Women of Coca Cola UNITED Leadership Forum

Coca Cola Bottling Company UNITED held a “Women of UNITED Leadership Forum” on March 29th and invited Edie Hand along with women featured in her “Women of True Grit” book. The live and “Zoom” video event was able to reach thousand of Coca Cola employees.

The “Women of True Grit” book participants included Edie Hand , Dr. Bobbie Knight, the President of Miles College, and Alie B. Gorrie, actor and teaching artist, and disability inclusion consultant.

Lakiesha Hawkins, who oversees the Moon to Mars Program with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was featured on video from her appearance in the Women of True Grit Vignette series featured on ABC 33/40.  

The event started with a panel discussion where these women shared some of their challenges, accomplishments and current projects with the audience.

The next phase was a Panel Discussion on Career Planning and Pathing where Barbara Frano – Corporate Senior Director, On Premise Sales; Maria Galic – Corporate Senior Director, Digital Commerce; and Kathi Chandler – Corporate Director, Brand discussed how employees can work to chart a growth path within the company.

Next was a review of Coca Cola UNITED’s Career Path Tools which provide resources at multiple levels for employees. This was presented by Michael Knox – Corporate Senior Manager, Talent Development and Jennifer Gullo – Corporate Director, Talent Acquisitions.

The discussions were engaging, the presentations were informative, and the entire event was well received by all participants.

Photo capture of the zoom call.  Edie Hand is top row right, Dr. Bobbie Knight is far left on the second row, and Alie B. Gorrie is on the bottom row on the left.