Spotlight Series: Vickie Jeffery - newest LBA Ambassador!

We recently asked Vickie to join the Ladies Be Architects team as an ambassador, spreading the word in the Land Down Under, and we were thrilled when she said yes! Here’s her story!

Vickie’s background is in IT Administration and Management. She’s worked in the IT world for the past 20 years, starting in systems and network administration before moving into management and strategy positions.

She inherited Salesforce during a company merger in 2011 and hasn’t looked back. The depth and flexibility of the product and the ability to build quickly and dynamically feed her need to be creative, and the Salesforce Ohana has been pure magic.

Currently, Vickie’s role is Business Technology Manager for Ausure Pty Ltd, an insurance broking group, based in Brisbane, Australia. This role encompasses everything IT and Systems, including IT management, strategy, systems analysis and architecture, heading a small team that maintains, develops and supports 2 Salesforce orgs, Customer Community, Platform Analytics and a number of other non-Salesforce products.

Vickie also co-leads the Brisbane Salesforce User/Administrator Group, co-leads Trailhead Tuesdays in Brisbane and a virtual Community Cloud group aimed at Australia and New Zealand Community Cloud users. Helping others get into the Salesforce ecosystem and assist with their learning journeys is her passion.

Tell us how you heard about Ladies Be Architects?

“I had followed Gemma Blezard on Twitter after seeing re-tweets from others and started to watch the study group recordings on the LBA website and then attended the LBA session at the last Dreamforce.”

What feelings did Ladies Be Architects inspire within you?

“Until I discovered Ladies Be Architects, I really believed that becoming a CTA was out of my league, even though my job includes CRM architecture. So when I discovered LBA and heard other people’s stories, I realised it wasn’t such an unattainable goal and I really should believe in myself. So, it was a mixture of hope and empowerment!”

Tell us why the CTA journey is important to you...

“Apart from wanting to increase the number of women CTAs, I love the learning journey. Even though I’ve been in the Salesforce ecosystem for 8 years, there is still so much to learn. I enjoy the sense of empowerment that comes along with a deep understanding of the product and with passing certifications. It keeps me motivated to continue to learn more and to share that learning with the community around me.”

What’s the next step for you on your Journey to CTA?

“I’m at the beginning of my journey, having passed Platform App Builder last year. Code is fairly foreign to me so I’ve spent quite a bit of this year trying to learn as much as I can with LBA, SFDC99, Path to Code and hoping to get into the next round of RAD Women Code. I’ve failed Platform Developer 1 once, so will retake it once I feel more comfortable. I’m also studying towards Sharing and Visibility Designer, so these will be my next two certs.”

Spotlight Series: Tami Lau

Hello! We’re thrilled to introduce you to Tami Lau, Salesforce MVP and Senior Salesforce Engineer at Presence Product Group! As well as being such a great advocate for women in technology (she also coaches for our friends at Rad Women Code), Tami is co-lead for the Oakland Trailblazer community group and has been working really hard on her #JourneyToCTA.

Tami lives in California in the Bay Area, and she’s been working on the Salesforce platform since 2012, when she “jumped in the deep end as an admin and fell in love”. Tami had been a Raiser’s Edge and Convio admin for several years and she doesn’t have a “traditional” tech background. She was an Environmental Sciences major in college; and worked almost exclusively for government and non-profits. Tami was also a National Park Service ranger for a year and has a deep love for parks, nature and the outdoors.

” I’m as surprised as anyone to find myself in a tech job right now!” - Tami Lau

Tell us how you heard about Ladies Be Architects?

“I heard about Ladies Be Architects from a fellow Women in Tech Developers member (thanks Kate Vickery!). I was immediately intrigued – I had heard about CTAs (Certified Technical Architects) and there was such an air of mystery around them that I wanted to find out more.”

What feelings did Ladies Be Architects inspire within you?

“It has been such an inspiration! Ladies Be Architects was the first place I encountered actual people, and many women, who were on the architect path, and the first time I felt like perhaps this was something I was interested in and capable of doing.”

Tell us why the architect journey is important to you...

“This journey is important to me because it will improve my skills to be a better Salesforce admin, developer, and architect, but also because it’s a way to show others that not all architects (and developers) look like the stereotype.”

What’s the next step for you on your Journey to CTA?

“I achieved Application Architect (the “left side of the pyramid”) last year. The next step for me is to work on System Architect and the optional exams – I just passed Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer, and am working on Community Cloud Consultant next.

“My main concern right now is whether preparing for and doing the board review is realistic while working at a non-profit (and having had only non-profit experience). But one step at a time…still plenty to tackle before I need to think about that!”

Interesting……well, if you share the same concerns as Tami, take a look at this slide deck from the Connected Non Profit conference in London, where Ladies Be Architects addresses architectural thinking in a non-profit context! Keep going girls – looking forward to catching up with you a little further down the line Tami :0)

Connected-Nonprofit-Conference-Channelling-Inner-Architect.pptx

Download PPTX • 64.99MB

Spotlight Series: Blanca Leon-Carter

Blanca V. Leon-Carter started her career early in the non-profit sector and quickly moved to specialize in non-profit technology. She has over 18+ years of experience and recently came to a crossroads.

A little over 12 months ago, she took a huge risk on a leap of faith and invested in herself. Without a plan, with a 9-month-old, near heart attack, worn down and like many non-profit professionals, near burnout. This type of risk was foreign to her as she is very much a planner and prefers the stability of all facets. After a trip to the emergency room where she was first tested for a heart attack and later diagnosed with acute anxiety and post-partum depression, she decided something had to change. She chose her wellbeing and family when she decided to resign from her tenured position in mid-February of 2018. She has stated, “It was the BEST decision I’ve ever made.”

She started the RAD Women Code course in February 2018, passed the Salesforce Certified Administrator exam in June 2018, transitioned and revitalized her career. In July she secured a position as Salesforce Administrator at her 2x alma mater, Devry University. She proudly works alongside a very supportive CRM team of five women in tech. A few months after securing the position at the university she passed the Platform App Builder certification. Over the course of seven months, she has led two Ladies Be Architects study groups, focused on PD1 content and learning to code. She also volunteers for RAD Women Code.

Blanca proudly celebrates the announcement of her passing the Platform Developer I certification exam in March 2019!

She is passionate about community empowerment, lifelong learning, and breaking down barriers. In her spare time, she embraces family fun with #babyblazer (now 22 months old), her eldest son, husband, family, and friends. She finds calm in practicing yoga.

Tell us how you heard about Ladies Be Architects?

“On May 15, 2018, I received a Twitter DM from Ladies Be Architects. I would have never imagined in a million light years that my admin learning adventures (shared on Twitter) would catch Charly’s attention. In her message, she expressed excitement of my studies to become a Salesforce Certified Administrator. She went on to extend a helping hand by offering to set up a “quick mini study group” to help me prep for any areas that were tough and answer any questions I had.

“I just want you to know we are here to support you!” was Charly’s next statement.

“I remember thinking to myself, “Oh my – this is Ladies Be Architects, this is Charly Prinsloo! If she has time in her very busy day and life to extend a helping hand, if she is investing time to support newbies like me- I have to pass!” I was immediately excited to learn more about Ladies Be Architects. Mostly, I had to find out how I too could get involved and help others feel like they have a safe space to learn something new, grow professionally, and thrive.”

What feelings did Ladies Be Architects inspire within you?

“Hope. My learning adventures mattered. I mattered. This may not seem big for some people, however, for a Latina woman in tech who always had to prove her worthiness in the tech area to even be considered the equivalent to a “tech guy” by a vendor and/or technology provider, this was HUGE. When Charly introduced herself to me and introduced me to Ladies Be Architects, I was immediately afforded support and a safe space to be my true self.

“Shortly after, I saw the need for a Platform Developer 1 study group. I reached out to Charly and Gemma to express my interest in volunteering to lead the #LBAjourneytoPD1 group. They welcomed my interests and provided the thumbs up. I was empowered. They taught me that I didn’t have to know all the answers or to be an expert, and most importantly it was okay to not know everything. My tenacity to learn, curiosity to dive into the PD1 content, and my passion to help others was appreciated and respected.

“Overwhelmed with positivity and encouragement, this would spark the beginning of my study group leader journey. I was about to embark in unchartered waters, to continue to learn how to develop for the Salesforce platform.

“Throughout this journey, Gemma, Charly, and Susannah have consistently provided guidance. They supported us with the tools we needed to conduct successful virtual study groups. Often they would sacrifice their valuable time to join us for live sessions and present of some of the most challenging topics.

“Extreme joy and gratitude are what being a part of the Ladies Be Architects initiative have continuously made me feel. I have a strong appreciation for each one of my fellow #LBAjourneytoPD1 & #LBAapex16 study buddies who study hard, invest their time with our group, and to cultivate their professional development. Words cannot express how incredibly thankful I am for Charly, Gemma, Susannah, and all my study buddies. I would not be here today if it weren’t for each and every one of you!!!

“Inspiration in knowing there are many others like me, Apex code newbies who will move mountains to excel and achieve great success in becoming PD1 certified.

“Pride to be part of a community that is truly inclusive and uplifts women and allies on this journey, not only to PD1, but to CTA, too.”

Author’s Note: Since Blanca completed her study group in August 2018, we’ve recorded 28 Platform Developer I achievements!

Tell us why the CTA journey is important to you...

“I am a minority. Throughout my life, I was doubted, discouraged, and at times rejected. I’ve always had to work triple hard to prove that I was competent and worth an opportunity. I have worked tirelessly hard to find ways to not only survive but to be resilient. This journey to PD1 and CTA is no doubt challenging but I know with my Ladies Be Architects study buddies, we will prevail. Together we will jump outside our comfort zones, break down barriers and bridge gaps for women in technology. Together we will grow the number of women as platform developers and CTAs.

“The learning curve for certifications for the Salesforce platform is steep and rightfully so. I have been tempted to slow down. I have been distracted with managing work, family, and life’s curveballs. I have for a split millisecond thought, “maybe I should wait to try next year when I am more prepared, and life is calmer”. Being a part of the study groups and have the Ladies Be Architects ohana alongside made it easier to keep going when content and times got tough. The high levels of motivation, many levels of enthusiasm and expertise and helping others cultivates a force of learning that you cannot avoid. You cannot fail, you can only grow with. Therefore, I will never study for a Salesforce certification alone again.

“The benefits and comfort knowing that we have each other’s back through the ups, downs, and all around, is invaluable. It is an honor to learn from and with so many individuals who share my passion. Everyone brings a wealth of knowledge, differed interpretations of content and approaches to code solutions and more. Everyone brings their stories of success and pain points and it is as real as it gets. There is no other way I’d rather invest time and share my learning experiences.”

What’s the next step for you on your Journey to CTA?

“I have finally passed the Salesforce Platform Developer I certification exam at the fifth attempt. That’s right folks, 5th! I know this is only the very beginning of a lifetime love affair with learning to code and develop for the Salesforce platform. I have had times where I strongly disliked the content, the many hours understanding materials and debugging code, or that I struggled intensely. Despite all those times, I have hit the jackpot in finding something that I love enough to do, even when it is tough. I have gained many study buddies, mentors, and have grown my Ohana worldwide. I study with individuals of all backgrounds and walks of life. This journey to CTA is sure to bring many benefits and great adventures.

“I am sure that I am on the path I want to be, that I deserve to be on and that I enjoy with all my heart. I will continue up the #JourneytoCTA pyramid, however, I may focus on Community and non-profit certifications next. While they will not expedite my climbing up the pyramid, those topics are where I have the biggest interest in, having come from an 18.5-year nonprofit tech career previously.

“I will continue to volunteer for Ladies Be Architects and RAD Women Code. It is because of initiatives like these that I was enlightened as to what a career as women in tech could be. I was afforded an opportunity to learn from highly skilled and compassionate coaches and mentors. For this, I am forever indebted to Ladies Be Architects and RAD Women Code.

“A fire has been ignited in me and it shall forever provide light to keep me on this wild path to CTA!” – Blanca Leon-Carter

What allies and resources contributed to learning successes?

“I’d like to thank our allies who have contributed content in support of our study groups, dedicated time to help us start off on the right foot and remain on a strong path to developing for the platform.

Don Robins, we appreciate the tremendous amount of resources you gathered for us and provided access to. They were of great quality and incredibly helpful on our learning expedition.

David Liu, thank you for developing the Apex curriculum, SFDC99.com blog, and for taking time to join us for a live Q&A session.

Mike Topalovich for teaching Intro to Apex workshops in Chicago and in other cities.

Andres Perez for sharing exemplary content during Salesforce & Trailhead’s #CertificationDays and for the abundance of resources of your blog to help break down complicated topics when it comes to Salesforce platform development.

Martin Gessner & Mike Wheeler, we appreciate the courses and practice exams that help us get a small sample of what we must prepare for.

I’d also like to give a shout out to my Chicago ohana members, Chicago Women in Tech User Group, Chicago Salesforce Saturdays, and WITdevs for all that they do to host in-person and virtual meetups for the ecosystem.

“Salesforce staff, we tremendously appreciate the extensive resources available throughout all your sites, including Trailhead, Salesforce docs, and the Success community. There is no better way to learn than hands-on experience and we appreciate your efforts to provide us with tools we need to succeed!”