At Dreamforce 2024, we had the immense pleasure of recognizing the amazing work of MuleSoft Ambassador Shivani Marrero as our MuleSoft Golden Hoodie recipient.
From countless hours volunteering with Women Who Mule, the New York City Meetup group, mentoring new Muleys, and giving back to her local community through Broadway Cares, Shivani embodies what it means to be a Muley.
We interviewed Shivani to get her take on what being a Muley means, her reaction to winning the golden hoodie, and so much more!
Interview with Golden Hoodie winner Shivani Marrero
Sabrina: Shivani, thank you so much for being here with me today! We are so proud of you and excited to dive deeper into your recent Golden Hoodie and work in the MuleSoft Community. To begin, what were your first thoughts after receiving the Golden Hoodie?
Shivani: I was like it can’t be me! Is it really true? Am I really getting this? It wasn’t even in my mind that I could receive a Golden Hoodie. When I [won], I was so proud and happy to show it off and wear it. More than [winning], the donation to Broadway Cares really filled my heart. We do 5K running events a few times a year to raise money, but the donation really will make a difference for those who are a part of this charity.
Sabrina: I love it! I wanted to highlight the work you do for Broadway Cares and ask if you could describe the work you do and how you’ve applied what you’ve learned by giving back to your local community. What have you discovered by leading such an impactful online global technology community?
Shivani: Broadway Cares not only helps young actors, but also artists and other people around the world. I felt like we are blessed to have so many amazing things in our life that we need to share what we have with people who truly need it.
I wanted to set an example for my daughter so she can say, “you know what? If my mom can work 40 hours and do all of this and still has time to go and help someone else, I [will be] able to do it, too!”
Connecting to my work with the MuleSoft Community, what we can learn from helping other communities is that there is no right time to start anything. If you want to get involved, just go and join!
You don’t have to worry about what role you’re going to play in the community or how you’re going to be the best or most helpful. Just be there, observe, take it in and help. No role in any community is a small role. Being there and being part of it is what anyone should be proud of.
You know the saying “When you love doing something, it becomes second nature and it’s not a chore or a job”? Well, this is very true with the community. The community becomes part of your family and it doesn’t feel like extra work. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in a “title,” but it’s less about a title and more about what you do.
Sabrina: You do so much – it must get tiring! What inspires you to give back to your local and global communities in so many different ways?
Shivani: My inspiration comes from self-learning and seeing other people learn and achieve their goals. I love mentoring because I enjoy seeing my mentees grow. I believe if you’re going to teach someone, you have to first learn it yourself. My inspiration is sometimes a little selfish because when I’m presenting something, I end up learning the concept or information to a higher degree myself.
Sabrina: I want to bring us back to a point you brought up earlier about being a role model for your daughter. You’re also a huge role model for the Women Who Mule and broader women in technology communities. What tips do you have for young women who may be afraid to start their career in technology?
Shivani: The technology space is funny at times. When it’s admin work, there are a lot of women. But when it comes to MuleSoft, there are less women. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be a part of the learning and sharing or using this technology – because there are so many resources available.
[This doesn’t have to be viewed as] a male-led industry. This is truly everyone’s industry. If you have a passion for technology, go for it! Don’t be afraid to learn and don’t be afraid to say you don’t know something. When you don’t know something you can always learn. And when you step into the workspace or technology space, you do not need to know everything.
Products and technology constantly evolve, and no one knows everything, so it’s okay to reach out to your peers and ask for help or take a training course [to keep learning]. It’s important to remember that when someone asks for help it doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of doing it, it just means that maybe this person needs a hand or they don’t have time to take care of something themselves.
Sabrina: This is so true! It’s likely if you don’t know something, neither does someone else, so working together or asking for help can make a huge difference. We’ve talked a lot about all of your incredible work, and you truly are a Muley through and through. Can you describe what it means to be a Muley to you?
Shivani: The MuleSoft Community is a very inclusive and caring community, and to be part of it is just an awesome experience of learning and getting to know your peers. A Muley is someone who loves to learn, who loves to share, and who is eager to help others.
Sabrina: Okay, last question! If you could relive one moment as a MuleSoft Community Leader, what would it be and why?
Shivani: I loved celebrating Max’s 10th birthday! My daughter was jealous because she thought I was invested more in Max’s birthday than her own! We celebrated “Broadway style” with decor and swag bags. We do live in New York, after all!
Get involved in the MuleSoft Community
Are you inspired by Shivani’s success story and want to get involved in the MuleSoft Community? Join today and find an abundance of support, technical resources, and ways to give back locally and globally!
