WITness Success 2017 was my first Salesforce Community-organized event, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. As a new leader of the Washington, DC WIT group, I felt it was important that I attend this inaugural event to form relationships with my colleagues from across the globe.
Sure, I knew that I would learn a lot and probably have a fun time. What I didn’t expect was the deep level of bonding with fellow attendees. I was moved by people’s vulnerability, as several stories of challenge and triumph were shared. By the end of the conference, I felt embraced as a full-fledged member of the Ohana.
This year I am thrilled to serve on the WITness Success core planning team! I’m working hard to create a delightful experience, starting from the moment you register. Raising my hand to help produce this event was a no-brainer for me. Here are five reasons why I joined the WITness Success team.
1. Not only am I a Salesforce consultant, I’m also a professional meeting planner
Event planning is a passion that I love as much as I do my Salesforce career! Prior to joining the ecosystem, I had the privilege of working as a meeting planner for over 7 years. I specialized in designing efficient registration processes, email marketing, and managing information systems. (Typical “accidental admin in the making” story, right?!) Although I’m now in a completely different career, I still enjoy coordinating events, and I am happy to lend my skill set to WITness Success!
2. Paying it forward
In my career as a Salesforce consultant, I’m continuously amazed by the generosity of this community. So many people have gone above and beyond for me, offering everything from friendship to rewarding career opportunities.
One experience I will forever cherish is working with Laura Meerkatz in my first Salesforce role. At a prior job, we hired a consulting firm to help us with a new Salesforce implementation. Laura was assigned to our project. Not only was Laura a skilled consultant, she became an excellent mentor to me. As a brand new Salesforce administrator, she immediately took me under her wing. She introduced me to the Power of Us Hub, encouraged me to pursue my admin certification, and ultimately inspired me to one day become a Salesforce consultant. Fast forward five years, and as luck would have it, Laura and I serendipitously reconnected at last year’s WITness Success! It was so deeply gratifying to express in person my appreciation for the part she played in my career journey.
I know that my story is not unique. There are several stories of women forging paths to success and leading the way for others. Serving on the planning team is my way of showing gratitude and paying it forward.
3. Offering my perspective as a woman of color
Working in our industry, I’m far too familiar with being one of the few women or people of color in the room. My first experience at WITness Success was no different. Fortunately, I now have a seat at the table. My goal is to help ensure that WITness Success event is truly inclusive and genuinely celebrates the array of cultures represented within the Ohana.
Like Salesforce, many companies are seeking to close the wage gap and pursue other forms of equality. It is imperative that we the experts—women and people of color—are not only participants, but decision-makers in every facet of the ecosystem.
4. I love throwing a great party
As much as WITness Success is a professional development event, it’s also a celebration! I look forward to enjoying the Allies Dinner on Friday evening, happy hour after a full day of learning on Saturday, and Sunday morning brunch. Let’s be honest, the social events are really where the relationships are made!
5. I get to meet you!
One thing that I love about the Ohana is that it’s full of warm and approachable people. Believe it or not, I can be shy sometimes; so I’m always relieved by how down-to-earth everyone is. Even as a solo attendee last year, it was so easy to meet new people. WITness Success provides the perfect setting to make new friends and catch up with old friends too.
I’m so excited to be a part of the WITness Success team, and I can’t wait to see you July 27-28!
Twitter: @lstreeter
