Alumni Career Spotlight: Kate Reeder '11

What was your Elon graduation year and major?

I graduated in 2011, with a BS in Business Administration, with concentrations in Marketing and International Business

What neighborhood/location do you live in NYC?

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Favorite place in NYC? (this could be your favorite place to unwind, your go-to restaurant, your favorite place to shop, etc.)

The waterfront parks in Williamsburg - either Marsha P. Johnson Park or the newer Domino Park. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for over a decade, so it’s been a nice constant. During the week, it’s a great place to unwind, take in a bit of nature (hard to come by in NYC), and people watch.

What did you do immediately post-grad?

I moved home to Dallas and worked at Madewell, while applying for jobs in New York.

What motivated your move to New York City and how was your transition both socially and professionally?

My sister and my aunt lived in New York. I always loved visiting them and admired watching both of their careers grow over the years. There was something about the energy and walkability of the city that I fell in love with. I moved 6 months after graduating and lived with a roommate from Elon, so I had a close support system.

Most of my career has been at advertising agencies as a brand strategist, which was the perfect place to blend my creative and analytical sides. I was lucky that I enjoyed what I did right off the bat and worked with a small team of young people my age. It was hard and there were many late nights, but I learned so much and had fun (most of the time) doing it.

Where are you now professionally and what are you doing??

I’m currently COO and Head of Brand at United Sodas of America, reimagining premium soda for the modern day consumer. I joined as the first hire after the founders in 2019, and we launched the brand in May of 2020.

I recognized early on in my career that I liked building things - teams, processes, ideas, and so being able to hone that craft at a startup has been an amazing experience. I wear a lot of hats, but my main focus is guiding the day-to-day team and ensuring we are always acting in service of the company vision.

Where can alumni get your product?

Online at UnitedSodas.com, or in grocery stores, coffee shops and bodegas in select states. You’ll also find us in some fun places in the city like Pop Up Grocer, Color Factory, and the Tin Building.

What advice do you have for someone looking to land a career in your field?

Don’t be precious about titles, clients or even big-name agencies. Look for opportunities with managers and leaders you think are smart at companies that have a track record for fostering young talent. Don’t be afraid to make a lateral change early in your career to get you on the path to where you want to be.

In light of women's history month, who has inspired your professional journey??

My sister has always been a huge inspiration for me. She’s been my go-to for advice since she helped me with my first resume. We’re quite different personality-wise - I’m the youngest child with ADHD, she’s the oldest child and some might say more Type-A.

Despite those differences, she’s always championed my strengths and taught me how to navigate the professional world while staying true to myself.

What resources have helped you along the way professionally and socially?

I think podcasts have been the best, consistent resource. I really enjoy the discussion format, the wide range, and often unexpected topics. There’s something about the medium that I think lends itself really well to teaching you how to think, not what to think. My advice: listen to people and topics you wouldn’t usually consider, you never know where inspiration comes from.

How would you characterize New York City’s professional culture and how has it impacted you?

Hustle culture was pervasive everywhere and especially in New York while I was starting my career in advertising. Fortunately, there has been a shift back to prioritizing a work/life balance and having a more sustainable relationship with work. I’ve learned that there will always be too many balls to juggle. The important thing is identifying which are glass and which are plastic and prioritizing accordingly.

What is the best way for Alumni to engage with you?

LinkedIn: Kate Reeder