NAOU Launches Equity Accountability Councils

The Coca‑Cola Company’s North America Operating Unit (NAOU) today announced the launch of the Equity Accountability Councils (EACs). The EACs are designed to drive improvements to quality of life in under-resourced communities through economic mobility, financial stability, and the well-being of individuals and households.  

Proactively identifying breakthrough initiatives that can be a catalyst for sustainable progress in under-resourced communities in the United States, the EACs will focus on economic equity for Asian Pacific, Black, and Hispanic communities. Using a holistic approach, the councils will identify empowerment initiatives that are inclusive of the diversity within each community – background, age, genders, lifestyles (LGBTQ+), veterans/military, and people with disabilities – which directly links to TCCC’s dimensions of DEI. 

“By expanding access to equal opportunities and giving back, together with our councils and community partners, we believe we can help create a better shared future for all. The creation of the EACs brings together the power and scale of the Coca‑Cola system with the expertise and passion of community and business thought-leaders to drive truly meaningful impact,” said Joanna Price, Chief of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability. “We look forward to learning, partnering and engaging with the councils to drive community improvements.”  

Each EAC includes a cross-section of thought-leaders across nonprofit, industry, and private sectors along with Coca‑Cola and bottling system leaders. Members were carefully selected based on their expertise in their respective fields and ability to push the system towards meaningful impact. Council members will serve 2+ year terms.

By making a difference in our communities, the EACs can drive shared value creation by empowering under-resourced groups and creating stronger connections within the communities we operate.