Katelyn J. Nnake, Coca-Cola’s Conveyor of People, Possibilities and Purpose

July 20th, 2020

Katelyn J. Nnake currently leads Community Partnerships at the Coca-Cola Company, one of the most recognizable brands in the world. As a conveyor of people, possibilities, and purpose, she stewards Coca-Cola's programmatic partnerships, especially focusing on colleges/universities, multicultural public policy organizations, and local partners in DC, LA and NYC.

In this feature, Katelyn shares with us why she studied Public Affairs Journalism, her first role at Coca-Cola, why she has stayed all this time, and her role as the Director of Community Partnerships. Read along to soak up her incredible career advice for ambitious women, such as yourself.

Early Career

You graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Public Affairs Journalism. Why this field and how has it influenced your career?

Growing up, my father was a director for our local television news station. I’d often visit him at work and watch newscasters and other television personalities. That sparked my interest in learning and telling stories. My career does not appear to be headed towards TV, but I’m still very much connected to and passionate about telling our community story from the viewpoint of partnership.

After graduating, you joined Coca Cola Enterprises as a Public Affairs & Communications Coordinator. What key lessons did you learn in your first role?

I started with the Coca-Cola system while still enrolled at The Ohio State University. Throughout my internship experiences and my first full-time role, I forced myself to get comfortable asking questions. Thoughtful questions show interest and increase understanding. I also learned the importance of keeping my word. What I may have lacked in professional experience, I made up for because I was dependable and always eager to learn.

You received your MBA from Xavier University while continuing to work full-time at Coca-Cola. Why did you pursue an MBA and how was balancing this with a full-time job?

If I knew then what I know now, I would not have pursued my MBA while working full-time. By splitting the time, I robbed myself of the gift in truly being vulnerable as a student. I learned a great deal through my program, but the desire to pursue an MBA was rooted in the mistaken belief that communications was not a “real” profession. (I desperately needed ColorComm and an Oprah Soul Saturday back then.) One of those learnings was the fact that this concept of balance is a bold-faced lie, if you strive for harmony you’ll be better served.

Coca-Cola

You started your career at Coca-Cola and are still there today, 15 years later. Why have you stayed all this time, and what advice would you give to young women looking to grow in a company rather than hop around?

I believe that my purpose is to be salt and light. In my professional role, I have the opportunity to do that on behalf of one of the most recognizable brands in the world and with amazingly smart humans. You can have a fulfilling experience in the same company if you open yourself to new geographies, departments and roles. My advice to young women is to learn, grow and give yourself the grace to stay if it is right -- only you know what is truly right for you.

You’ve been promoted numerous times throughout your tenure at Coca-Cola North America. What’s your secret?

As a young Black woman on the rise, mediocrity was never a grace extended to me. I was taught to operate in excellence. That operational mantra coupled with the fortune of having managers who saw the value that I brought to my work everyday. They championed my upward movement and I backed it up above and beyond.

You are currently the Director of Community Partnerships at Coca-Cola North America. What does your role entail? What does your day-to-day look like?

I steward programmatic partnerships with organizations across the eastern half of the United States with a focus on colleges/universities, multicultural public policy organizations as well as local partners in DC, LA and NYC. I like to think of myself as a bridge between the corporation and our community, a convener of people, possibilities and purpose. With that responsibility comes a lot of exploratory conversations, ideation sessions, virtual meetings (now!) and emails. No two days are ever the same.

Together we can do more than any one of us alone. ❤️

Advice

What do you wish you knew when you were first starting your career?

To be honest, these are things that I still have to remind myself of: Everything is negotiable. I am worth it – I am worth the time, I am worth the energy and I am beyond worthy of the opportunity just as I am. I am deserving of grace and the space to fail forward and learn often. I don’t have to have all the answers. I am enough. I AM ENOUGH.

What advice do you have for young women in their early career who are interested in community-oriented roles?

I’d recommend that women who are early in their career use that youth to their advantage. Explore opportunities across non-profit, corporate and government entities to see what is out there. My current role did not exist in this way when I first started all those years ago. Being open to exploration will not just affirm your interests, but it will also teach you what you do not want to do.

Who is one woman you aspire to be like?

I’m blessed. My network of family, sister-friends and mentors continuously demonstrate the best versions of self through their grace under fire, their audacity to challenge the status quo and their unwavering faith and optimism. Of them all, if I can be just half as faith-filled as my Mom, I know I’ll remain in favor.