Campfire Stories
By Melissa Hill Dees & Christian Estevez (formally Stacey Whitaker)
Campfire StoriesApr 12, 2023
A Reignited Story with Christian Estevez
The campfire sparks are reignited as Trailblazer Christian Estevez joins Stacey Whitaker and Melissa Hill Dees. The trio shares their love of Meighan Brodkey and Dreamin' Events, like Florida Dreamin', where they met in 2018. Christian shares his story of becoming a Trailblazer, with credit to his above-and-beyond work approach and the help of Salesforce Military and Merivis Vets programs.
Don't miss the special announcement that launches the next chapter of Campfire Stories.
A Secret Password Story with Pallavi Agarwal
Pallavi Agarwal is a woman of many talents: entrepreneur, CEO, organizer, consultant, and design architect. Join us as she tells the story of her journey in the Salesforce trailblazer community and shares the secret password!
Follow her at https://twitter.com/PalluAgs and https://www.linkedin.com/in/agarwalpallavi/
A Say Yes Story with Michelle Hansen
Did you know that the first thing Michelle Hansen ever built on Salesforce was a flow? No wonder she's such the Flow expert these days! Join us in a discussion on Flows, Stickers, Pretzels, and Michelle's least favorite smell.
Find Michelle's portfolio at https://michelleehansen-developer-edition.na81.force.com/portfolio/s/
A Year Four Story with Our Alumni
A yearly tradition, join us at the virtual campfire as we welcome back Campfire Stories Alumni from throughout our four years of podcasting. We share thoughts on certifications, CPQ, and so much more.
Be sure to tweet @SFCampfire when you hear the special announcement being shared as we kick off our fifth season!
A Reset Story with Rebe de la Paz
In the final episode of the #BAM series, Cece Adams returns as a special guest co-host and we welcome Rebe de la Paz to the campfire. Rebe shares her Trailblazer Story and how she's learned when it's time to reset.
"I had to learn what are my limits and boundaries and which of those are perceived in my head. We are the ones who set up our own hurdles for our destinies," she says. "I'm looking at the universe asking what lesson are you going to teach me today."
A Study Story with Brenda Glasser
"At my core, I'm an admin. I like building stuff on the platform" says Brenda. This 16x Certified expert tells her story of journey from Admin to Architect and how she secured all those credentials.
Special thanks to: Michelle Bura (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlbura/) for building community and study groups
Training and mentorship/hands-on experience - https://supermums.org/
Training and job placement for vets - https://merivis.org/
And don't miss the "Twin Conferences in the Twin Cities" - https://www.midwestdreamin.com/ & https://witnesssuccess.com/ this July!
A Title Match Story with Tom Hoffman
For Tom, finding Salesforce and building his career was like getting the title fight after a long come back journey. Hear his story of overcoming unfortunate life choices and addiction to become a Salesforce MVP, business leader, and advocate for sharing this opportunity.
Mentioned in the episode:
- Tom's "Failblazer" Story: https://theaccidentaladmins.com/failblazer-comeback-story
- Stacey's Trailblazer Story: https://youtu.be/u_GLSAt-2Ks
- Salesforce MVP Nominations: https://www.salesforce.com/blog/mvp-nominations/
- Trailblazer Dan Dlugos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieldlugos/
- Give Camp, building free Salesforce projects for non profits: https://givecamp.org/
- Dresh's Episode of Campfire Stories: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Iv4i31ZGMMperQxvHpMzQ?si=3Z9tuyS-RU-e3lcvqE8mpQ
Connect with Tom at https://www.linkedin.com/in/twh84/ or https://twitter.com/THoff84
A Forward Story with Sheeba Thukral
We learn the "Sheeba mentality" when it comes to taking risks and becoming okay with failure. "Don't be afraid to take risks, don't be afraid to occasionally fail because if you're not occasionally failing, you're not trying hard enough," she says. "Taking risks leads you to success"
Link to Becka Miller's episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1am350O0F4vQdhLjysFyGI?si=1Vt93VmWTWePSv4d0RDrVw
Nominations for 2022 Salesforce MVP class: https://www.salesforce.com/blog/mvp-nominations/
Thanks to Rad Women Code for helping Sheeba and so many others amplify their tech career. Find more about this great resource at radwomen.org
Connect with Sheeba:
- KindCause.Org - kindcause.org
- SFDC Sheeba - sfdcsheeba.com
- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/sheebathukral
A St. Thomas Story with Marisa Lopez
Living in paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Salesforce MVP Marisa Lopez spends her days enjoying the Caribbean and working hard for non-profits. Reach out to her for more information on how to get involved with Amplify, HBCU Force, or one of the other great organizations with which she's working.
Thank you to Campfire Stories Alumni, Melissa Hills Dees for joining as guest co-host and sharing her love & expertise of Salesforce Non-profit Cloud.
A Lionheart Story with Justin Gavette
Join returning guest Vanessa Grant as special guest host as we welcome Justin Gavette to the virtual campfire. Justin talks about balancing being social at events with social anxiety, choosing where to give his energy, and why he loves the non-profits allow him to give back in a whole new way.
Justin is openly gay, has anxiety disorder and depression disorder, and in the past he was bullied, made to feel bad for who he is. However, there's something weird about the Ohana and it's where Justin found purpose and family. And he wants to pay it forward and be an ally to all.
Organizations and events mentioned in this episode include:
- Atlanta Pride (atlantapride.org)
- Atlanta Non-profit Group (trailblazercommunitygroups.com/atlanta-ga)
- Dreamforce (dreamforce.com)
- Tahoe Dreamin' (tahoedreamin.com)
- Florida Dreamin' (fldreamin.com)
- Southeast Dreamin' (southeastdreamin.com)
An IoT Story with Charlie Isaacs
Charlie is the CTO for Customer Connection at Salesforce, the IoT CTO, responsible for incubating and launching IoT customers. He is a beloved member of the Salesforce Ohana and shares his love of the Trailblazer Community and insight into cool things happening in the world of IoT.
A Curious Story with Tony Nguyen
You know him as the #LifeWithGoldie winner from #DF21 but at the virtual campfire, Tony joins special guest co-host Stuart Edeal and shares more about his journey, why he's known as the Curious George, and what he's doing to give back already to the Trailblazer Community.
An Indigenous Story with Rae Sage
Rae's mission is to bring a support system to folks who are strayed from and trying to reconnect to their roots. Check out their story of where they come from, where they're going, and how they are looking to bring folks along with them. Stay tuned till the end for a special announcement from Melinda!
Special recognition to Campfire Stories Alumni, Miranda Ragland, Ashley Allen, and Devohnne Moore. And a hearty thank you to returning Melinda Smith for being co-host.
Connect with Rae on Twitter or on their website strayedroots. As mentioned in the episode, find out more about what Bitwise is doing for underrepresented groups in tech or reach out to Stacey or Melinda for more info on Consultant Crew.
A Pickleball Story with Engin Utkan
Melissa Hill Dees returns as special guest cohost and we welcome Engin Utkan to the campfire.
Engin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/enginutkan
Salesforce Break on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiAtLu2wQuejhOiAePxM2sw
Engin on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/user/engin-utkan/
Special thank you to Michelle Hansen "the best connector", a shout out to Marissa Kraines getting Trailblazers prepared for Dreamforce every year and to #foodforce keeping us all drooling over the latest concoctions made by Trailblazers. We also dreaming of both Dreamforce 2021 and Florida Dreamin' while reminiscing of FLD's past, including first impressions of Chris Duarte: that really nice lady and she has nice stickers.
A Feedback Story with Shonnah Hughes
Shonnah Hughes has been celebrated by countless individuals in the Salesforce ecosystem and beyond. Her bold nails and vibrate hair bringing inspiration and permission to many is one reason that representation does matters.
As part of our #BAM series, previous Campfire guest Cece Adams returns as a special guest co-hosts as Shonnah Hughes joins the virtual campfire. Hear what inspires Shonnah to be her true self, where her motivation comes from, and how the saying "Closed mouths don't get fed" has kept her moving forward and speaking her truth.
A BA Story with Vanessa Grant
Vanessa Grant shares several chapters of her stories at the virtual campfire, including how she used social media to build her influence and be seen, tips for getting connected to the Trailblazer Community, and why it seems like she is everywhere right now.
Special shouts out to several Salesforce events and where to find more info:
- BA Summit https://sfbasummit.com/
- Consultancy Dreamin https://www.consultancydreamin.org/
- Tahoe Dreamin https://www.norcaldreamin.com/
- Florida Dreamin https://www.fldreamin.com/
- Dreamforce https://www.salesforce.com/dreamforce/
- Midwest Dreamin https://www.midwestdreamin.com/
A Resistance Story with Cece Adams
Salesforce often speaks of how business can be a platform for change. Our guest, Cece Adams has shared that her Salesforce career was a platform for changing her life. Hear her heroic story of how Salesforce helped her escape abuse, how Shonna’s nails sparked inspiration, and what she really wants for her birthday this year.
If you have feelings of harming yourself, please get help. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day either by phone at 800-273-8255 or chat https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
This is our "resistance story" because Cece showed resisted being held down time after time and because of the hurdles she and Stacey overcame to get this episode published for you, Listeners.
A Year Three Story
To celebrate three years of Campfire Stories, we've asked our alumni to return and share what's happening in their lives. Join Justice and Stacey as they catch up with Aaron, Nick, Melisa, and more in our annual reunion episode.
A Certified Story with Jarrett Taylor
Join Justice Sikakane Sr and Stacey Cogswell as they chat at the Campfire with Jarrett Taylor. Jarrett shares his love of stalking animals, stories from his tour of Salesforce events, and how he overcame fear and procrastination to get his Admin Certification.
A Job Seeker Story with Jeanne Moeller
Episode 26 at the virtual campfire shares the story of a relentless job seeker who overcame many hurdles, including her own mind. Hear the persistent and creative ways she fought her way into her dream job and feel the power of the Salesforce Community with the "Ohana Cheerleaders"
An Eyes Open Story with Stuart Edeal
Salesforce MVP Stuart Edeal joins Justice & Stacey at the Campfire to speak out on the events unfolding in Minnesota and the last change that can take place from here. #BlackLivesMatter
An It's Okay Story with Sandi Zellner
Sandi joins Justice and Stacey to talk about their collective experiences with the COVID-19 crisis, how past health issues play into it, and share tips and strategies for overcoming the fear and anxiety.
Check out more of Sandi's Trailblazer story here: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/trailblazers/sandi-nuss-zellner
A Too Much Story with Devohne Moore
Devohne Moore is one has overcome many challenges and now gives back in many ways. Hear how they journeyed into the Salesforce ecosystem, how they are paying it forward, and how maybe you can join in.
A Year Two Story with our Alumni
A variety of Campfire Stories Alumni return to discuss what's new with them since we last spoke.
Please excuse the abrupt ending to the episode
Know someone who has an inspiring story to share? Message us at @SFCampfire
A .org Story with Melissa Hill Dees
Melissa joins us at the virtual campfire and talks about chat inclusion, innovation, careers, nonprofits, whether a hamburger is a sandwich (well, most of those things). Shout out to Dan Pallotta's Ted Talk on the way we think about charity (https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong)
A #Stancy Story with Yancy Whitaker
Yancy is far more than Stacey's pre-hubby. He shares about his two-year journey into Salesforce, his #bestweekever, and his bromance with Justice via gifs.
A Jingle Story with Melinda Smith
The adorable & honest Melinda Smith joins Justice & Stacey for a conversation that gets deep, gets real, and gets funny.
Be sure to check out the Linkedin post for Justice's Dreamforce Hair: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/justicesikakane_roadtodf19-activity-6577319969049108480-Blx8
And the Twitter poll regarding Justice's nickname: https://twitter.com/StaceyGCogswell/status/1176666363580039169?s=20
A "3rd Times a Charm" Story with Aaron McGriff
Justice and Stacey were excited to have Aaron on our show, this time with fewer technical difficulties and we're actually able to share it with you.
Be sure to connect with us on Twitter at @SFCampfire and with our guest at @amcgriff87
Have a story you want to share? Let us know!
A Milestone Story with Justice & Stacey
Co-hosts Justice and Stacey discuss milestones and events from May, including World Tours and Trailblazer Day.
An Exchange Story with Igor Corti
This horticulture-studying exchange student from Brazil fell in love with Salesforce and the Community. Hear his story of growth and how he blossomed into a role model in the ecosystem.
An Authentic Story with Ashley Allen
An Authentic Story with Ashley Allen
Ashley shares their journey to being their authentic self and enlightens us on life in the LGBTQ community, dealing with mental health issues, and how one voice can make a difference. Find her on Twitter (@Anerrdgirrl) and be sure to follow us (@SFCampfire) for sneak peaks into future episodes.
Special shouts out to Miranda Ragland (@MirandaJanell), Mary Scotton (@rockchick322004), and Melinda Smith (@girlygeeksocial) as well as reporter Jana Shortal (www.kare11.com/article/news/local/breaking-the-news/kare-11s-jana-shortal-featured-by-cnns-great-big-story/89-acb397c4-745d-4706-a88a-ade67c1503ba)
A Year One Story with our Alumni
Cheryl Feldman, Becka Miller, Linden Johnson, Vanessa Villagomez, Nick Charles, Eric Dreshfield, and Benjamin Bratcher join for a very special episode.
Links referenced:
IdeaExchange Reimagined success.salesforce.com/_ui/core/chatter/groups/GroupProfilePage?g=0F93A000000TudwSAC
True to the Core www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly8lnJHSWt4
An Actor Story with Benjamin Bratcher
An Idea Story with Eric Dreshfield
A New Career Story with Steph Rhodes
"Reveal Your Inner Trailblazer with Custom Metadata Types" success.salesforce.com/sessions?eventId=a1Q3A00001XoCSUUA3#/session/a2q3A000001WW8rQAG
"No More Excuses. Today's the Day You Learn Flow." success.salesforce.com/sessions?eventId=a1Q3A00001XoCSUUA3#/session/a2q3A000001WWEzQAO
"Dreamforce Tips from the Gif Squad" thegifsquad.com/df18-tips-from-the-gifsquad
A Military Story with Nick Charles
An Overcomer Story with Vanessa Villagomez
With shouts-out to Melissa Dees Hill, Rachel Park, Sandi Zellner, and more, this is a powerful story. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll sign up for the next Dreamin' event near you!
A Pepup Tech Story with Linden Johnson
Linden shares his story as a Salesforce Trailblazer and PepUpTech graduate
An MVP Story with Becka Miller
Newly minted Salesforce MVP shares her journey with Salesforce and as a Military Spouse.
A Cohost Story with Justice & Stacey
A Legendary Story with Cheryl Feldman
Follow us on Twitter @SFCampfire
A Trailhead Story with Dana Hall
A Supernova Story with James Chen
A Digital Story with Vala Afshar
A Survivor Story with Rachel Park
The first episode of Campfire Stories where Rachel shares her inspirational story of overcoming cancer, fear, and failure to be a certified awesome admin and successful entrepreneur.