What if the future of AI is shaped not just by technology, but by the people who build it?

Disability Pride Month is a time to celebrate the creativity, resilience, and innovation that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities. It also serves as a reminder that the future of technology should be shaped by the unique perspectives and lived experiences that reflect the world it serves.

That future is already taking shape. Through Salesforce Workforce Navigators, learners have participated in five years of mentorship, formed 143 mentorship matches, earned 511 Salesforce certifications, and contributed 893 Volunteer Time Off (VTO) hours back to their communities (as of February 2026). These milestones reflect more than program growth—they represent people building skills, supporting one another, and expanding opportunities for others.

As artificial intelligence transforms the way we learn, work, and solve problems, people with disabilities have an important role to play—not only as users of AI, but as the innovators, leaders, and creators helping define what’s next.

At Salesforce, we’re committed to expanding access to the skills and opportunities that make that possible. Through Salesforce Workforce Navigators, learners can build AI and digital skills, explore emerging technologies like Agentforce, and gain the confidence to participate in an AI-powered future.

AI is quickly becoming part of everyday work, making AI fluency an essential skill across industries—not just for developers or technical specialists. Understanding how to use AI responsibly, evaluate its output, and combine it with uniquely human strengths like creativity and critical thinking will become increasingly valuable.

Salesforce Workforce Navigators helps learners build these capabilities through accessible, flexible learning experiences focused on Salesforce, Agentforce, and other emerging technologies. Whether someone is beginning a new career, exploring AI for the first time, or expanding their existing knowledge, the program provides practical opportunities to develop in-demand skills at their own pace.

Creating opportunities begins with creating access.

Workforce Navigators is designed to remove barriers that can prevent people from developing new skills. Through self-paced learning powered by Trailhead, Salesforce’s free online learning platform, participants can learn through bite-sized modules, hands-on challenges, and flexible experiences that fit different learning styles, schedules, and goals.

Combined with accommodations, support services, and an inclusive approach to education, these learning experiences help more people build confidence, strengthen their technical skills, and prepare for a rapidly changing workplace.

Technology is at its best when it’s built by people with different lived experiences.

People with disabilities bring valuable perspectives that can influence how AI systems are designed, tested, and improved—helping create technology that is more accessible, intuitive, and useful for everyone. As organizations increasingly adopt AI, ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities to contribute isn’t simply about representation; it’s about building better products and driving better innovation.

Beyond technical training, Workforce Navigators connects learners with mentors, peers, and industry professionals who encourage collaboration, share experiences, and support one another throughout their learning journeys. Together, these connections help cultivate a growing community of AI-ready talent with diverse perspectives and experiences.

Creating a more inclusive AI-powered future requires collaboration across employers, educators, nonprofits, and technology leaders.

Through partnerships with organizations across the workforce development ecosystem, Salesforce Workforce Navigators helps expand access to AI education and digital skills while creating more opportunities for learners to grow alongside emerging technologies. By investing in accessible learning and inclusive talent development today, we can help ensure tomorrow’s workforce reflects the communities it serves.

Disability Pride Month is ultimately about recognizing that disability is a source of innovation, creativity, and leadership.

As AI continues to reshape the future of work, it’s essential that people with disabilities are empowered to participate and help lead that transformation. By expanding access to AI education, accessible learning experiences, and supportive communities, Salesforce Workforce Navigators is helping create a future where more people can contribute their talents, perspectives, and ideas.

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore Salesforce Workforce Navigators to discover accessible learning opportunities, build in-demand AI and Salesforce skills, and prepare for the future of work.

Liz Choi was searching for a pathway into the Salesforce ecosystem when she joined Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) in 2022.

Instead, she found something much bigger: Accessible training designed to support learners with disabilities through inclusive materials. Assistive technologies. Flexible learning experiences. And a hands-on mentorship from Salesforce professionals that connected her to a community invested in helping her succeed.

“It was great to have the opportunity to connect with people who actually worked at Salesforce and really take advantage of everything they offer through Workforce Navigators,” Choi said.

After completing BIT’s Salesforce Administrator course and earning her certification, Liz entered BIT’s apprenticeship, where she spent more than three years building real-world experience. Along the way, she participated in two versions of the Salesforce Workforce Navigators mentorship program, worked directly with Salesforce professionals, strengthened her interview skills, and expanded her professional network.

Today, Liz holds certifications including Salesforce Administrator, Salesforce Business Analyst, and Agentforce Specialist – and continues pursuing opportunities within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Her story reflects the larger mission behind the partnership between Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) and Salesforce Workforce Navigators: Creating accessible pathways into meaningful technology careers for professionals with disabilities.

Building Accessible Career Pathways Together

Workforce Navigators, a program within Salesforce’s Office of Accessibility, helps expand those opportunities through certification vouchers, accessibility accommodations, mentorship, networking, and career-readiness support.

Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) prepares learners for careers in technology by providing Salesforce training, professional development, and paid apprenticeship opportunities. Students complete a structured learning journey that includes self-paced coursework, intensive live training cohorts, hands-on projects, mentorship, and real-world simulations designed to mirror actual Salesforce environments.

BIT currently offers training for certifications including:

• Salesforce Administrator
• Salesforce Foundations
• Agentforce Specialist
• Platform App Builder
• Salesforce Business Analyst

“We don’t just teach to pass the test,” said BIT Academy Director Elliott Natale. “We teach students how to do the job.”

The partnership between BIT and Workforce Navigators is focused on helping professionals with disabilities move from training to employment through accessible education, mentorship, certifications, and real-world experience. Together, the organizations help remove barriers that can make entering the tech workforce difficult, while creating more inclusive pathways into Salesforce careers.

Throughout conversations with BIT staff, apprentices, and mentors, one message came through clearly.

“For our community, it’s not a lack of ability — it’s a lack of opportunity,” said Kristy Schenderlein, Vice President of Operations at BIT.

Transportation challenges, inaccessible training environments, hiring bias, and limited professional networks can all make it harder for professionals with disabilities to break into tech careers — even when employers are looking for their skills. 

BIT and Workforce Navigators are working to close those gaps.

Through the mentorship program, apprentices are paired with Salesforce professionals who provide support around resume building, interview preparation, networking, and career exploration within the Salesforce ecosystem.

For Liz Choi, the experience was transformative.

“The mentorship program made me feel confident enough to start putting job applications out there,” she said.

The partnership also helps remove financial barriers through certification vouchers provided by Workforce Navigators.

“The financial support really makes this possible,” Elliott explained.

Beyond certifications, BIT’s paid apprenticeship program helps address another major challenge in tech hiring: the experience gap. Apprentices spend one to two years gaining hands-on experience working on Salesforce administration, accessibility, and consulting projects while building communication, leadership, and workplace readiness skills.

Taylor Sone, BIT’s Apprenticeship Program Manager, said one of the biggest benefits of the mentorship experience is the outside perspective apprentices receive from Salesforce professionals.

“Those who have gone through the career hunting process themselves and landed something within the Salesforce ecosystem are able to provide that direct, recent experience,” Taylor explained.

The competency-based apprenticeship program gives participants practical experience in Salesforce implementations, user training, accessible design, documentation, and consulting work. This helps apprentices build both technical confidence and professional experience before entering the workforce full time. 

Just as important, BIT is focused on making sure people with disabilities (PwD) are an integral part of decisions for AI fluency – such as the launch of AI programs to company-wide implementation efforts. By leveling the playing field for all employees, inclusive communications brings awareness to issues affecting PwD. It is an important reminder that accessibility is an intentional collective effort and can set the standard for an inclusive workplace. 

One theme surfaced repeatedly throughout the interviews: Salesforce’s commitment to accessibility feels deeply embedded into both its products and its culture.

“Accessibility isn’t just an initiative at Salesforce — it’s the way Salesforce operates,” Schenderlein explained.

That commitment shows up through accessible product design, mentorship opportunities, dedicated accessibility teams, and the work of the Office of Accessibility. For BIT leaders and apprentices alike, it creates confidence that accessibility is a long-term value within the Salesforce ecosystem.

“It’s not just, ‘Here’s what’s new,’” Schenderlein said. “It’s, ‘Here’s what’s new, and we’re bringing everyone with us.’”

BIT is helping apprentices build the skills and confidence they need to navigate these changes within the workplace in the agentic era. That culture of inclusion is helping drive the next phase of the partnership between BIT and Workforce Navigators, including expanded mentorship opportunities, additional certifications, trainings with tools like Agentforce and more pathways into employment for professionals with disabilities.

Combined with BIT’s mentorship and hands-on experience with Agentforce can help apprentices feel more prepared for what’s next. Ultimately, the partnership is about expanding access to opportunity and creating pathways where professionals with disabilities can fully participate, contribute, and thrive.

At the center of the work is a shared belief that accessibility and inclusion make organizations stronger — and that people with disabilities represent an enormous pool of untapped talent. Together, BIT and Workforce Navigators are helping prove that when accessibility is built into education, mentorship, and hiring from the start, it creates stronger opportunities not just for individuals, but for the entire tech industry.

When Travis McNair started planning a career change away from retail, he initially wanted to study medicine. But everything shifted after a series of life-changing events, including his father becoming seriously ill and passing away, and him and his fiancée welcoming their new son. Afterward, Travis needed a path that offered stability, flexibility, and a future he could build for his family.

He discovered Salesforce while exploring new career options and began teaching himself through Trailhead, the Salesforce free learning platform. However, self-paced learning proved tough to sustain — especially as someone with Attention Deficit Disorder, balancing work, caregiving, and parenting.

One day, a LinkedIn post caught his eye: a scholarship for the Get Force Certified Salesforce Administrator Academy, founded by former Salesforce Solution Engineer Dave Massey. The post mentioned mentorship, structure, and community — exactly what Travis had been missing. He applied, was accepted, and within months, his career and confidence were transformed.

Travis is part of a growing movement shaped by Workforce Navigators — an initiative that helps professionals with disabilities gain in-demand Salesforce skills — and by Get Force Certified, a program designed to meet neurodivergent learners where they are and prepare them for meaningful careers in the Salesforce ecosystem.

Workforce Navigators offers mentorships, accommodations, and scholarships that create pathways for disabled and neurodivergent professionals to build confidence and find meaningful employment in the Salesforce ecosystem.

Get Force Certified is a program founded by Salesforce Solution Engineer turned entrepreneur, Dave Massey, after experiencing his own transformation — moving from the tourism industry to a Salesforce career — and realizing how much structured support and community could help others make the same leap. It offers a 10-week, guided training experience that blends Salesforce technical learning with soft skills, mentorship, and career readiness. 

Through the scholarship, learners like Travis receive full tuition coverage for the 10-week program, along with exam vouchers, personalized mentorship from Salesforce employees, and ongoing career coaching. Together, Salesforce and Get Force Certified are opening doors for individuals who might otherwise have been left out of traditional tech training pathways.

Get Force Certified stands out because it makes space for neurodivergence, recognizing the unique and varied ways that people think, process information, and engage with learning. The program offers multiple content formats (video, audio, written), clear structure, and small, collaborative cohorts that provide accountability and connection.

“It’s not about your degree or background,” Dave explains. “It’s about grit, communication, and the willingness to learn. Salesforce is logical and accessible — what people need is confidence and strategy.”

Salesforce mentors provide one-on-one support beyond certification, helping graduates apply new skills and navigate job searches. The scholarship doesn’t just fund a course, it builds a community that sustains learners long after graduation.

After beginning the Get Force Certified program, everything accelerated for Travis. The 10-week program combined technical lessons with personal development workshops, mock interviews, and community check-ins. “It wasn’t just about learning Salesforce — it was about learning how to thrive in a career,” Travis explains. “We practiced communication skills, built LinkedIn profiles, and learned how to network.”

Just 24 hours after completing the program, Travis passed his Salesforce Administrator exam. Within six weeks, he landed a full-time role as a Salesforce Admin and Trainer at a company that provides hybrid work, better pay, and flexibility to support his young family.

“I’ve doubled my income,” he says. “I can be there for my son. I went from feeling stuck to feeling unstoppable.”

For Jeanette Pavkov, the Workforce Navigators scholarship offered a chance to grow within her existing Salesforce role. Jeanette works as an administrator for a John Deere dealership and joined the March 2025 Get Force Certified cohort.

“I already worked in Salesforce, but I wanted to truly understand it,” she explains. “This program gave me confidence and ownership over my role.” Jeanette passed her certification just a few weeks after her program ended and quickly applied what she learned to streamline sales processes and improve reporting.

Beyond the skills, Jeanette says the program’s community made a lasting impact. “We were doing life together. Studying together. Celebrating every win. Even now, we still check in and help each other.” She continues to work with her Salesforce mentor, exploring how to grow her expertise in AI and Agentforce.

For participants, the program isn’t just about passing an exam — it’s about transformation. Many learners come in doubting whether they belong in tech. They leave with certifications, job offers, and a sense of community.

“When you empower someone to believe in themselves, that changes everything — for them, their families, and their communities,” Dave says. “We’re not focused on numbers or quotas. This is about people.”

The ripple effect is already visible. Graduates like Travis and Jeanette are now mentoring others, advocating for accessibility in their workplaces, and inspiring more learners to take their first step into the Salesforce ecosystem.

The success of the scholarship is only the beginning for Get Force Certified. Dave is developing a Wayfinder Program, a 12-month experience that guides participants from certification through advanced skills and job search strategy, supporting them all the way to sustained career success.

Meanwhile, Salesforce continues to expand its inclusion efforts through Workforce Navigators, connecting more learners with training, mentorship, and accessibility support around the world.

For Travis, the impact is already clear. “This program gave me the tools to build a life I didn’t think was possible,” he says. “I’m part of a community now — and I want to help others find the same opportunity.”

If you or someone you know is based in the United States or Canada and looking to launch a Salesforce career with the right support, consider the Get Force Certified Academy and Scholarship. Scholarships are limited and awarded twice a year — opening doors to more inclusive and accessible tech careers.

When participants from VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired arrived at the Salesforce Tower in New York City in June 2025, the atmosphere buzzed with curiosity and connection. As attendees explored the space — guided by audio-enabled elevators and wide ADA-accessible doors — they discovered more than an office tour. They found a glimpse into a future where technology, accessibility, and opportunity intersect.

This all-day networking and learning event was hosted by Salesforce Workforce Navigators, a program that empowers professionals with disabilities through Salesforce skills training, assistive technology support, and job placement resources. 

VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people of all ages who are blind or have low vision live independent, active lives. Through rehabilitation training, employment development, and community education, VISIONS equips individuals with the tools and confidence to succeed at home, at work, and in the world.

VISIONS has been collaborating with Salesforce for several years through mentorship programs, certification training, and networking opportunities designed to help participants gain skills for today’s agent-powered workplace. Several VISIONS staff members have even become Salesforce certified administrators, helping guide job seekers through learning the platform and earning credentials that strengthen their résumés.

Abilityforce is the Salesforce Employee Resource Group for people with disabilities, their loved ones, and allies. Its mission is to create a culture of belonging where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued — regardless of ability. The group advocates for accessibility in both the physical and digital workplace, promotes education to reduce stigma, and extends its impact beyond Salesforce through partnerships that advance inclusion across industries.

For Abilityforce, partnerships like the one with VISIONS are part of a broader vision: to use Salesforce’s platform and community to expand access to technology and career pathways for people with disabilities around the world.

This year’s event marked the second time VISIONS participants visited Salesforce Tower. While the previous session focused on college students exploring internship opportunities, the most recent  gathering centered on adult job seekers actively preparing for employment or career transitions.

Attendees spent the day networking with Salesforce employees, exploring hands-on learning with Trailhead, and participating in presentations on AI, accessibility, and the evolving world of work. Volunteers from Abilityforce shared their own experiences navigating their careers at Salesforce and the accommodations and inclusive practices that make those journeys possible. 

The event also included baked goods from Invictus, a culinary organization that provides job opportunities for people with disabilities.

For many participants, the event expanded what they imagined was possible in tech careers.
“When people hear ‘Salesforce,’ they often think you need to be a programmer,” said Deanna Calamusa, Director of Career Services for VISIONS. “But this event helped people see how many different paths exist — from administration and customer success to project management and accessibility advocacy.”

Attendees also learned about Trailhead, the Salesforce free learning platform, which offers accessible, screen-reader-compatible modules that allow users to learn at their own pace. Several participants followed up afterward to begin Trailhead badges or apply for the Salesforce mentorship program — building momentum that continues long after the event.

Interest in AI was another key theme. Participants were eager to understand how artificial intelligence is shaping the workforce and how Salesforce technology can make AI tools more inclusive for people with disabilities.

These collaborations leave a lasting impact on both VISIONS participants and Salesforce employees.

“The energy in the room is always hopeful,” says Madison Rosen, an Executive Talent Manager at Salesforce. “You can see people realizing, ‘I didn’t know this was possible for me.’ That sense of possibility is what makes this work so meaningful.”

For Joelle Ramiandrisoa, Associate Technical Consultant at Salesforce, accessibility is central to innovation. “It reminds me that accessibility isn’t just about compliance — it’s about making sure everyone can fully participate.”

VISIONS participants agree. “Hearing employees share their own stories about working at Salesforce — and the resources available — is incredibly powerful,” says Calamusa. “It shows our community that accessibility and opportunity truly go hand in hand.”

This collaboration has already produced measurable outcomes. Through Workforce Navigators mentorship cohorts, over a dozen VISIONS job seekers have gained professional guidance, earned Salesforce certifications, and secured meaningful employment.

For Salesforce, the partnership reinforces how accessibility and innovation fuel one another. “It’s a good reminder that accessibility needs to stay at the heart of how we build our products,” says Rosen. “It’s not just about technology — it’s about people.”

Both organizations are eager to continue growing their partnership, with Workforce Navigators playing a key role in maintaining and strengthening the connection. Looking ahead, the evolution includes  more hands-on demos of assistive technology, expanded mentorship opportunities, and sessions on topics like AI for inclusion and accessible product design.

“The goal,” Calamusa explained, “is to keep showing our job seekers that they have a place in the tech industry — and that companies like Salesforce are working to make sure accessibility is built in from the start.”

At its core, the Abilityforce and VISIONS partnership,with the support of Workforce Navigators, is about more than careers. It’s about connection: using technology and community to remove barriers and create opportunities.

As Rosen sums up, “Giving back and helping others get their foot in the door is one of my core values. Seeing people leave inspired and hopeful — that’s what inclusion in action looks like.”

Together, Salesforce and VISIONS are proving that when organizations unite around accessibility, they don’t just open doors — they build pathways to independence, opportunity, and belonging.