My First Year: Four Stories of Growth, Purpose, and Community

Written by Len Abbazia

So much can happen in one year, especially in your career journey. We shine the light on four Coupanians across the globe who hit their one-year milestone. In the process, they share stories of learning, impact, and the values that unite #AllOfUs. From Bogotá to Pune to the U.S., this foursome reflects on their first year at Coupa and what it means to Shape What’s Next together.

Testament to our culture, this journey sparked something unexpected. Two Bogota teammates—Lucas and José—started at Coupa as colleagues and ended their first year as close friends. Their story is a reminder that when we Build Tomorrow Together, relationships are often the greatest win.

Let’s meet Lucas, Maddy, José, and Mehnaz and hear what their first year at Coupa has meant to them.

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Lucas Reyes | Sr. Customer Value Manager | Bogota

Favorite Coupa Core Value: Build Tomorrow Together

In year one at Coupa, Lucas Reyes witnessed the power of community, especially between customers who share best practices and grow together. For him, solving customer challenges is the most rewarding part of the job: “When we help a customer reach their goal, the impact feels real.” Outside of work, you’ll find Lucas doing CrossFit, hiking, or enjoying a quiet coffee in the mountains. His advice for new hires? “Be open. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to learn out loud.”

And in a full-circle moment, Lucas also gained something beyond professional growth this year: a friendship. He and fellow teammate José began their Coupa journeys around the same time, and have been pushing, encouraging, and celebrating each other ever since.

Maddy Reilly | Customer Adoption Manager | US

Favorite Coupa Core Value: Build Tomorrow Together

For Maddy Reilly, this value comes to life daily. From day one, she’s felt encouraged to share ideas, collaborate, and grow. She loves the blend of technical problem-solving and becoming a trusted partner to her customers.

One of the biggest influences in her first year? Her onboarding buddy, Paige, who never hesitated to teach, support, and cheer her on. Maddy says the most meaningful part of her work is learning something new each day—and being able to pass that knowledge forward.

When she’s not working, she’s training for marathons, triathlons, or her next Ironman. Her message to new Coupanians: Embrace not knowing everything. Curiosity makes the journey.

José Miguel Fragozo | Sr. Procurement Analyst | Bogota

Favorite Coupa Core Value: Drive Success for #AllofUs

José Fragozo chose this value because he sees every day how shared effort leads to outsized impact. He loves knowing his work directly helps Coupa reach its goals and credits his mentors for helping him grow with purpose.

A dreamer at heart, José stays grounded through sports, training, and time with his wife. His biggest advice for anyone joining Coupa? Ask every question. Share every idea. Your perspective matters here.

And his year at Coupa came with a bonus. José met Lucas, and the two quickly became great friends, proof that purpose-driven work becomes even more powerful when done alongside great people.

Mehnaz Bano | Lead Software Engineer | Pune

Favorite Coupa Core Value: Cultivate Belonging

For Mehnaz Bano, belonging isn’t just something she values but something she feels deeply. After relocating from Berlin to Pune with no friends or family in the region, she expected a difficult transition. Instead, she found a team that made her feel at home from day one.

She finds reward in knowing her work makes someone’s day easier, and in tackling problems that help her grow as an engineer. Whether debugging with teammates, playing weekly badminton, or taking photos on weekends, Mehnaz stays energized through connection.

Her guidance to new employees: Connect with people. The support here is real, and it’s a game changer.

What One Year at Coupa Really Means

Across these stories, one thing remains true: impact happens here because people feel empowered, supported, and connected. Whether it’s solving customer challenges, pushing innovation, or cheering on teammates from Bogotá to Pune, their first year represents what’s possible when we truly Shape What’s Next, together.

If you’re ready to join our new Coupanians, check out Coupa Careers and join our Talent Community.