Boston, MA, United States
Meet Antonela, 5X Salesforce Certified Boston Salesforce Saturday Leader
Trailhead has helped me get out of my comfort zone, become more confident, have fun while learning for free, and pursue a career I love.
How did you get started with Salesforce?
I was working at Ameriprise Financial as a Business Intelligence Analyst when I was first introduced to Salesforce. I attended the Administration Essentials for New Admins instructor-led class. The class inspired me to learn even more about Salesforce, and I became a Certified Administrator in December 2016. Since then I have earned more than 330 Trailhead badges, 4 Salesforce certifications, and am currently working toward my fifth.
How do you use Trailhead to skill up?
No matter how much you know already, there's still so much to learn and so many ways to boost your knowledge. I set a personal goal to reach 200 badges by Dreamforce '17, and I was so happy when I reached my goal. Trailhead has helped me get out of my comfort zone, become more confident, have fun while learning for free, and pursue a career I love.
What is your biggest “win” thanks to something you learned from Trailhead?
My biggest “win,” thanks to Trailhead, is in learning to think through the eyes of my customers and anticipating their needs. I learned to ask “why?” before building a business solution and can now configure in Lightning thanks to the Lightning App Builder module and the “Be a Builder” initiative.
How does Trailhead help you do your job better?
Trailhead has made me confident in developing not only technical skills but also valuable soft skills and innovative knowledge of U.S. Privacy laws, the role of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Business Value of Equality, and how to join the World's Largest Lesson. Every Admin-oriented module and project, from Beginner to Advanced, has helped me learn and practice unique skills I leverage in my day-to-day job. There are also Developer-focused modules that have taught me the basics of Apex as well as how to build reports and dashboards, custom apps, and compact layouts.
What message do you have for people new to Salesforce?
Believe in yourself and let your learning journey take off one step at a time. Trailhead and its community of Trailblazers represent a life philosophy unique to the Salesforce world, one that enables everyone to understand that education and knowledge are empowerment and key to everyone's success.
How do you use your skills to give back to your community?
In January 2018, I started to run Salesforce Saturdays in Boston and I absolutely love the experience. I am excited to connect with community members. I've learned and matured a lot myself, and the experience has been really rewarding. After each event, I come home feeling energized, empowered, and inspired, looking for ways to improve and make the upcoming event a success.
What does the Trailblazer community mean to you?
It really means everything and more. People genuinely care about you and who you are. You will get constant inspiration and help. The empowering spirit of the Trailblazer Community will motivate you to push yourself further, set higher goals, and succeed. Being involved in your local community group and the broader Trailblazer Community is important and will help you realize you're not alone as you face challenges. You'd be surprised how many people around the world face similar challenges and can help you overcome your limits.
What does being a Trailblazer mean to you?
A Trailblazer is determined, always learning, acts with purpose, and empowers the community with lots of Trailheart by embodying the values of Equality for All. There will always be features you will feel lost on, and that's ok, because a Trailblazer is also a lifelong learner! You will get there and help others blaze that same trail!
