It was on the first day of my Year Up United internship at Salesforce that I knew what job I wanted one day. From the moment I saw the Salesforce onboarding team in action, I felt inspired and eager to get the opportunity to play a role like theirs, contributing to the intern experience in such a meaningful way.
I was pursuing a nursing degree in my second year at San Francisco State when things began to feel overwhelming. Nursing seemed like the perfect fit: I’m empathetic and compassionate, and genuinely love helping others. But as time passed, I started to question whether it was the right path for me. Nursing school was a long journey—one I wasn’t sure I could commit to at the time due to my financial situation. I was working multiple jobs to make ends meet: cleaning houses and laundromats with my mom, babysitting, and even working as a bank teller. I was exhausted, trying to survive and figure out what I wanted from life.
The bank teller job, however, was a turning point. Right away, I knew it wasn’t for me; I felt completely out of place. During one shift, I remember staring at the clock, wishing my shift would end, and thinking, How am I still doing this? This isn’t what I want. But the truth was, I didn’t know what I wanted, and the uncertainty felt suffocating. My cousin Andrea noticed I wasn’t myself. She had been telling me about a job training program called Year Up United, encouraging me to look into it. I was hesitant—it sounded too good to be true, and I wasn’t ready for another change. She brought it up three separate times since her brother had done the program too, but each time, I brushed it off. Looking back, I see now that I was just scared of taking a risk. Finally, one day, Andrea, who was also an intern of the program at the time, insisted, “You have to apply today.”
Her dedication ignited a spark in me, and with that, I submitted my application and secured that last interview slot of the week. At the interview, I was surprised to see the interviewer was a former high school classmate. I told her I was ready to give it my all, even though I wasn’t entirely sure of what was next. The very next morning, I got a call saying the team loved speaking with me, and if I could get my paperwork in, I could start that Monday.
Year Up United became a pivotal point in my life. Transitioning from the overwhelming environment of San Francisco State to a smaller, focused program was exactly what I needed to thrive. The first six months of learning and development in the project management track were intense. Public speaking and presentations—way out of my comfort zone—were regular requirements, but they pushed me in ways I’d never experienced. I began realizing that I’d been sitting on my untapped potential. At Year Up United, I was part of something bigger. I was learning about business, leadership, and myself. For the first time, I believed I was worthy of a fulfilling career. My learning community of peers and mentors became my rock, supporting each other through every challenge. Those relationships remain strong today; they reminded me I wasn’t alone, held me accountable, and celebrated with me when I was offered an internship at Salesforce.
Public speaking has always been one of my biggest fears. I would freeze, get nervous, and doubt myself. But Year Up United encouraged me to confront it head-on. Week after week, I stood in front of rooms of people, sharing ideas, and little by little, I realized I was good at it. During my internship, I had opportunities to interview top executives, and as a full-time employee, I got to interview celebrities at our biggest conference, Dreamforce—something I’d never imagined myself doing. I learned to let go of that fear and trust the people around me. My coaches saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized, and that trust helped me grow. Now, in my current role, I try to pass on the same encouragement to others. By the end of my internship, I had two incredible mentors who were instrumental in helping me secure a role as a program coordinator on the Global Philanthropy team. It felt like a perfect match. I was back in my community, working with students in the Oakland and San Francisco Unified School Districts, teaching them about tech, and introducing them to the kinds of opportunities I’d experienced through Year Up United. In my own way, I was helping close the Opportunity Divide, making a difference in the way I’d always dreamed. Since starting full-time at Salesforce, I’ve received four promotions. Each step has brought challenges, but I’ve learned to trust myself and the community I’ve built along the way.
Today, as a Program Manager in charge of onboarding Year Up United interns, I welcome them and guide them through their journey at Salesforce. I ensure they’re exposed to the latest technology, provide one-on-one mentorship, and organize networking events that support their professional and personal growth. It’s a full-circle moment for me because I know exactly what they’re going through. I was in their shoes not long ago, feeling unsure and full of doubt. Now, I get to be the one offering support, and I have a front-row seat to watch fellow Year Up United alumni launch their careers. Salesforce has partnered with Year Up United since 2008, hosting over 950 interns at our organization, and I’m proud to be a part of that legacy.
Looking back, it’s incredible how far I’ve come as a first-generation Guatemalan Latina, breaking barriers. One of my biggest goals has been helping my mom on her journey, and now my mom tells me I inspire her, which is the greatest compliment I could ever receive. I’ve inspired her to choose herself every day and to do what makes her happy. She’s no longer cleaning houses full time; she’s now a certified massage therapist helping her community. Today, I'm more than just a big sister. I'm a mentor to my sisters and share best practices, resources, and lessons. These are the things money can’t buy—the pride in knowing that I’ve built a life where I can help others and live out my core values every day. Initially, I thought nursing was my calling because of my love for helping others. That core value of empathy still drives me, but I’ve come to see that nursing wasn’t the only way to live out that value. Year Up United helped me discover a different path.
Many people have been part of my story—those who believed in me before I believed in myself. Year Up United gave me the foundation to succeed, and now I’m paying it forward, helping the next generation of leaders find their paths, just as I found mine.