Building What’s Next: My First 100 Days as SODA Board President

Written by Kim Charles, Board President

When I stepped into the role of SODA Board President, I knew the first 100 days would go by quickly. 

I just didn’t realize how quickly. 

Over the past 100 days, we’ve been focused on building momentum for SODA’s next steps. That includes expanding our national reach, investing in the next generation of student leaders, and strengthening philanthropic partnerships. All these touch points, and more, are building on the foundation that will support SODA as we move into the organization’s next chapter. 

You can read my first message as Board President here.

And while there’s still plenty that lies full steam ahead, I’m excited to pause for a moment and look at what we’ve accomplished together.

100 Days of Wins

🌎 Growing SODA’s National Reach

One of my priorities as Board President has been helping SODA continue to grow its national presence and connect with even more leaders across the donation community.

A highlight of my first 100 days was SODA’s presence at the HOSA International Leadership Conference, in partnership with Indiana Donor Network and Donate Life America. The event provided an opportunity to connect with student leaders and future healthcare professionals from across the country and introduce them to SODA and its mission.

Every conversation, conference and new connection helps us bring SODA to more students — and reminds me just how much potential there is for student advocates to shape the future of donation.

The HOSA-ILC workshop about donation and transplantation careers presented in partnership with Indiana Donor Network

🎓 Investing in Student Leaders

If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time with SODA, it’s that our students are capable of incredible things.

This year, we announced our 2026 scholarship recipients, marking SODA’s fifth year of awarding scholarships to student leaders who are passionate about donation advocacy.

SODA awarded scholarships that will establish SODA’s first HBCU chapter, expanding access to student leadership opportunities and advancing multicultural engagement in organ, eye, and tissue donation.

💙 Building Momentum 

The past 100 days have also carried some exciting recognition. 

SODA received a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation as part of its global “30 for 30” initiative. Even more exciting? SODA was selected as one of only 200 organizations worldwide considered for the opportunity.

It’s a reminder that the work our students are doing is being noticed beyond our own community — and that national and international funders continue to recognize and invest in SODA’s mission.

Looking Ahead

🏗️ Strengthening SODA’s Foundation

Some of the most important work we’ve done over the past 100 days has happened behind the scenes.

Our Finance Committee, led by board member Kevin Barnes, has been developing new governance and financial policies to strengthen SODA’s organizational infrastructure. We’re also creating transition documents and resources to help future Board Presidents step into their roles with a strong foundation already in place.

Thank you to our Finance Committee members for all their hard work: Kevin Barnes, Yolanda Becker, Kelso Brasunas, Aidan Fischer, Brian Fischer, and Ron Miller.

Kim, Nicole (Executive Director), Sophia (Engagement Director), Yolanda (fellow Board Member and Finance Committee Member), and Kevin (fellow Board Member and Finance Committee Chair) together in Fort Worth in November 2025

This kind of work may not always be the most exciting to talk about, but it matters. We aren’t just thinking about what SODA needs today. Good governance and strong infrastructure give an organization the stability it needs to grow. Investing in strong governance today creates a stronger SODA for tomorrow.

📚 Empowering More Student Advocates

This fall, we’ll launch the SODA Donation Education Course, designed to give students accessible, high-quality education about organ, eye and tissue donation.

I’m particularly excited about this initiative because it will equip students with the knowledge and confidence to educate and register their peers, so that they can lead successful efforts on any campus and in any setting.

The course incorporates education materials and resources from partners across the donation community, including Donate Life America, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO), and the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA). We’re grateful for their support in helping ensure students have access to accurate, trusted information. 

Thank you as well to the OPO partners, Donate Life State Team members, and students who are providing feedback on the course. Their perspectives are helping us strengthen the content and create a resource that’s both useful and relevant to students.

✈️ Continuing National Growth

So, what’s next? More travel. More conferences. More speaking engagements. More partnerships. More students.

SODA has a full fall schedule ahead, and we’ll continue working to elevate SODA as the nationwide movement for student-led organ, eye and tissue donation advocacy while building new partnerships and reaching more students.

We’ll keep showing up in new places, meeting new student leaders and finding new ways to help students turn their passion into action.

So, when I look back at my first 100 days as Board President, I’m proud of how much we’ve accomplished, but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead.

Because 100 days is just the beginning.

Here’s to the next 100 — and to building an even bigger, stronger SODA together.