Can I get a WITness?

For my first post-introduction post, it is only appropriate that it be about one of the most awesome weekend's I've had in a longtime - WITness Success.

Held this year in Denver, WITness Success is a Salesforce Community event specifically curated for Women in Tech (and allies) by Women in Tech. The event is only in its second year, but came highly recommended to me by some fellow WITs at Trailheadx earlier in the year. As soon as I heard about it, I decided on the spot that I needed to attend.

As luck would have it, I also won the raffle in the lead up to the event for early registrants, and was lucky enough to receive a room upgrade!

Before the event even began, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with some wonderful people in the form of a Baseball game, Daydreamin at 5280, and a couple of group meals. If there's one thing I'm starting to learn, it's how important it is to socialise with the Salesforce Ohana, to share experiences and to learn from each other.

While I was prepared for a different kind of event, I really didn't realise how profoundly different it would be. My conference was off to a great start, participating in the "Be a Multiplier" workshop with Leah McGowen-Hare and Chris Duarte from Salesforce, some volunteer time at the registration desk, and then to close out the first day - the Allies Dinner. The evening was filled with good food, good company, and most importantly, the amazing stories of how our community goes above and beyond to be Equality Allies. 

The next day, it was time for the meat of the conference... and boy did it not disappoint! There were three engaging keynotes featuring again Leah McGown-Hare, Beth Comstock, and Gillian Bruce with a panel of truly inspiring stories.

The sessions covered an array of specifically non-technical content including some expert tips on working remotely, career opportunities and the doozy - the importance of knowing my worth and promoting myself. I can honestly say, I've never learned so much about myself in such a short period of time. My head is still swimming in the thoughts of career possibilities, looking after myself, how I can help the community... and of course, how long until next year's event!

To any Women in Tech, and of course allies thinking about attending, I highly recommend it! There are no doubt countless more profound experiences to be had, and life skills to learn.

Highlights - Meeting Melinda Smith and Kristi Campbell from the TwoWIT podcast. Chatting with Gillian Bruce and Becky de Loryn from Salesforce.

 

Soundtrack: Can I Get a Witness - Marvin Gaye

(This is a thing I like to do with my blogs - name them after songs!)