Ali Ervan, is a 4x Salesforce Certified Principal Consultant for Cloud For Good and an all-around dedicated and passionate female leader in the Salesforce Ecosystem. In addition to her role with Cloud For Good, Ali leads Charlotte's Salesforce Saturday group and regularly shares her expertise with the nonprofit group. Since joining the Salesforce Ecosystem in 2009, Ali has focused heavily in the Non Profit and Higher Education space, optimizing and streamlining business’s processes to help carry out their missions. A previous client of Ali’s “appreciates her perseverance” as well as her “willingness to mentor” in every aspect of her role. We were lucky enough to connect with Ali briefly over her time in the Salesforce Community, and as a female leader:
Can you tell me a bit about what you do in the Salesforce Community and what your role is?
My time in the Salesforce Ecosystem started with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation and Institute as their Salesforce Administrator. After being there for seven years and working closely with Cloud For Good, I fell in love with the consulting world. I called Tal and said, ‘I want to work for you’. Next thing I knew, I started as a Consultant, and was recently promoted to Principal Consultant. What I love about Cloud For Good is I can work with multiple Non Profits and Higher Ed companies at once, making a difference.
As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
Truthfully, it’s more personal than anything and it’s not speaking up for myself. I don’t often advocate for myself and believe in myself.
Who inspires/inspired you and why?
My college best friends. I made a decision to go to college and didn’t understand how difficult it would be for me. In college, I met a group of women who are still my best friends 15 years later even though we don’t live close to one another anymore. These women are continually my cheerleaders and inspire me every single day. Prior to the pandemic, we made it to connect at least once a year in person.
What are some of the characteristics of a good leader?
Characteristics of a good leader are someone who is firm but compassionate, open minded, and kind.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Advocate for yourself, believe in yourself.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Over the last four years I’ve been able to help so many organizations be successful through the use of technology and help them further their missions.
Where will we find you on a Saturday morning at 10 a.m.?
If it’s the second Saturday of the month I’m leading Salesforce Saturday for Charlotte and any other Saturday I'm out doing something outside, in nature.