In 2012, I managed another on-premise CRM system, and version upgrades were a nightmare. I couldn't believe that Salesforce does three upgrades per year that happen while you sleep. It sounded fictional and magical! I fell in love with the Salesforce Platform and decided to make a career change to be doing something, anything, on the platform.

Looking for a challenge, I signed up for #100DaysOfTrailhead on January 1, 2019. This experience really ingrained in me the habit of learning daily, which I will continue going forward. I'm proud to say that I became a Double Ranger in the process! Whenever I get stuck on a technical problem, I first try to find a Trailhead module. This can sometimes cause a bit of a delay, as I often try to complete the badge (full confession: I am addicted to Trailhead and to increasing my badge count!).

Being a Trailblazer means charting a new path where no path exists. Two years ago, on March 22 (my Independence Day), I decided to pursue my dream of starting my own consulting business. It was a very scary proposition to leave the comfort of a regular salary, but my Trailhead and Trailblazer Community experience gave me the confidence I needed to take the leap. I received a calendar from AppExchange that said, “Blaze your trail in 2017.” I displayed that inspirational message on my desk and decided to follow its advice. The road has been difficult at times but extremely fulfilling.

I'm not sure if I could have accomplished as much as I have if it wasn't for the support of the Trailblazer Community. Because of their support and encouragement, especially the Women In Tech Community Group, I had the courage to start my own business. I lead the Women In Tech (WIT) Community Group in Columbia, MD, and I attend as many local Community Groups as I can. I also love the DC WIT Ohana. Even now, I'm daring to pursue the Technical Architect Certification because of the motivation and accountability support from the Ladies Be Architects Community Group. I go to Community Conferences and Community Group meetings to recharge and re-energize. Anyone who is not actively involved in the community is missing out on a lot..

It's unbelievable that Trailhead is available for free to anyone willing to learn. I encourage you to just jump right in and start exploring! With Trailhead, you can increase both your technical skills and your soft skills, which is awesome. I always encourage my clients to learn on Trailhead in instances where they can accomplish their objectives with clicks, rather than pay for consulting time. If you ever hit a wall, don't worry, just ask the Trailblazer Community. This is the most supportive community that I've ever been a part of, and you will absolutely find the help that you need. If you're new, I'd strongly encourage you to join your local Community Groups—you don't have to do this by yourself! There are plenty of people who will welcome you into the Ohana and make the journey easier and fun for you. If, after all of this, you still don't know where to begin, feel free to DM me on Twitter—I'd love to help you get started!

The Salesforce Platform, the Trailblazer Community (and events, which I now think of as family reunions), and Trailhead

We all have so many reasons for not doing things that could elevate us, and I see many people living an unfulfilling life. But then there are people who do whatever needs to be done despite the challenges. They make time to learn, improve, and elevate themselves. These everyday people are my heroes: Allison Park, Bonny Hinners, Zarina Varley-Scott, Rachel Park, Mark Adcock, Eric Dreshfield, Sandi Nuss Zellner, Vanessa Villagomez, Leandria Streeter, Jocelyn Fennewald, Gemma Emmett, David Liu, and Angela Mahoney.