Coca-Cola Belgium supports young, female talent in their path to the top

What could be more important than feeling good at work? Coca-Cola is committed to equality, diversity and inclusiveness. In partnership with "A Seat At The Table," an organization committed to mentoring and leadership programs, they inspire and support young, diverse talent to move up the ladder. Coca-Cola is leading by example: it wants 40% of its management positions in Belgium and Luxembourg to be filled by women by 2025.

A seat at the table

"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Those are the winged words of Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman in the U.S. Congress in 1968. She embodies the mission of A Seat At The Table: to open doors for young and diverse talent. 

A Seat At The Table (ASATT) provides mentoring and leadership programs that connect young people with professionals. Guided by well-known ambassadors and inspiring figures from the business world, the initiators aim to inspire young people and help them advance into the business world. In addition, the organization offers them an opportunity to hone their soft skills and professional skills. 

Future Women Leaders Fellowship 

"The Future Women Leaders Fellowship program specifically targets young, ambitious women who, regardless of origin, language or culture, want to make an impact in the business world. We want to give promising young people more opportunities to advance in their careers.

The best way to make that happen? Engage young talent in master classes and keynotes from inspiring speakers within the business world.

On top of that, they are paired with mentors for a year who share their knowledge and expertise," says Mariam Harutyunyan, Executive Director of ASATT.

With the first edition of the Future Women Leaders Fellowship, launched at the end of May with financial support from The Coca-Cola Foundation, ASATT and Coca-Cola are offering 35 young women from diverse backgrounds a year-long opportunity to further develop their leadership skills.

35 fellows and mentors 

During the kick-off, fellows and mentors had the chance to meet in person, and meanwhile, the first sessions and mentor meet-ups are already underway. "These initiatives allow the 35 women of the Fellowship to expand their network, develop their skills and engage in dialogue with successful role models. This is how they boost their careers," Mariam knows.
35 senior mentors from Coca Cola Services and Coca Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) in Belgium will take the participants through the next few months.

An Vermeulen, VP & Country Director Belgium-Luxembourg at CCEP, fully supports the Future Women Leaders Fellowship, which was launched at the end of May: "Everyone is welcome at Coca-Cola. And everyone should be able to be themselves, be valued and feel good about themselves. Diversity and inclusion are important themes for Coca-Cola. That's why we like to invest in the future of young, promising talent from diverse backgrounds."

fevia.be / food.be