Crea un cambio preguntando por tu próximo puesto

I have always strived to be someone who speaks out, steps up for what counts, and advocate for others to do the same. Empowering people of color to amplify their voices is important to me. Thankfully, I work in an organization that also strives to empower a diversity of voices, and encourages me to amplify those voices as much as I can.

Two years ago during maternity leave, I paused to consider how I was helping shape the future. I was compelled to make myself heard about the issues I believe matter. When I returned to work, I sat down with the leader of the Indianapolis hub, where I am based, and told him I hoped Salesforce could do more.I’d been working for Salesforce in recruiting for about three years – I loved the culture and the passion of the organization. It was a company that had stood by me both financially and personally when I had two babies, facilitating the kind of parental leave and flexible working arrangements that meant I never had to worry about not having enough time to bond with my babies.

But sometimes you know it’s time for a change. I had mastered my role and wanted to reach further in my goals of giving back to the community. A job in a new city with a new organization was on the horizon, and perhaps the prospect of moving on helped me to speak a bit more freely than I might have otherwise.

I talked to colleagues about how much I loved the diversity of Indianapolis but how it still felt very divided and segregated in many ways. I told the Indy hub leader that I felt like Salesforce was in a position to do more in the community here, especially with underrepresented minorities and the organizations associated with them. With all these incredible resources, tools, and platforms at the ready, why not use them to help these communities skill up in ways that could change their lives?

I had the information to back up my claims, I was clear about what I wanted to say and I was very, very frank.

“You’re right,” he said. “I want those things too. Let’s create a job for you so you can make it happen.”

That wasn’t the response I was expecting! I was amazed but also a little skeptical at first. It seemed almost too good to be true. But before long, as Manager of Community Relations and Partnerships, I was working closely with leadership to enable real change in Indy and helping meet those community goals I’d raised my voice about.

I was blown away by the degree of trust involved. The Indy hub leader didn’t know me or have any experience working with me. But that can be the power of a truly authentic and candid conversation. It can be a bit scary – you’re putting yourself on the line – but if you don’t speak up, you don’t discover what opportunities might be available. This is especially important for underrepresented minorities. Speak up. Find allies. Be heard.

In partnership with Nextech, we’ve helped provide computer science education for kids in under-resourced inner city schools, as well as internship opportunities at Marketing Cloud. It’s really exciting to share this world with kids who would normally just not have access to this kind of opportunity. Plus they can include it on their resumes when they’re applying for colleges, which is a huge advantage.