Megan Diaz de Arce has spent more than a decade growing her career at Mondelēz International, where she currently leads the Convenience Retail Team. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Megan brings the same passion and dedication to her professional role as she does to her involvement with NextUp.
As part of our Voices of NextUp series, Megan shares insights from her journey, the moments that have shaped her, and why she believes so strongly in the power of community and purpose-driven leadership.
Tell us a bit about yourself—your career journey, where you live, any pets you have, and anything else you’d like to share!
I was born and raised in Florida, where I was fortunate to have a strong foundation instilled in me by my family. I attended St. John River Community College on a softball scholarship and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Shortly after graduating, I married my husband, Matthew. We share a passion for travel and have explored 36 countries together, with our most recent adventure taking us to Indonesia. We have a 6-year-old Wheaten Terrier named Celt, and when we are not working or traveling, we enjoy spending time with family and friends, serving in our local church, and living an active, healthy lifestyle.
Professionally, I have built a rewarding career with Mondelēz International over the past 14 years. In 2014, an internal opportunity led us to relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of holding various roles within the company, across retail management, account management, and sales planning, starting as a sales representative and now leading our Convenience Retail Team. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I have had at Mondelēz, the phenomenal managers and mentors who have invested in me, and the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today.
You’ve been part of the NextUp community for nearly a decade. What originally motivated you to get involved, and how has that connection evolved over the years?
My journey with NextUp began over a decade ago. Mondelēz International is a corporate sponsor of NextUp and encourages employees to get involved in their local region. Mondelēz has sponsored my NextUp membership throughout my career, which has been invaluable, providing consistent access to resources and opportunities for growth.
When I relocated to North Carolina, connecting with NextUp Carolinas was a priority. Recognizing the organization’s ability to foster community and facilitate connections, I saw it as an ideal platform for building a professional network in a new environment.
NextUp has played a significant role in my professional development, providing me with access to valuable insights, engaging events, mentorship opportunities, and a strong network of like-minded individuals.
You’ve taken on several volunteer roles with NextUp, including your work with college outreach. How have these experiences influenced your growth—personally, professionally, or both?
My involvement in NextUp’s college outreach program was driven by two goals: to guide students toward fulfilling careers and to strengthen my public speaking skills. I remember being a college student without a clear sense of direction and feel fortunate to have found the CPG industry. Now, I aim to educate students on the variety of careers it offers. As part of our outreach, I spoke in college classes about NextUp, opportunities in CPG, and shared my own career journey. These experiences helped me grow as a speaker.
Can you share a moment from your volunteer work that really stuck with you or left a lasting impression?
One memorable moment from my NextUp volunteer work was helping bring back our annual “Career Workshop & Recruiting Event” in 2023 after a COVID-related pause. The event, which brings together students from across the Carolinas and professionals from various companies, features an executive keynote, breakout sessions, a mini career fair, and open networking.
When our original venue was no longer available, we had to quickly pivot. What felt like a setback turned into a valuable lesson in agility and resilience. It reminded me that unexpected challenges can lead to even better outcomes with the right mindset. Each time I help coordinate this event, I’m inspired by the students’ energy and engagement. It always makes the effort worthwhile.
What advice would you give to other members who are thinking about getting more involved or stepping into a volunteer leadership role?
For those considering deeper involvement with NextUp, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. The experience is incredibly rewarding and goes far beyond the contributions you make. Volunteer roles offer invaluable opportunities for personal growth and professional development. Speaking from experience, the college outreach role has helped me hone specific skills, expand my network, and gain new perspectives. I know we all have competing priorities but making time for what truly matters—endeavors that ignite our passion and create impact—is always worthwhile.
NextUp is a place where you can invest your energy in a greater cause while enriching your own life.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the power of the NextUp community?
The breadth and depth of opportunities it provides for holistic growth. NextUp extends far beyond traditional networking; it offers a diverse ecosystem of events, programs, and resources designed to foster personal, professional, and organizational development. From local gatherings to virtual events and specialized programs, NextUp provides a wealth of avenues for members to enhance capabilities, strengthen business acumen, and expand professional networks.
NextUp extends far beyond traditional networking; it offers a diverse ecosystem of events, programs, and resources designed to foster personal, professional, and organizational development.
Is there a particular NextUp event or gathering that stands out in your memory? What made it special?
Summit 2023 absolutely stands out to me, as it combined thought-provoking content with valuable opportunities for connection and networking, creating a truly enriching and memorable experience. The 2023 Summit featured a diverse range of speakers like Laurie Hernandez, Fama Francisco, and Coach Kara Lawson, whose presentations offered me valuable perspectives on leadership, resilience, and professional growth.
Summit also provided a unique opportunity to connect with Mondelēz colleagues from different departments and locations around the U.S.; I particularly valued the informal lunches, dinners, and post-session discussions, which allowed us to share learnings, exchange ideas, and build stronger internal relationships.
Beyond internal connections, Summit also helped facilitate meaningful interactions with other NextUp members from various companies and industries, which broadened my professional network. I left Summit feeling energized and inspired!
What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of NextUp?
As I think about the future, I’m most excited about NextUp’s commitment to innovation and continued evolution. NextUp consistently seeks new ways to enhance membership value while equipping members with the skills and resources they need to excel and foster inclusive workplace cultures. What I’ve loved is that, even as NextUp has grown, it remains steadfast in its core mission: to build the next generation of leaders and cultivate inclusive workplaces. I’m excited to witness the progress ahead and to remain an active participant in a mission I’m deeply passionate about.
NextUp consistently seeks new ways to enhance membership value while equipping members with the skills and resources they need to excel and foster inclusive workplace cultures.
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