Every year around International Women’s Day, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to work in an ecosystem filled with so many talented, inspiring, and influential women. I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded, both in person and virtually, by women who not only lead the way in advancing gender equality but who also make lifting others up a core part of their mission.
Last week, I shared a post on LinkedIn asking for recommendations, and the response was overwhelming. Seeing so many women championing one another was genuinely inspiring. At a time when conversations around DEI and equality can sometimes feel deprioritized, continuing to amplify and support each other has never been more important.
Countless women across the Salesforce ecosystem deserve recognition, far more than I could ever capture in a single post. While I’m sharing 15 women I believe are well worth following, I wholeheartedly encourage you to join the conversation and celebrate those who have made an impact on you. Let’s take the opportunity to show our appreciation.
1. Alba Rivas
Principal Developer Advocate, Salesforce
Alba Rivas is a Principal Developer Advocate at Salesforce and a former Salesforce MVP who has become one of the most recognizable and respected voices in the global developer community. Through engaging blogs, videos, conferences, and hands-on learning experiences, she empowers developers to build confidently on the Salesforce Platform, AI, and Data Cloud. Her work has helped countless developers sharpen their skills and expand what’s possible on the platform.
Before joining Salesforce, Alba was already a force in the ecosystem, co-organizing Dreamole, leading the Granada Developer Group, and supporting initiatives like RAD Women to make Salesforce development more inclusive and accessible. Alba doesn’t just advocate for developers; she builds community, creates opportunity, and sets the standard for what leadership in the ecosystem looks like.
2. Sara Hernández Muñoz
Solutions Architect, Mutua Madrileña
Sara Hernández Muñoz is a Salesforce MVP, strategic digital transformation leader, and the founder of WomenForceIT, a global initiative dedicated to reducing the gender gap in tech and empowering Spanish-speaking women within the Salesforce ecosystem. Described by a nominator as a “role model, leader, and true trailblazer,” Sara is deeply committed to uplifting women and the Hispanic community, building not just technical solutions, but human ecosystems where diverse talent can thrive.
Beyond her executive work in AI governance and enterprise strategy, Sara is a powerful community voice through her podcast Crónicas de Salesforce and her widely praised Substack writing, where she translates platform complexity into accessible, strategic insight. She doesn’t just lead transformation; she creates spaces where others can rise with her.
3. Evelyn McMichael-Maguire
Senior CRM Developer and Architect, Open Source Contributor
Evelyn McMichael-Maguire is a 10x Salesforce-certified Senior CRM Developer and Architect known for pushing the platform to its limits, in the best way possible. An open-source contributor and author of the Lightning Web Component Cookbook, Evelyn combines deep technical expertise with a creative, experimental approach to building on Salesforce. Recognized as Own Backup’s Innovator of the Year, they take pride in discovering inventive ways to stress-test and strengthen solutions.
Beyond the code, Evelyn coaches the advanced cohort of RADWomenCode, volunteers locally, and shares their insights through blogging, bringing both brilliance and personality to the Salesforce ecosystem.
4. Marlene Guerra-Reeve
Salesforce CRM Architect, Hertz
Marlene Guerra-Reeve is an Enterprise Salesforce Architect with 16+ years in the ecosystem, known for building secure, scalable platforms that perform at enterprise data scale. A hands-on problem solver, she specializes in automation, API integrations, performance optimization, and simplifying complex architectures to reduce friction and improve user experience.
She’s also a respected thought leader and mentor, and the author of one of SF Ben’s most popular articles, “Order of Execution in Salesforce Simplified + Infographic.” Marlene combines deep technical expertise with a people-first approach, helping both systems and professionals grow stronger and more resilient.
5. Kimberly Small
Founder and Independent Salesforce Developer, SkillShockTech
Kimberly Small is a 9x certified Salesforce Developer, entrepreneur, and founder of SkillShockTech and Snap2Case, known for blending technical excellence with creative innovation. With an entrepreneurial mindset, she builds user-centric CRM solutions that are dynamic, scalable, and designed to help organizations reach their fullest potential.
Kimberly is also a respected thought leader and guest author for SF Ben, where her article “Using Custom Metadata to Build Dynamic, Scalable Flows in Salesforce” showcases her ability to translate complex architecture into practical, high-impact solutions. Passionate about elevating others, she is committed not only to building powerful technology but also to inspiring professionals to grow their skills and confidence within the Salesforce ecosystem.
6. Kate Lessard
Lead Admin Evangelist, Salesforce
Kate Lessard is an 18x certified Lead Admin Evangelist at Salesforce and a member of the Salesforce MVP Class of 2024 (prior to joining the mothership), widely recognized for her dedication to empowering admins to maximize the impact of Salesforce, analytics, and AI. She’s especially beloved for her video series “Kate Clicks Through It,” where she breaks down complex features into practical, approachable insights that admins can immediately apply.
Through keynote presentations, conference sessions, and thoughtful blog content, she consistently turns innovation into action for the community.
Described by a nominator as a “one of a kind, extraordinary trailblazer,” Kate blends deep expertise in strategy, change management, and enterprise transformation with a genuine spirit of collaboration. She has a rare ability to connect technology to real business outcomes while keeping admins at the center of the conversation, championing their growth, confidence, and leadership within the Salesforce ecosystem.
7. Jeanette Jett
Senior Principal Consultant/Team Lead, InvestorFlow
Jeanette Jett is a 16x Salesforce-certified Solution Architect, 2x Salesforce MVP, and Senior Principal Consultant at InvestorFlow with 12+ years in tech and 9 years on Salesforce. Known for her expertise in process automation, business analysis, and mentoring, she designs scalable solutions while fostering strong client partnerships.
Jeanette is deeply active in the Trailblazer community, as a RADWomen Code graduate turned coach, Midwest Dreamin’ committee member, and Dreamforce speaker, and volunteers with initiatives like PepUp Tech and WITness Success. She combines technical skill with a commitment to giving back, helping others grow and succeed in the Salesforce ecosystem.
8. Belinda M Vergara Eggleton
Principal Consultant, Arcsona
Belinda M Vergara Eggleton is a Salesforce-certified Senior Consultant with 12+ years of experience delivering solutions across Mexico, Latin America, and Europe, specializing in Tourism and Vacation Clubs.
She’s also a dedicated mentor, having guided consultants who advanced to architect roles, and serves as Student Coordinator for WomenForceIT, supporting Spanish-speaking women to grow their technical and professional skills. As a Mexico Dreamin’ Organizer Committee member, Belinda combines technical expertise with a passion for community and empowerment.
9. Khyati Mehta
Global Lead – Talent Initiatives (Salesforce), TheSmartBridge
Khyati Mehta is a dynamic Salesforce leader and founder of WIT Dreamin’, recognized for her ability to build, nurture, and inspire communities in the Salesforce ecosystem. As a Marketing Champion, Group Leader of Serviceblazer APAC, Trailblazer Community Forum Ambassador, Trailhead Mentor, and podcast host in India, she has consistently amplified the voices of professionals at every stage of their careers. Khyati is also a top 10 Answer Community Leader, known for her hands-on support and guidance.
Her dedication to empowering others shines through in every initiative she leads, from successfully organizing three editions of WIT Dreamin’ to mentoring newcomers and guiding seasoned professionals. One nominator describes her as “one of the most inspiring young leaders in our ecosystem” whose work doesn’t just grow communities, it uplifts people, leaving a lasting impact across India and beyond.
10. Emily Duncan
Salesforce Developer, Holman
Emily Duncan is a 14x certified Salesforce developer with a passion for Lightning Experience, process automation, and UI customization. She thrives on creating user-friendly, compliant solutions while continuously learning and sharing knowledge.
Emily coaches with RAD Women and has mentored aspiring Salesforce Admins through Supermums, empowering dozens to succeed in their careers. She was personally nominated by Mariel Domingo as a mentor on RAD Women Code, reflecting her dedication to guiding the next generation of Salesforce professionals.
11. Shivani S.
Technical Lead, Metlife
Shivani S. is a Salesforce Architect with 13+ years of experience building scalable, integrated, and intelligent solutions across Sales, Service, and Non-Profit Clouds. With six Salesforce certifications and expertise in Apex, LWC, Omnistudio, and AI-driven tools like Copilot, she leads architecture and integration strategies that drive impact at scale.
Shivani volunteers as a RAD Women Code mentor, inspiring and guiding aspiring developers like Mariel Domingo. Her cross-functional approach blends technical mastery with business-focused solutioning, advancing intelligent automation across the ecosystem.
12. Smriti Sharan
Senior Salesforce Project Manager, LTI – Larsen & Toubro Infotech
Smriti Sharan is a 6x certified Salesforce expert with 12+ years of experience managing enterprise-scale implementations across healthcare and technology. From solution design and scoping to go-live and hypercare, she ensures projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Smriti is also an active educator, running her YouTube channel SFDcampified, mentoring the community, and sharing her expertise with thousands of learners. Recognized as a Salesforce Trailblazer Mentor and winner of internal Deloitte competitions, Smriti combines delivery excellence with a passion for uplifting others.
13. Sonika Tomar
Senior Principal Consultant, Jade Global
Sonika Tomar is a 15x certified Salesforce professional and Senior Manager, combining deep technical expertise with leadership in project management and team enablement. Skilled in Salesforce configuration, data migration, and end-to-end deployment, she excels at designing solutions that meet client needs while leading teams and clearing blockers efficiently.
As a Women in Tech (WIT) leader and 6x Trailhead Ranger, Sonika is committed to continuous learning and empowering others in the Salesforce ecosystem.
14. Elizabeth Knott
Salesforce Manager, PwC
Elizabeth Knott is a powerhouse Product Manager and Salesforce Consultant who blends deep technical expertise with a passion for user and customer experience. With 14+ years in tech, 12 Salesforce certifications across Service, Portals, and Data Architecture, and experience leading complex implementations at Deloitte, she’s built a reputation for reimagining business processes that truly work for people.
Elizabeth doesn’t just design solutions; she connects strategy, UX, and change management to create lasting impact. A five-time career development speaker and advocate for women in tech, she’s as committed to elevating others as she is to elevating the platforms she builds on.
15. Katie Villanueva
Senior Salesforce Administrator, Alliant Insurance Services
Katie Villanueva is a 7x certified solo Salesforce Administrator and Golden Hoodie recipient known for building scalable solutions with agility, precision, and creativity. Beyond her technical skills, spanning Apex, SOQL, DevOps, and change management, Katie is a vocal advocate for mental health in tech as the founder of the Mental Health + Illness User Group.
A proud #LatinaInTech and former Sonando En Color board member, she mentors and uplifts the Latinx Salesforce community, creating safe spaces and opportunities for others to thrive.
Summary
The response to my LinkedIn post was truly overwhelming. I found myself having a slightly teary afternoon, reading through the beautiful comments and the outpouring of love, respect, and appreciation for the incredible women in this ecosystem. It was a powerful reminder of just how much impact these leaders are making, often quietly, consistently, and without seeking recognition.
Trying to narrow this down to just 15 felt impossible, and honestly, a little bit wrong (it was meant to be 10 and I’ve extended it!). There are so many women who deserve to be celebrated. While I’ve highlighted some new voices this time to continue expanding the spotlight, the women I’ve featured before are every bit as deserving today as they were then. This list isn’t about ranking; it’s about recognition, gratitude, and continuing to elevate the brilliance within our community.
So, this International Women’s Day, I’m sending endless love, hugs, and admiration to you, and to every woman who lifts you up and inspires you.
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