Career

Salesforce Military: Celebrating Women Veterans and Spouses

By Megan Tuano

When you think of a career in tech, you might assume that a certain level or professional background experience is required. With Salesforce, you will hear a different story as they offer free training programs to help you kick-start your tech career.

Military members and spouses can find that their valuable skills are transferable to the tech industry. Salesforce recognizes the potential that military members and their spouses bring to the table, which is why they created Salesforce Military. This dedicated program offers free training and support to active military, veterans, and spouses.

In this article, you’ll read about the inspiring journeys of four service members who have successfully transitioned from the military to Salesforce. They are proof that you’re not alone and that there’s help available to guide you through your own journey. We hope you enjoy reading about their story!

Introducing Our Veterans

It’s an honor to feature not only amazing veterans in the Salesforce ecosystem, but also leaders who are breaking barriers in the space. As we celebrate the contributions of our veterans and their pivotal role in driving positive change within the Salesforce community, we also celebrate their families. Join us in recognizing these veterans’ remarkable achievements through service within their time in the military and impacts through their careers.

Jennifer Quintero

Hello everyone, I’m Jennifer! I am a wife and proud mother of three beautiful children.

I had the honor of serving in the United States Air Force for a decade. Part of my duties included enhancing the security and reliability of information systems, ensuring they were safeguarded against potential threats and vulnerabilities. After the military, I embraced various roles, which provided me with new opportunities to expand my knowledge and expertise in the technology industry. This discovery launched my journey into the Salesforce ecosystem.

I now have an exciting role at Salesforce as a Lead Solution Engineer for State & Local Government within the Salesforce Global Public Sector business unit. This role has been a perfect blend of my passion for technology and my drive to foster innovation and create a positive impact. The initiatives I’ve been involved in have been exceptionally fulfilling, allowing me to be part of driving change, digital transformation, and innovation. It is truly humbling to contribute to positive transformations that benefit communities and citizens.

What was the most difficult part of transitioning out of the military and into the civilian workforce?

During my transition from the military, I faced the challenge of underestimating the true value of my skill sets and how they could be applied in the private sector. However, this became an opportunity for self-discovery and professional growth.

After separating from the Air Force, I missed the deep camaraderie and unity formed with fellow servicemen. Connecting with people in the same way I did in the military was challenging for me. On a positive note, these challenges have had a constructive influence on me, motivating me to contribute to the military and veteran community as they transition into civilian life.

How has your leadership in the military influenced your support in your veteran community?

The Air Force has played a crucial role in shaping me into the leader I was meant to be. I am grateful for the transformative impact on my personal growth and leadership development.

As a veteran, I strongly believe in the significance of supporting the military community, and I actively seek out opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Having served as a former City Commissioner on the Veteran, Disability, Health & Human Services Commission, my dedication to enhancing lives in the community motivates me in diverse initiatives and programs.

I am humbled to be recognized and awarded the prestigious 2023 VA Center for Women Trailblazers “Women Making a Difference” award.

What is your advice for transitioning service members interested in pursuing a career in Salesforce?

For starters, explore new titles and roles to acquire diverse skill sets. You may unlock new passions, leading to unexpected job opportunities you might never have considered.

Embrace the connections you make, ask questions, and explore the wide range of offerings within the Salesforce ecosystem. With a wealth of products and clouds to discover, there are endless opportunities for growth and learning!

READ MORE: Transferable Skills: From Military Leader to Salesforce Admin

Jokonda Millan

Hello, my name is Jokonda, and my professional career began at the age of 17 when I moved from New York to San Diego after joining the Navy – a little over two weeks after graduating high school.

As a young Sailor, I started working in aviation, launching and recovering aircraft on a flight line. As fun as that was, I also had the opportunity to work in the IT department at my current command, and that’s when I first discovered my passion for working in tech. After completing my contract with the Navy, I attended college and earned a degree in Computer Systems.

What was the most difficult part of transitioning out of the military and into the civilian workforce?

The challenge in advancing my career came after having to move with my spouse to his next command with no connections and not really understanding the importance of networking while in college. After another move, now to Japan, advancing my career became more of a challenge as opportunities were few for military spouses, and I’ve also given birth to my second child.

How did you set yourself apart from your peers?

Amongst other moves and being underemployed, launching my first solo business, and finally being unemployed during the pandemic, I connected with another military spouse who shared their career working in the Salesforce community. I did some research, really enjoyed learning about the platform and found an amazing community of trailblazers who were open to connecting and sharing their experiences with me – that changed my life!

What have been some of your biggest accomplishments so far?

I started participating in live speaking events such as the Florida Dreamin’ and Latinas in Salesforce to share my knowledge. In order to grow, I built my social presence while advancing my career and learning at the same time!

Megan Godes

  • United States Army Veteran
  • Salesforce Project Manager at HigherEchelon, Inc
  • Connect with Megan on LinkedIn

I’m Megan Godes, currently residing in Colorado Springs with my husband, three canine companions, Chico, Cynder, and Crouton, and our feline friend, Stitch. My husband serves in the military and is a dedicated member of the Special Operations Forces community.

I wear two proud titles: Army Veteran and Military Spouse. Graduating from the United States Military Academy in 2014, I was commissioned as an Engineer Officer. During my time at West Point, I was a volleyball cadet-athlete and a graduate strength coach.

While my military journey was relatively short, it was impactful. I led a remarkable Construction Engineer Platoon as a Platoon Leader and served as Aide-de-Camp to my Brigade Commander. Furthermore, I had the privilege of representing not only the United States Army but all Armed Forces, participating in the All-Army women’s volleyball team and even earning a spot in Team USA – an experience that allowed me to represent our nation on a global stage. My military service concluded with a medical separation in 2018.

The transition wasn’t a source of sadness for me; I recognized that my true calling was outside the military. My leadership experiences and observations within the ranks fueled a passion to address the dearth of resources and care in women’s health and physical training.

Facing unemployment, I made the decision to fall back on my undergraduate degree in Information Systems Management. This led me to relocate from Texas, where I was residing at the time, to Alabama. There, I took up a role as a Systems Engineer Consultant at HigherEchelon, Inc.

Fortunately, I’ve managed to channel my other passion – women’s health and fitness – through alternative avenues. Since 2021, I’ve been an online women’s coach, guiding and empowering others on their fitness journey. I’ve also had the privilege of coaching youth in strength and volleyball, alongside serving as a CrossFit coach.

My aspiration is to inspire individuals within the Salesforce sphere, often associated with desk jobs, to embrace a more active lifestyle. My mission extends beyond physical betterment to enhancing mental, emotional, and cognitive well-being.

What is your advice for transitioning service members interested in pursuing a career in Salesforce?

Begin with Trailhead – it’s genuinely that straightforward! Amidst the abundance of resources, best practices, and advice available, the most effective way to learn is by immersing yourself in it all, taking it step by step, and understanding that grasping everything right away isn’t essential. While Salesforce boasts an intuitive nature, it’s an intricate domain that perpetually demands learning. The key is to engage with whatever material you can get your hands on and initiate your journey.

Our community, particularly the military community, is brimming with individuals willing to offer assistance and guidance. However, the initial drive to help yourself lies squarely with you. Don’t shy away from reaching out for help or even just a conversation on LinkedIn. I assure you that in 10 out of 10 instances, people will gladly make time to converse and provide support. We’re all mutually invested in each other’s success.

What are you most proud of looking back at your journey?

I take immense pride in my resilience, determination, and capacity to perceive the broader context. My journey has been marked by confronting significant personal challenges, particularly in recent years. I’m proud of my ability to maintain strength throughout while also acknowledging that there were moments when I needed to admit, “I am not okay”, and take a pause when necessary.

I’m also immensely proud of my resolute determination and unwavering commitment to never give up. If it weren’t for my persistent efforts (every day) in urging my consulting company and my current boss to afford me an opportunity, I wouldn’t have found myself in the realm of Salesforce, serving as a Project Manager. This persistence has led me to lead various Salesforce implementation projects and teams continually.

READ MORE: Military to Salesforce Trailblazers: Success Stories

Military Spouses Making a Difference

Military spouses are an integral part of the armed forces community, offering vital support, stability, and resilience for their families.

These extraordinary individuals, standing as pillars of strength behind the scenes, play a pivotal role in supporting both their partners’ military service and the ever-evolving tech industry. As their loved ones dedicate themselves to serving our nation, these military spouses demonstrate their own brand of resilience and adaptability, embodying the very essence of the Salesforce spirit. Join us in celebrating the amazing military spouses and the stories they bring to the Salesforce ecosystem.

Ebony Williams

My name is Ebony and I am a Senior Salesforce Consultant at Slalom. I’m also a veteran spouse and mom to four beautiful girls. I’m a humble, authentic leader, and I consider myself to be a lifetime learner!

How has Salesforce and the community supported you as a military spouse? Are there other specific resources or support networks that have been helpful in navigating the industry?

Salesforce Military provided me with free certifications. I’ve earned ten certifications through the program – it was a huge saving grace!

How has your experience as a military spouse influenced your leadership style and your ability to adapt to different situations within the Salesforce ecosystem?

My experience as a military spouse has avoided me the ability to make things happen with limited resources, time, or information. The ability to maneuver through obstacles and still get the job done is a skill learned via the role of a military spouse.

What keeps you motivated in your Salesforce career, and how do you stay resilient during challenging times?

New clouds, technologies, and features keep me motivated and inspired in my Salesforce Career. There’s always something new to learn! There’s never a dull moment.

Rachel Dishman

Hello! My name is Rachel. I am a mother of two, a military spouse, and the Lead Solution Engineer at Salesforce.

As many spouses can relate, the challenges posed by frequent relocations made finding meaningful employment nearly impossible for many years. However, finding the Salesforce Trailhead Military program marked a turning point in my life and enabled me to pursue a fulfilling career.

I secured my first job in the ecosystem as an administrator for a local nonprofit and attended Dreamforce that year, which confirmed that a remote career while also supporting my husband and family could become a reality. Shortly after, I joined the Salesforce Military team as a contractor, working remotely while welcoming our first child. After my contract ended, I shifted into consulting and led successful implementations. This was also the first time in my career that I kept the same job after two cross-country relocations.

During the interview process for my current role at Salesforce, I shared news of my second pregnancy with the hiring manager and was met with, “Biggest congratulations! This doesn’t change anything; you are still a top candidate.” I started my role four months pregnant. For the past two years, I have been at Salesforce in the Public Sector business unit. Not only am I constantly learning and evolving, but the initiatives are extremely fulfilling as I am able to help drive change, improvements, and innovation to the very processes and community that I engage with daily.

What challenges have you faced as a military spouse when it comes to pursuing a career in tech?

After one particular relocation, I was unemployed for over six months. With an MBA, relevant work experience, and a strong drive for employment, I was overqualified and undervalued for the few open positions that would even entertain a candidate who would be moving out of the area in a year or less. The struggle for military spouses to find a lucrative job begins far before considering the possibility of a career.

Fortunately, Trailhead Military offers a comprehensive guide with all the necessary steps and action items to pursue a career in technology. Beyond just providing this valuable information, the generosity of offering it for free is something I will always be extremely grateful for.

Are there any specific challenges you faced in terms of work-life balance as a military spouse in the Salesforce industry?

A month after I began a new job at Salesforce, my husband left for the first half of a 12-month deployment series. A week later, my father died. I was pregnant with our second child, had a toddler at home, and was stationed across the country away from friends and family.

Sometimes, there are phases of no balance, but simply survival. The immense support from family and the unwavering understanding from my manager and team at Salesforce is what got us through some of the most challenging chapters of my life.

Can you share any notable accomplishments or projects you’ve been involved in within the Salesforce space?

I’m extremely proud of an initiative that we have introduced this year around the Transformation of Homeless Services throughout the Public Sector at Salesforce. We have showcased the innovation and workflow of how Salesforce can help connect individuals to resources and shelters in the area, then continue to coordinate care and support goal attainment. I am humbled to know that this solution will help many people and communities in the future.

For Dreamforce 2023, I was honored to be on stage driving the live demos for the Salesforce Co-Founder and CTO at the Architect Keynote and Public Sector Keynote. An absolutely incredible experience and something I only dreamed of five years ago when I attended as an aspiring Trailblazer.

What keeps you motivated in your Salesforce career, and how do you stay resilient during challenging times?

My family is my number one driving force. The outstanding village of those who inspire, support, and have impacted my career forms a list that extends for miles. The community and ecosystem are always inspiring me, and thankfully, there is no shortage of new things to learn, which is a dream come true for a lifelong learner like myself.

Josephine Savidge

Hey! I’m Josephine, the Salesforce Marketing Cloud Delivery Manager at Bose and a proud Air Force spouse living it up in sunny Sacramento, CA. When I’m not rockin’ it at work, you’ll find me hanging out with my lovely dogs, exploring new recipes (hopefully not burning down the kitchen), diving into a good book, or jet-setting around to feed my travel bug!

Speaking of adventure, let me share one of my favorite quotes that fuels my ambition and keeps me going: “I don’t give a damn about odds,” she says. “Odds don’t tell me what I can’t do. Odds just tell me how hard I’ll have to work to get what I want.” Dream big and work hard, my friends!

How has Salesforce and the community supported you as a military spouse? Are there other specific resources or support networks that have been helpful in navigating the industry?

When I first embarked on my Salesforce journey, I found myself warmly embraced by the Salesforce Military community. These folks are the real deal – supportive, motivational, and always ready to help with a question or a much-needed dose of inspiration. I highly recommend joining this fantastic community along with Merivis and Veterati. Trust me; you’ll be soaring in your Salesforce career with the support of these incredible networks.

How has your experience as a military spouse influenced your leadership style and your ability to adapt to different situations within the Salesforce ecosystem?

As a military spouse, my leadership style has been influenced by the fantastic camaraderie I’ve experienced within the military community. Teamwork makes the dream work, and I strive to make sure everyone on my team feels valued and engaged. Constantly adapting to change as a military spouse has made me a champion at navigating the ever-evolving Salesforce ecosystem. If I can handle moving across the country or even abroad, handling shifting priorities on a project is a piece of cake!

What keeps you motivated in your Salesforce career, and how do you stay resilient during challenging times?

What keeps me fired up in my Salesforce career? Well, my goals, of course! I crafted a vision board that outlined my dream job – salary, perks, benefits, and all the good stuff. Whenever I hit a rough patch, I’d glance at that board and know that everything would be worth it once I achieved my aspirations. And guess what? I’m now living the dream! So, I’m cranking up the ambition dial even more and dreaming bigger for the next adventure.

What advice would you give to other military spouses who are interested in pursuing a career in Salesforce?

To all you amazing military spouses eyeing a career in Salesforce, listen up! The Salesforce Military community is your secret weapon. Get in there, ask questions, grab a coffee (virtually or in-person), get referrals, and let other people’s career journeys inspire you.

Embrace the wealth of resources available to you, and I promise you’ll soar to new heights! Keep those dreams alive, stay resilient through the challenges, and remember – the Salesforce world is your oyster. Dream big, work hard, and embrace the incredible support around you. Now, go out there and make magic happen!

Final Thoughts

As we come to the end of this journey celebrating the remarkable contributions of women veterans and military spouses within the Salesforce community, one thing is abundantly clear: their impact knows no bounds.

These trailblazers have shown us the true meaning of courage, resilience, and dedication. From their outstanding service in the military to their unwavering support behind the scenes, they have enriched the tech industry with their unique perspectives and invaluable skills. Let us continue to stand in awe of these incredible women, honoring their sacrifices, celebrating their successes, and ensuring their voices are heard and appreciated.

A special thank you to each of you. Thank you for your service and for being an inspiration to the Salesforce community.

The Author

Megan Tuano

Megan is currently working as a Senior Business Analyst at Accenture Federal Services, and also works part-time as a content creator and Salesforce-focused Youtuber to help navigate, guide, and inspire others through their journeys.

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