3 Lessons from 3 Years: Celebrating Nicole's Third Anniversary with SODA

Written by Nicole Nidea, Program Director

Just over three years ago, I became SODA’s first-ever employee. 

My organ, eye, and tissue donation advocacy journey began when I became a SODA chapter leader in 2015. After learning about Sara Royf’s connection to organ donation as a donor sister, I knew I wanted to save lives and reduce the organ shortage. First, I was a general chapter member, and then I led marketing as Marketing Chair of SODA at Washington University in St. Louis. Eventually, I became President of the chapter. As the chapter President, I helped plan educational events, registration drives, and volunteer outings with our Organ Procurement Organization, Mid-America Transplant. 

Nicole at a tour of Mid-America Transplant, her first-ever SODA event in college

All this experience prepared me for a career in nonprofits. To get more professional development experience for my first full-time job, I returned to my roots at SODA as the volunteer Director of Development for the newly official, national nonprofit.  

Because SODA played a critical role in my career development and organ, eye, and tissue donation were so important to me, I knew that becoming SODA’s first employee would be my dream job.

I was scared I was too young to lead an organization. I didn’t know if we could start enough chapters. I was worried we wouldn’t find enough financial donors to help us grow. 

I’m proud to say that I was wrong! SODA has grown to over 80 chapters, educated more than 150,000 people about the importance of donation, raised nearly $750K to support student advocates, and more. 

When I reflect on this monumental growth, it feels like it happened overnight, but deep down, I know it’s the result of lots of hard work, determination, and focus. A strong foundation built from streamlined programs, a wonderful national team, dedicated supporters and partners, and bright students doesn’t hurt either 😉

Here are three important lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Do things that scare you: This apt first lesson can be applied to big stuff like leaping into a new job or small things like trying new food. Regardless of the situation, you’ll learn a lot about yourself. 

2. Saying “no” can lead to growth: If you take one thing away from this blog post, try saying “no” more often! Although it sounds counterintuitive, staying focused allows you to do what you do best. Over the years, SODA has had exciting offers like starting middle school or international chapters. Although these offers were tempting, adapting our programs for a younger audience or learning a whole new organ donation system in another country would have taken a lot of time. “No” helped ensure we could prioritize our tried and true chapters for high school, college, and graduate students in the U.S.  

3. Celebrate every win: It feels like I’ve blinked, and SODA has grown exponentially since 2021. I wish I had taken more time to pause and appreciate our victories to bask in every positive change. I almost didn’t celebrate a huge achievement that was our goal for years because the project was so long-lasting. Thankfully, the entire SODA team was able to recognize the accomplishment together. Hard work deserves to be celebrated, so don’t make the same mistake. 

I hope these tips make your SODA chapter more impactful, ensure you ace your next project, or help you succeed at your job. If they do, let me know—I’d love to hear from you. 

Nicole and Sophia, SODA's Engagement Manager, at the 2024 UNOS Transplant Management Forum in Louisville

Thank you for your support over the past three years, and cheers to much more success and many more important lessons to come 🎉