Education Assistance Benefit Creates a Pathway for Career Growth
Meet Lexi: Balancing Work, School, and Ambition
Coke Florida Maintenance Technician leveraging company education assistance benefits for technical school classes.
Leticia “Lexi” Rivera-Rivera spends her days as a maintenance technician at Coke Florida’s Jacksonville production facility, where she stays on her toes solving problems and working alongside her teammates to keep operations running smoothly. Together, they help support the production of millions of cases each year.
But when the workday ends, Lexi’s day is far from over.
She heads to J-Tech Institute in Jacksonville for her second shift, attending classes for network administration and cybersecurity technology. Thanks to Coke Florida’s Education Assistance Program, Lexi is continuing her education and building a path toward her future.
And even more inspiring? She is the first person in her family to attend college.
Fueling Growth Through Education
Coke Florida’s Educational Assistance Program was designed to help associates expand their skills, grow their current roles, and prepare for future opportunities within the company. Associates are eligible for up to $5,250 annually for undergraduate, graduate, technical courses, or certifications.
“I have a lot of different experience, and by getting into yet another field, I can continue to broaden my horizon in understanding how things work,” Lexi shared. “I like to know how everything is interconnected.”
A Career Built on Opportunity
When Lexi joined Coke Florida in September 2024, she brought maintenance experience from the automatic car wash industry, skills that quickly translated to the production environment. As she settled in, she saw firsthand how associates across the company expand their careers by learning new skills, changing departments, and pursuing different paths.
Inspired by those examples, Lexi set her sights on doing the same.
“In the future, I don’t just want to turn wrenches—I want to expand my mind,” she said. “I want to earn my associate degree as a building block toward a bachelor’s in engineering technology.”
Her ultimate goal is to become a control specialist within the company, combining hands-on expertise with advanced technical knowledge.
The Power of Support and Advocacy
Interestingly, Lexi wasn’t initially aware of the education assistance benefit. It was her supervisor, Keith Gibson, who introduced her to the program and encouraged her to take advantage of it during a career growth conversation.
That support made a significant difference and opened the door to new possibilities and reinforcing a culture where leaders invest in associate growth.
A Commitment to Community
Coke Florida’s investment in education goes beyond its associates. As part of its broader community focus, the company is committed to expanding access to education, supporting youth development, and providing scholarships to help individuals across Florida succeed.
That commitment stands out to Lexi.
“It’s one of my favorite things about our company and says a lot about who we are and what we value in helping out those around us in our communities,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Today, Lexi continues to balance full-time work with multiple nights of classes each week. Her determination, combined with the support of Coke Florida’s Education Assistance Program, is helping her move forward with confidence.
“If I can work full-time and go to school, you can too—especially with the help of tuition reimbursement,” she said.
