UPS AABRG and MARCH Foundation – “Networking with a Purpose”
June, 2016 | Categories: Panel discussion
Atlanta, GA – The UPS AABRG partnered with the MARCH Foundation to host a series of panel discussions under the theme “Networking with a Purpose” on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the Atlanta Corporate campus. The panel discussions were conducted by the MARCH foundation – “a nonprofit foundation created and managed by a coalition of active and retired African-American executives who function as trustees and participants, and whose personal financial investments provided the initial source of funding for contributions and grants.” (Marchfoundation.org, 2016). The discussions were a great opportunity to learn about networking, ask questions that were specific to the individual and network with fellow UPSers past and present.
The Networking with a Purpose event featured three panel discussion topics:
| Topic | MARCH Foundation Board Member facilitators |
| Managing your Career | Ernie Brown Jim Castillo Ken Jarvis Douglas Smalls |
| Effective Networking | Elze Epps Eric Leufroy Mel Smith Don Woffortd |
| How to Identify a Sponsor | Ken Parks Bruce Trotter Garrett Wilson |
Each panel discussion with MARCH Foundation Board Members, who are also former UPS executives, was more than fruitful. Collectively, they represent several centuries of UPS knowledge and experience. The information the MARCH Foundation provided on how to navigate your career, expand your network and acquire sponsorship is invaluable. This is especially true in today’s workplace where it’s not only what you know but who you know.
The panel discussions were followed by a networking mixer at Brio Tuscan Grill in Dunwoody, GA complete with refreshments. The featured speaker was Pam Perkins, Director of Global Contracts. She shared her personal account of rising from a clerk to being recently awarded with the title of director at UPS. She stressed the importance of building your network, taking on challenges in your career and how to maximize your resources in today’s corporate environment.
The “Networking with a Purpose” event provided a great environment for UPSers to learn and grow. The information presented can sometimes be understated but is very critical to individual success. The MARCH Foundation was a great partner in facilitating very healthy discussions around careers at UPS and networking. The panel discussions and networking mixer were attended by associates ranging from specialists to management committee members.
