small monthly coffee connects on Friday mornings. There’s no formal agenda or lavish setting…just an opportunity for women to connect with each other. I think I’ve cried at each one because my heart was so full seeing the openness and support. Some of the women attending work remotely and simply need a way to connect. Others are in between roles and are looking to network. Many of the faces are different each time and it’s caught on by word of mouth by those who say, “you should come with me to this.”
What has been one of the most memorable events of the NextUp Atlanta region during your time as a volunteer and why?
It had to be the first event we had coming out of the pandemic. We had just started rebuilding the Atlanta region and held an evening event at a fabulous location. The mood was electric, vibrant, and such a joy to see so many people connecting.
Thank you for tuning into the PowerTalks with The Coca-Cola Company series! Be sure to stay tuned to the NextUp Content Hub for more profiles and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
