As a member of the NextUp Florida Board, Amanda Ramdas brings purpose and passion to everything she does, from building inclusive programs to championing women in leadership. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating space for others to grow and thrive.
As part of our Voices of NextUp series, Amanda shares what fuels her leadership journey, the power of allyship, and why intentional community-building remains at the heart of her mission.
Provide some background about yourself, your career path, place of residence, any pets or hobbies, and other relevant details.
I’m a Director of Client Development at Acosta, where I focus on driving client success, building strategic partnerships, and mentoring emerging leaders in an ever-evolving market. Since joining Acosta’s Jacksonville HQ in 2015, I’ve had the opportunity to grow through several roles that have shaped both my leadership style and personal development.
Today, I’m proud to serve on the NextUp Florida Region Board, where I support a mission that’s close to my heart: uplifting and connecting women in business. As a Northeast Florida native, I’m also passionate about animal advocacy, yoga, great food, and outdoor adventures, whether it’s hiking, water sports, or getting lost in a good puzzle.
What initially motivated you to join the NextUp community, and what continues to inspire your participation today?
My initial motivation was my drive for positive growth. Volunteering keeps me connected to my purpose: to be the change I want to see in the world, give back to the community that has supported me, and help create opportunities for others. Change requires intention, advocacy, and allyship. Together with my peers, I am committed to being part of this change, not only for myself but also for the future of business.
Change requires intention, advocacy, and allyship.
As a long-standing member, how have you observed NextUp’s evolution to better serve its members?
Increased connectivity across our 21 Regions has made it easier to share best practices among partner organizations and sponsors, ultimately strengthening our Member Community both nationally and within micro markets like those in my Florida Region. With a greater focus on intersectionality and community-building, initiatives such as region-specific programming are creating space for all voices and reinforcing a culture of inclusion and belonging—a true reflection of the message, you belong here! These efforts have boosted engagement and encouraged leadership at every level.
What significant personal or professional growth moments have you experienced through NextUp?
The realization that I’m not just here to participate, I’m here to catalyze change. Programs like the ADVanced Insights Profile helped me better understand my natural leadership style and how to align my strengths with purpose. This self-awareness has been a game-changer, not just in how I lead, but in how I show up both personally and professionally and champion others.
Real growth happens when you realize your voice can spark momentum for another. Through volunteering, leading events, and mentoring others, I’ve stepped into the role of a change agent, helping to shape more inclusive spaces in business.
Real growth happens when you realize your voice can spark momentum for another.
You’ve helped foster community within your region. What does an inclusive, empowering community look like to you, and how do you cultivate it?
An inclusive, empowering community normalizes women in leadership positions across all decision-making spaces. As Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”
Personally, I cultivate this community by fostering cultures where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued and supported. Normalizing the act of championing others shifts the paradigm from exclusivity to inclusion and drives positive change for the next generation of leaders. When everyone understands that it’s a win-win to use their “power, position, or privilege to help others,” as Karen Jones, VP of Learning and Partner Solutions at NextUp, so powerfully said, we all move forward together.
How would you encourage other members to get involved with volunteering, and what benefits have you personally gained from it?
Engage by committing to volunteering within your Region, and bring a friend or ally to hold you accountable! It’s been so rewarding how NextUp has expanded my network, leading to unexpected opportunities which instill a sense of purpose and often new perspectives in me. It allows me to support an important mission, shape inclusive learning and development events, and create opportunities for others.
NextUp has expanded my network, leading to unexpected opportunities which instill a sense of purpose and often new perspectives in me
Looking ahead, what gives you hope about the future of women in leadership, and what changes are still necessary?
We need more allies inthe room, and I have hope that we are normalizing women being in the room where decisions are made. Selflessly, “pull up as you climb” must be the mantra and heartbeat of our mission. The next generation inspires me with their boldness, inclusiveness, and authenticity. Their proactivity in creating their own paths while supporting others gives me hope for the future of women in leadership.
What has been your favorite NextUp event that you’ve attended and why? 
It was an honor to represent both NextUp Florida and Acosta at the NextUp Rising Stars Program in 2023. As a volunteer benefit of serving on the Board, I was selected by my peers to attend and remain incredibly grateful to Acosta and my leaders for supporting my participation in this development opportunity. It was a powerful four-month journey that included a 360 assessment, executive coaching, and an in-person learning event in Austin, Texas, which truly elevated my leadership perspective.
What made it so impactful was not just the tools and insights, but the connections I built with a cohort of inspiring individuals—connections that continue to influence my current role in Client Development. It helped me grow with intention and reminded me why I’m so passionate about giving back and creating space for others to rise. This experience reinforced my commitment to advancing women in business and directly contributed to my career growth within my current organization.
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