Before discovering Salesforce, Wendi Paden worked as an independent consultant helping businesses enhance their brands and online presence. However, after surviving a domestic violence incident that forced her to leave her home and seek solace at a Cherokee Nation reservation, Wendi knew she needed a fresh start — one that would empower her both personally and professionally. With the encouragement of her mentor, Wendi enrolled in the WAVE program, a joint Deloitte Digital and Salesforce global training program, and immersed herself in Salesforce through Trailhead, Salesforce’s free online learning platform. Learning Salesforce skills alongside peers in the program offered her not just technical skills, but also a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
Wendi loved the challenge of earning superbadges on Trailhead, calling them a puzzle that she wishes she could solve all over again. She was soon Business Analyst certified, and recently, she achieved her fourth Salesforce certification, AI Specialist — a milestone that symbolized her tenacity and love for innovation. Scoring 100% in several subject areas of the exam was a moment of triumph for Wendi that underscored her dedication to mastering complex concepts and unlocked a deep passion for AI. With newfound confidence and certification of her skills, Wendi embarked on her new career.
At the Cherokee Nation reservation, Wendi found not just personal safety, but also a supportive community that helped her rebuild her life. In return, she channeled her skills and passion for innovation with Salesforce into a career serving her Tribal Nation. Today, as a Salesforce Business Analyst II for the Cherokee Nation Government, Wendi works on technology initiatives that connect essential services to Cherokee citizens. Her role allows her to directly impact her community, ensuring that rapidly changing technology is a bridge to opportunity and empowerment.
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Wendi PadenSalesforce Business Analyst II, Cherokee Nation
Wendi is excited about the role of AI in the Salesforce ecosystem, especially tools like Agentforce, which she believes will revolutionize productivity by automating repetitive tasks. Her vision includes integrating AI into DevOps to enhance application testing and reduce defects — a game changer for organizations everywhere. For Wendi, the future of technology is bright, and she’s committed to helping others harness its potential.
The Trailblazer Community has also been a cornerstone of Wendi’s success. She forged deep friendships through the WAVE program and co-founded the Kaliwohi Project, a Tribal-focused fundraising solution built on Salesforce’s Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP). The project has supported the Cherokee Nation’s One Fire initiative, which aids survivors of domestic violence, by raising funds and creating care packages for those in need.