Podcast Episode with Krithika Dharmarajan

Blanca: Today we have a special guest RAD Women coach mentor Krithika Dharmarajan who is a Salesforce Consultant at Slalom in Seattle. She is a nine times certified developer and she is a nerd at heart, which I really admire because I always considered myself as an undercover nerd.

Krithika has over five years of software development experience and loves logic, chocolate, and dogs. Recently she spoke at the Slalom Quarterly Meeting to over 500 people as a RAD Women advocate. Krithika, thank you for joining us today.

Krithika: Hey Blanca, thank you so much for having me. I’m very excited to talk about RAD and to everyone who is listening to this podcast, I’m very happy.

Blanca: It was so cool to finally meet you in person at Dreamforce. It was like big hugs were mandatory.

Krithika: Yes, Dreamforce felt like a family gathering because I got to meet everyone I only knew through Twitter or other channels.

Blanca: Can you tell me a little bit about why you became a RAD Women coach mentor?

Krithika: I think RAD Women of Salesforce was a happy accident for me. This was in 2017, my first Forcelandia, and I loved it. I bumped into Angela, who recognized potential in me and suggested I should be a coach. Teaching has always been my passion. The opportunity with RAD felt special because I could give back to the community I live and breathe.

Blanca: I could say I found my “women in tech tribe,” a term coined by Jean Velonis from Salesforce. It really reflects the passion and camaraderie among us.

Krithika: Absolutely. The whole concept of education and knowledge sharing echoes deeply for me. It’s important to work on the gender gap and get more women in technology. This mission resonates with me.

Blanca: The gender gap in technology is a real issue. Women are often not encouraged in this field, and that starts from school age.

Krithika: I was shocked to see that in an Advanced Java class I substituted for there were only boys — not a single girl. We really need to encourage girls in technology from a young age.

Blanca: Yes, and it’s crucial to create awareness about this issue.

Krithika: Being a coach has sharpened my skills. The more I teach, the better I learn concepts. It’s also about being patient and understanding the initial struggles of learners.

Blanca: The RAD Women program is world-wide, open to anyone, which is amazing.

Krithika: It fascinates me how dedicated our learners are. I’ve had learners from different time zones willing to wake up early just to attend class.

Blanca: Can you tell me about what you benefit from your coaching experience with RAD Women?

Krithika: I gain so much from teaching, from learning alongside my students, and seeing their joy when they understand a concept. That sparkle in their eyes when it finally clicks is priceless.

Blanca: That sense of community is essential. After my experience with RAD, I now have friends and mentors in this ecosystem.

Krithika: Yes, the community supports you during tough times.

Blanca: Your strong connection with women in your family has shaped your beliefs and inspired you.

Krithika: Yes, my mom and grandmother have been my motivation. They embody strength and resilience.

Blanca: It’s important to have supportive figures around you.

Krithika: The community and mentors make a huge difference. It creates a safe environment for learning.

Blanca: Reaching out for help is crucial. Learning is a constant journey.

Krithika: Overcoming initial apprehension is essential. Asking for help fosters growth.

Blanca: Education should be accessible. Not everyone can afford traditional routes.

Krithika: Salesforce’s free training resources aim to level the playing field.

Blanca: Programs like RAD Women make a significant impact by providing free education.

Krithika: And other programs like VetForce and Ladies Be Architects are important too.

Blanca: If someone wants to get involved in RAD Women, what would you say?

Krithika: Sign up! You can change someone’s life with your knowledge. The program supports you in your coaching journey.

Blanca: Thank you, Krithika. It’s been wonderful. Remember, you can find Krithika on Twitter at @krithikaiyer.

Krithika: Thank you for having me!