Franklinton native and a 2023 Franklinton High School Honor graduate Curtis Williams is one of two Southern University students selected for the 2024 class of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.'s (UNITED) Pay It Forward internship program.
The program, headquartered in Baton Rouge as part of Coca-Cola UNITED’s West Region, aims to celebrate the achievements of HBCU students while providing them with professional development opportunities. Each participant will receive a $2,000 stipend upon completing the internship and a lifetime Coca-Cola Brand Ambassadorship.
From July 15-19, Curtis and his fellow interns gained hands-on experience in various roles within Coca-Cola UNITED, including sales, production, marketing, and human resources. The internship's objective is to equip students with practical business skills, highlight the importance of networking, and prepare them for the job market.
"We are thrilled to welcome this year’s outstanding group of students to our Pay It Forward program," said Coca-Cola UNITED President and CEO Mike Suco. "This internship is more than just a learning opportunity; it's a platform for these future leaders to network, grow, and better envision their career paths."
Curtis, son of Curtis and Eisha Williams, and grandson of Loretta and Thad Gatlin, and Bobby Williams, is a 2023 honor graduate of Franklinton High School. He joins 31 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) chosen for this prestigious honor.
Reflecting on his selection, Curtis expressed his gratitude: "Being chosen for the Pay It Forward program is an incredible honor. It not only recognizes my hard work but also provides me with invaluable opportunities to grow professionally and personally."
In addition to hearing from Suco and other company leaders, the students participated in a special session with Larry Thornton of the Why Not Win Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to developing and cultivating individual excellence.
Since its establishment in 2015 by Coca-Cola UNITED teams in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama, the Pay It Forward program has provided more than 100 students with opportunities to succeed.
From left to right are Morio Lee, Coca-Cola Special Project Manager Region, Louisiana Division; John Pierre, chancellor of Southern University and A&M College; Curtis Williams, Southern student from Franklinton; Kinnady Barlow, Southern student; Dennis Shields, president of the Southern University System; Scott McCallister, Coca Cola West Region Vice President; and Roderick Crockett, On-Premise Business Development Manager.
