When Kevin, a former video editor with a background in broadcast journalism, was laid off in 2023, he wasn’t sure what was next. Like many mid-career professionals, he found himself in unfamiliar territory—navigating a job market that had changed dramatically, and doing it while managing a visual impairment caused by Aniridia, a rare eye condition. But through the Salesforce Workforce Navigators program, Kevin didn’t have to face that journey alone. He found support, guidance, and a new sense of possibility thanks to a mentorship with Ramesh Kali, a Salesforce Senior Technical Architect who was eager to give back.
Workforce Navigators is a career development program designed to support job seekers with disabilities by connecting them to skills training, mentorship, and community. Built with accessibility at the core, the program offers a structured, 12-week experience where participants gain tools to grow their careers and expand their networks.
For Kevin, the experience has been “pretty positive,” and not just because of the certifications or courses he’s completed. “It gave me some ideas on where I can proceed,” he said. “It offered a lot of insight into what I need to do in order to apply for jobs more effectively.”
From Broadcast to Tech: Finding a New Path
Kevin’s career began in 1998, when he landed a video editing internship at a TV station in Omaha. That turned into a part-time role and eventually full-time work in the broadcasting field.
After his layoff in 2023, he began searching for a new direction—one that could combine his strengths in content creation with new skills in tech.
He connected with the Blind Institute of Technology, which helped him earn a Salesforce Administrator certification and get exposure to the broader Salesforce ecosystem. From there, he applied to Workforce Navigators and was eventually paired with Ramesh earlier this year.
Their mentorship focused on everything from resume strategy to long-term career planning. “We discussed LinkedIn, interviewing techniques, job search strategies, even the job market overall,” Kevin said. “We looked at what I could do and how I could present myself.”
Custom Support and Shared Commitment
Ramesh, who was mentoring through Workforce Navigators for the first time, came in with an open mind—and quickly realized how much he would learn, too. “I’ve done mentoring in the past, but this was different,” he said. “With Kevin, we made sure to meet every week. We talked through what he was going through and adapted based on what was happening in the moment.”
He described the experience as “meaningful and purpose-driven,” pointing to the personalized nature of their connection. “This wasn’t about checking a box. We were both committed to making it impactful.”
Ramesh acknowledged how much the mentorship expanded his perspective—especially when it came to understanding accessible design. “I know now how Kevin sees and navigates things. That wasn’t something I had before,” he said. “It’s changed how I think about accessibility and even how we design user experiences. I can visualize it now.”
A Two-Way Learning Experience
One of the most meaningful aspects of their mentorship was the mutual learning that took place. Ramesh was impressed by how quickly Kevin picked up technical concepts, earning multiple certifications—including one in AI—despite coming from a non-tech background.
“He already had his Salesforce certification by the time we met,” Ramesh said. “He’s a quick learner. I gave him a few ideas, and he came back with a small video demo. He knows more about some AI tools than I do!”
Kevin has also started exploring content creation from a new angle: accessibility. Drawing from his background in video production and his lived experience with low vision, he’s considering creating YouTube videos focused on how blind or low-vision users interact with Salesforce. “That’s a unique skill,” Ramesh said. “I’m pushing him to share it.”
Building Momentum and Looking Ahead
With momentum on his side, Kevin is now enrolled in an Agentforce certification class focused on AI-driven service. “It’s an 8-week course and I’m excited about it,” he said. “I used ChatGPT to help me break down the syllabus and create pre-study notes and flashcards. It’s made it easier to follow along and be prepared.”
Agentforce is a tool that lets you build and deploy AI agents at scale on the world’s #1 digital labor platform—augmenting employees, streamlining processes, and transforming customer experiences across the enterprise. Knowing how to use Agentforce could give Kevin an advantage in a rapidly changing labor market, where AI skills are becoming essential across roles and industries.
He’s also gained clarity on what kind of roles he’d like to pursue next—whether as a trusted tester, accessibility advocate, or content creator.
For Ramesh, the experience has reaffirmed the importance of mentorship programs that are both structured and adaptable. “This was a 12-week program, with tasks and check-ins, but we made it personal,” he said. “It’s not just about goals—it’s about the relationship.”
Community, Purpose, and Possibility
Asked to reflect on what the program meant to him, Ramesh didn’t hesitate. “It’s something I want to keep doing. I’ve learned so much—not just about accessibility, but about people. Kevin’s journey reminded me that we all bring something unique to the table.”
Kevin echoed the sentiment. “This gave me direction, and it helped me figure out what I can do. There’s still a way to go, but I’m excited.”
Together, their story highlights the power of connection, accessibility, and belief in what’s possible. Workforce Navigators is more than just a mentorship program—it’s a launchpad for talent.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Explore the Salesforce Workforce Navigators program at workforcenavigators.salesforce.com.
