Katie Villanueva’s story is a testament to the unexpected paths that lead us to our true passions. With a background in radio, call centers, and then sales, Katie found that those roles weren’t suited to her. However, this realization was just the beginning of her transformative journey.

While working as a customer service agent with ZirMed, Katie connected with the Salesforce Platform and understood its potential. When she started a new job at Alliant Purchasing and the company didn’t know how to best utilize Salesforce, Katie volunteered to help customize its Salesforce org. This opportunity led her to become Alliant’s full-time admin. She leveraged Trailhead’s free resources to continually upskill herself. This period became an opportunity for growth, leading her to delve deeper into the world of Salesforce and improve her expertise, which helped her execute on the ideas she had as a user.

At the start of her career, Katie often felt isolated until she discovered the Trailblazer Community. Immersing herself in this supportive network was a pivotal “aha!” moment, igniting her passion for learning and growth. The community provided a platform for her to connect, share, and learn from others. Katie’s journey took a bold turn when she ventured into public speaking for the first time. This courageous step pushed her out of her comfort zone and enabled her to share her story and insights with others, further solidifying her role as a mentor and advocate in the community.