Empowering Others: The Journey and Wisdom of ServiceNow MVPs
“ServiceNow MVPs go above and beyond to lead the way of innovation, commitment, talent, and teamwork” MVP program’s motto.
For over a decade, individuals have been nominated or taken the initiative to nominate themselves for this special recognition. ServiceNow MVPs are recognized for their unwavering dedication to the community, each making an impact in their own unique way. Some create and share content, YouTube videos, vlogs, blogs, sharing of their knowledge far and wide. Others focus on mentorship and advocacy, whether through official programs or informal coaching, in person or virtually. Then there are those who lead events, SNUG group leaders, RiseUp campaign advocates, and community meet-up organizers.
The contributions and possibilities are endless, and the beauty of this ecosystem is that there is room for everyone to contribute in their very own way. Each of us carries a seed of wisdom that, when shared, can change the course of someone’s career and life.
I have been so fortunate to belong to incredibly strong and cohesive communities. Communities that focus on service, support, and encouragement. Outside of work, I am an avid runner, and in my mind, I would have been an amazing elite runner, if only my legs were faster! As I was running with my friends this morning, my community of adrenaline-pavement-hitting junkies, I brought up the topic of ServiceNow MVPs and what it all means to me and in my work world. Our conversation quickly shifted, not to competition or comparison but to the great celebration that this moment marks. I was so excited to share with them about the support that our community is known for, from the little things of simply having a space to share code, ask career-related questions without judgement, or a space to share our health pursuits. It brought me joy to know that I am part of a community that not only focuses on personal achievement, but also on helping others succeed.
A recent interaction of community at work comes to mind, when MVP nominations opened in December, I shared a simple post to remind/share about the nomination window deadline, within minutes so many people stepped up to share their experiences with their previous nominations. Some explained the documentation needed for contributions, while others offered words of encouragement, pushing each other to apply. This exemplifies what this community is all about. It is the only kind of ServiceNow community I have ever known, one built on service, support, and lifting others.
Almost eight years ago, I stepped into this ecosystem for the first time. Like many of you, I made a career shift, though mine happened a little later in life. During those first few years, I often pictured myself as a gladiator stepping into the arena, bracing for battle. Scary! I tried to conquer this new world on my own. It was tough. It was lonely. I had no community to lean on. But everything changed the day a colleague told me about an online community for ServiceNow devs, she then invited me to join this community via Slack. She had no idea that her small act, a simple invite, would completely transform my career (and my mental health) for the better. Immediately, I became part of this greater community comprised of people who had similar experiences to mine. A place where I could ask questions, answer questions, and most importantly make others feel welcome and appreciated.
I used to dream of becoming an MVP and often wondered if I would ever be able to achieve this pinnacle of recognition. Seeing the incredible women who had achieved that goal gave me the courage to believe in myself. Many of these women have become great informal mentors, both inside and outside the ServiceNow world. Watching their journeys and seeing their success gave me a roadmap for my own. They are so willing to help any of us succeed, no hidden agendas, no competition, simply an eagerness to help others in their journey. They are climbing the ladder, breaking barriers that have long been closed to many of us. However, they are not climbing alone. With every rung they climb, they reach, pulling us up, making room, ensuring that we, too, rise. And, that is where power lies! When we all work together to achieve something greater.
This year alone, we have a new record in women inducted to the 2025 cohort, 21% of the 93 inductees! A brilliant record! And, we are here to share, that we can make this number go higher, and we want you to join us, 2026 is around the corner, and we want you in the MVP ranks!
It took me a while to figure out how I could contribute, but then I realized I already was, and I continue to do so! My love for people and my desire to serve, that was my unique contribution. In my head, I kept thinking that I had to create laborious tech-related content and bring in hundreds of viewers to my channel. While that is exciting and engaging, I am here to remind you that we can all serve in different capacities. But don’t just take my word for it, here are a few quotes from this year’s MVPs, sharing their words of wisdom either for your career, or for your quest to achieve MVP status.
“Push harder when you think it's impossible; that's where greatness begins.”
Saloni Bhatt
Senior Technical Consultant
GlideFast Consulting
Saloni's message reminds us to push through those moments of doubt and exhaustion. Nothing worthwhile comes easy, it takes work, dedication, and pushing beyond what we think we're capable of. Thank you, Saloni, for reminding us that nothing is impossible! We have it within us to achieve, and I hope Saloni's words inspire you to push through.
“Don't hesitate to engage with the ServiceNow community! Sharing your knowledge is key, but the real magic is the mutual learning, especially when you are enlightened to a new perspective. Doing the research to answer someone's question often teaches me something new. This open-minded approach has helped me build invaluable connections, both professionally and personally”
Carleen Carter
Principal Architect
Serenity
Golden advice! Mutual learning and building invaluable connections. Think back to when you had a really difficult question about a requirement you needed to complete, and you hopped to one of the community boards and you had a few people take time out of their day to come out to help you. The Latin proverb says it best: By learning you will teach, by teaching you will learn.
“My best advice on becoming an MVP or Rising Star is to draw from your own experience and share it, regardless of whether you think it's technical enough. If you overcome an issue you don't see documented, I promise there's someone out there who will find your solution valuable!”
Kristen Dettman
ServiceNow Developer
University of Rochester Medical Center
Kristen’s advice reminds me that we all have different learning styles. Even if the solution is documented somewhere, your unique teaching approach might resonate with someone in a way that others don’t. Go ahead and create, share of your knowledge.
“The best advice I would give to someone hoping to become an MVP or Rising Star in the ServiceNow community would be to be authentic. Becoming an MVP is about giving back to the community and the broader ecosystem. Find something you’re great at and share it with others. You don’t have to be an expert—sharing your learning journey can be just as valuable.
Another way is to build community. If there’s no ServiceNow community in your city, consider starting a ServiceNow meetup, or if one already exists, get involved and support the organizers. Contribute meaningfully, help others grow, and your impact will naturally be recognized.”
Monette Esparcia
CEO, Founder
Perti Solutions, Inc.
Monette’s advice resonates with me. You do not need to be an expert! Your voice and your journey are valuable and it may be the difference in someone’s career.
“Congrats on getting into the ServiceNow ecosystem! There are great people in this community. Learn from them and give back to the community by sharing what you've learned.”
Nia McCash
ServiceNow Architect
University of Toronto Mississauga
Nia’s advice is spot on! The best way to contribute is to give back. Remember that we were all beginners, and in my eyes, we are all beginners at something within the platform at this very moment. Be humble, be kind, and be helpful.
“Keep moving forward. Acknowledge the negative voice, but leave it where it is. Look at your end goal and aim. Do everything from the heart.”
Famela Medina
Technical Consultant
The Process Play
Famela is right! We are usually our own worst critics! Listen to that inner voice for a second but then move on. Take action! It is normal to fear the unknown, but embrace it and keep going, working towards your goal. Find your people, share your fears, and lean on them for support.
“For those hoping to become a ServiceNow MVP / Rising Star, I'd encourage you to keep a mindset of service. The best thing about the MVP program is the way it highlights so many people that go out of their way to lift others up and help the community grow and learn the ServiceNow platform. Consistently seek to help others in the content you create, and you'll get there.”
Sarah Toulson
Architect
GlideFast Consulting
Many of us would not be where we are today without the help of others. It is folly to think that we can achieve much without a community. I see it as our duty to help others along the journey. I have seen how Sarah has gone above and beyond to help others with sharing of her knowledge, she is a guru with Portals and she shares of her knowledge freely.
I am so thankful to all these brilliant MVPs who generously shared their advice to make this post possible. It took shape over a couple of days, and each of them was so eager to contribute. You now have key insights and strategies to becoming one of the MVPs in 2026. My heartfelt advice to you is to allow your passions and your personality to guide you. Contribute in your very own way, no contribution is too small. Embrace your unique self. Authenticity is your power. There's only one you, and that's on purpose. Lastly, do good because it matters, not because it gets noticed, success will come in one way or another. And if you need a hand along the way, we will be here to help you.
