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Angela Maria Zuluaga is one of the most powerful executives in the corporate world. In March of last year, she was appointed Global Vice President of Communications at Coca-Cola, following a successful 10-year career at the multinational corporation, which sells its products in over 200 countries.
A Decade of Impactful Projects
During her tenure at Coca-Cola, Zuluaga has spearheaded social and environmental impact projects such as ‘5by20’, aimed at empowering five million female entrepreneurs, and ‘Emprendamos Juntas’, which has provided marketing, finance, and leadership training to over 4,000 Colombian women who own small businesses.
Career Progression and Leadership
Zuluaga joined the company in 2013 as Director of Public Affairs for Central America, the Caribbean, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, leading government and sustainability issues. Since then, she has steadily risen through the ranks, assuming positions of increasing responsibility. Her career progression includes roles as Vice President of Public Affairs for the same region, focusing on business for these countries, and leading sustainability, communication, and government affairs for all of Latin America.
Keys to Success
The success of Zuluaga’s career can be attributed, in large part, to her willingness to continue learning and striving for excellence. She has demonstrated the ability to quickly adapt and build high-performing teams. According to Zuluaga, the key to her success is leading with empathy and fostering diverse teams where different perspectives enrich the conversation.
Relocation and Early Life
To take on her new role, Zuluaga had to relocate to Atlanta, United States, with her second husband and two daughters. This was not her first time leaving Colombia to live in an English-speaking country. Due to security concerns, her family had moved to North Carolina when she was nine years old. This experience marked her, as she had to take on a decisive role in the household, being the first to learn English and navigate life in a new country.
Humble Beginnings and Family Influence
Zuluaga, the youngest of four siblings, was born in Quimbaya, Quindio. Her father was in the coffee business, and her mother was a teacher at a rural school near the town. She studied in public and semi-private schools in Quimbaya until her family moved to the United States. Zuluaga emphasizes her humble beginnings, believing that one does not need to be born in a big city or attend a prestigious school to achieve their dreams.
Empowering Women and Environmental Initiatives
In her leadership role at Coca-Cola, Zuluaga has sought to empower women and has presided over significant circular economy initiatives. She led the massive ‘5by20’ project, aimed at empowering five million female entrepreneurs by 2020. She also spearheaded ‘Emprendamos Juntas’, which provided training in marketing, finance, and leadership to over 4,000 Colombian women who own small businesses. Additionally, she was involved in ‘World Without Waste’, committing the company to collect and recycle 100% of the plastic bottles it puts on the market by 2030.
Commitment to Community and Women’s Empowerment
Zuluaga’s commitment to supporting Colombian and Latin American women stems from her mother’s influence and the community work she witnessed her doing at the rural school where she taught. She believes it is important to support women and sees it as her responsibility to contribute to their advancement. Zuluaga recognizes the progress made by women in the past century and is determined to continue supporting their growth, personally and professionally.
Conclusion
Angela Zuluaga’s journey from humble beginnings in Quimbaya to her current position as Global Vice President of Communications at Coca-Cola is a testament to her determination, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact on society. Through her work, she has empowered women, led environmental initiatives, and demonstrated the importance of empathy and diversity in leadership. As she continues to lead Coca-Cola’s communication efforts on a global scale, her influence and impact are sure to grow, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.