Let’s just say… Raleigh owes me nothing.

Last weekend, I packed what felt like a week’s worth of life into just 36 hours—and somehow left feeling energized, connected, and more sure of the path I’m carving out as a UX designer in tech and specifically as a Salesforce designer. This was my first Dreamin in Color conference, and it won’t be my last.

This wasn’t just a professional networking event. It was a reminder that we don’t have to code-switch to be taken seriously. We can show up in bold prints, with curly hair, loud laughs, and bigger ideas—and find community doing it.

Getting There (Was a Journey)

The day started off like every good story: chaotic. In the morning, I had a dress fitting for my fast approaching wedding and made a panic Trader Joe’s run (because does my fiance eat if I don't cook? the answer is yes but only TJ's mandarin chicken). I got to the airport early but of course I almost missed my flight because of free snacks at the lounge — it would be the first time.

By the time I landed in Raleigh, I was ready to explore but the universe had other plans. The bedroom door was locked (??), and I couldn’t unpack, so I pivoted and grabbed BBQ at Midwood Smokehouse. It was one of those moments that reminded me to let go of what I couldn’t control, recalibrate, and focus on the opportunities ahead—something that I've been trying to be more intentional about.

Prepping for the Conference

That night, I saw an email about an open spot for the résumé workshop and signed up on impulse. I stayed up until 1AM reworking my Canva résumé into an ATS-friendly Word doc. I love design-forward layouts, but the reality is—if a robot can’t read it, no one ever will. This small act of preparation shifted my mindset: I wasn’t just attending, I was participating.

A City Worth Exploring

Despite the lack of sleep, I was up at 6AM. I wanted to experience Raleigh a bit before diving into the conference, so I laced up and ran through the historic district.

Raleigh surprised me—lush trees, cute architecture, and a calm energy that felt welcoming. Lots of small quirky restaurants and bars on every street. For a quick trip, I felt like I got a genuine taste of the city.

Dreamin' in Color: More Than a Conference

The conference itself was held at the Raleigh Convention Center and they had Dreamin in Color events throughout the city all weekend. I only attended Saturday’s sessions, so I was determined to make every minute count. I decided to get the most out of it and kicked off with a granola and good vibes after picking up my badge.

Throughout the day, I attended workshops like "The Art of Storytelling in Tech", "Agentforce - Salesforce's AI platform", and "Planning Impactful Engagements as a Creative". Throughout the day I was genuinely engaged—taking notes, asking questions, and connecting with people who really got it. A couple people I met had career paths almost identical to mine. It felt less like a coincidence and more like alignment.

During lunch, I sat with my mentor who introduced me to some of the event organizers and speakers. It felt natural, not forced—just people who want to see each other win.

And can we talk about how rare that is, especially in corporate America?

Evening Mixer: Where Tech Meets Joy

After a quick recharge (and yes, a taco stop—because why not?), I headed to the evening mixer. It felt less like a networking event and more like a block party. We were line dancing, laughing, and finding common ground beyond job titles or résumés.

Later, folks gathered at the hotel lobby bar, sharing stories and sipping cocktails until midnight. It was one of those rare spaces where the energy felt both professional and personal—where serious conversations and silliness coexist. I left early (of course to get more tacos and I had a 4AM flight!), but I carried the energy with me. These weren’t just LinkedIn adds. They were new nodes in a support system I didn’t know I needed.

5AM Flights and Full Hearts

By the time I landed in New York, I was physically tired but emotionally full. Dreamin' in Color created a space for Black Salesforce professionals, designers, and techies to learn, grow, and be seen—without feeling like we needed to shrink ourselves. I met so many amazing people - all on a different journey but with similar backgrounds, interests, and goals. Finding this community was so reassuring, especially as I'm currently in the middle of a career transition. It was inspiring to hear everyone's story and empowering to share my own. This conference made me feel acknowledged — in a way that I haven't before in a professional sense.

What I Took Away

I came to Dreamin’ in Color curious about where I fit in the Salesforce and UX ecosystem. I left with clarity.

This experience showed me that I belong—not because I code-switch well, but because I bring strategy, empathy, and creativity to the table. I know how to move through ambiguity and deliver with purpose.

Here’s what stood out most:

• The ecosystem is big, but the community makes it feel navigable.

• Visibility matters. When you see someone who looks like you leading, speaking, thriving—it shifts your own self-perception.

• Design isn’t just a technical skill; it’s a human skill. And in rooms like these, human connection is the real currency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a creative, designer, or professional of color navigating the tech space—find your people. Dreamin' in Color reminded me that I’m not alone, that there’s room for all of us, and that authenticity isn’t a liability—it’s our strength.

Raleigh, thank you for the tacos, the BBQ, the block party vibes, and the brilliant minds. To the Dreamin’ in Color team: thank you for creating a space where we’re seen not just as professionals, but as whole people.

Until next time.

Curious how I bring human-centered design to the Salesforce ecosystem? Let’s connect! I’m open to freelance collaborations, product design partnerships, or simply building community with other creatives in tech.