Hub Heroes: November 2015

For the month of November, we are proud to highlight the community contributions of Michael Slawnik, Sam Knox, and Katie McFadden. Thanks to Michael, Sam, and Katie for all you do!

Michael Slawnik,
Business Architect, Interlochen Center for the Arts
Two Truths and One Lie about Michael

1. I used to cook professionally, and still do on occasion.
2. Neil Young is my hero.
3. I wear Birkenstock sandals every day, and have since I was 18

Why is community important to you?

Ultimately, community is important because we’re not alone. I’ve been a musician on the side for twenty odd years now, and I’ve been in bands and performed solo, and I always prefer being part of something (the current something is working out pretty great I have to say). The collaboration that comes with being part of a group (ie. community) is the stuff of life, as far as I can tell, even a Salesforce user community. Plus, it’s fun!

What motivates you to contribute?

The HUB didn’t exist when I began working with Salesforce back in 2009, but if it had I would have used it like crazy to get up to speed. I feel so strongly about its value that I now feel that it’s a duty for those of us who have experience or skills or even just opinions to be as generous as we can be to help others who are new or have questions. I also think it’s an important way to show Salesforce how committed we are to the platform and to each other.

Sam Knox,
Salesforce Consultant, 501 Commons
Two Truths and One Lie about Sam

1. I wear glasses but only as a fashion statement
2. I regularly get carded buying beer at the grocery store
3. I am originally from Utah

Why is community important to you? What motivates you to contribute?

I enjoy contributing because it’s one of the best ways for me to learn. Being an adult is all about faking it until you make it and it’s great to express ideas and knowledge in a public setting. You know you know something if you can accurately explain it to someone else! I also know that any community is only as good as the members of it are willing to make it and the Salesforce (and nonprofit) community is full of people who make contributing worthwhile.

Katie McFadden,
Swift River Consulting
Two Truths and One Lie about Katie

1. I’ve flown a plane around the bay area
2. I’m the Assistant Director for an indie movie
3. My parents are rocket scientists

Why is community important to you?

Community is important to me because is up there with air, water and food in terms of life necessities. I suppose millions of years of evolution have selected for those priorities. That’s my nerdy response to the first question!

What motivates you to contribute?

I’m particularly devoted to the Salesforce nonprofit world because its full of motivated people with the tools to accomplish their missions. Contributions to this community lead to adopted dogs, glass-blowing courses for teens, international fellowships, scientist collaboration in the classroom and more. This community is doing good at an astounding rate and each success draws me in closer.