What Being a Rising Star Means to Me: A Journey of Discovery and Community
Congratulations to the ServiceNow Community Rising Stars 2025
When I first received the notification that I had been recognized as a ServiceNow Rising Star 2025, I stared at my screen for a moment, unsure if I was reading it correctly. The word that immediately came to mind was "grateful." After a six-year career break from 2017 to 2023 while raising my children, I had wondered if I could ever return to IT. Here I was, not only back in the workforce as a ServiceNow Developer at UMass Memorial Health, but being recognized as a 2024-2025 Rising Star for my contributions to a community that had been my lifeline during those uncertain years. Being a Rising Star isn't just about individual achievement—it's about proving that your path doesn't have to be linear to be valuable.
“Being a Rising Star isn’t just about individual achievement—it’s about proving that your path doesn’t have to be linear to be valuable.”
My journey with ServiceNow truly began when I realized this platform could make me believe I could actually write code—something I never thought possible. When I returned to work and dove deep into ITOM Discovery, CMDB, Certificate Management, and ITSM, I discovered there's something magical about watching a discovery process unfold, seeing how disparate IT assets connect and form a comprehensive view of an organization's infrastructure. As a certified ServiceNow CSA, CIS-Discovery, and CAD professional, I've learned that the platform's power lies not just in solving complex IT infrastructure challenges, but in how it enables us to build solutions that help healthcare workers focus more on patient care rather than administrative tasks. What drives me isn't just the technical challenge—it's knowing that my work makes a meaningful difference.
The Rising Star recognition has been more than validation—it's given me courage to believe in my own voice. Standing on stage at Knowledge 2025, looking at the audience, I realized how far I'd come. Not long before, I was home with young children, uncertain if I'd ever return to IT. That moment filled me with immense gratitude for everyone who supported my journey back, especially the ServiceNow community members who answered my questions and shared their knowledge so generously. I've learned that contribution doesn't always require grand gestures—sometimes it's answering a question in the community forums, sharing a troubleshooting tip with someone who reminds you of your earlier self, or simply being vulnerable about your own challenges. Every interaction matters because someone out there needs exactly your perspective, with all its unique challenges and triumphs.
To those who are wondering how they can contribute to this incredible community and perhaps even become a Rising Star themselves, my advice comes from experience: start small and be consistent. Your story matters, even if it seems imperfect. Whether you're a seasoned administrator, just beginning your ServiceNow journey, or even taking a break from your career—you have something valuable to offer. My goal has always been to help the community by sharing my perspective, learnings, and unique experiences while being authentic. I believe if my content can help even one person in the world, that's a big win for me. Don't chase the recognition—focus on genuine contribution. Concentrate on one module that you're passionate about, learn it deeply, and share that knowledge rather than trying to cover everything. For me, it's been ITOM Discovery, CMDB, ITSM, and Certificate Management—I absolutely love everything about these modules and the transformative impact they can have. Even though we may contribute regularly to the community, somewhere deep down we all have doubts about whether we'll be recognized or selected for opportunities. As a spiritual person who believes in God's will, I've learned that our role is to contribute authentically and trust that what's meant for us will come to pass.
“To those who are wondering how they can contribute to this incredible community and perhaps even become a Rising Star themselves, my advice comes from experience: start small and be consistent. ”
Here's what I truly believe: with or without recognition, everyone who shares knowledge without expecting anything in return is a Rising Star or MVP in my eyes. As humans, we all naturally strive to be recognized, and that's okay. If I wouldn't have been selected as a Rising Star this year, I would have been sad initially, but I would have taken it as a positive sign that my contributions weren't enough yet—that I needed to strive more and contribute more generously. Remember, God will always do something better for us. Share your learning experiences, ask thoughtful questions, participate in discussions, and don't be afraid to showcase your work. Write a blog post about a challenge you solved, create a knowledge article about a configuration tip, or collaborate with others—like my work with ServiceNow MVP, Kristen Dettman on the NowDivas YouTube channel, where different backgrounds complement each other to create something greater than any of us could alone.
“Here’s what I truly believe: with or without recognition, everyone who shares knowledge without expecting anything in return is a Rising Star or MVP in my eyes.”
Being a Rising Star has taught me that growth happens in community, and that our individual journeys—no matter how winding—contribute to collective knowledge. When we selflessly contribute our time, knowledge, and energy to help others succeed, we create ripple effects that extend far beyond what we can see. The individuals who contribute to this community, whether they're recognized with awards or working quietly behind the scenes while balancing family responsibilities or other life challenges, are the true stars. If I can restart my career after six years and achieve Rising Star status, it proves that success isn't just about personal advancement or following a traditional path—it's about creating an environment where everyone can shine, regardless of where they've been or where they're going. That's what being a Rising Star means to me: the opportunity to be part of a community that believes in collective growth, second chances, and the power of helping one another reach new heights.
Congratulations to the 2025 Rising Stars Cohort! To see all the recipients, visit the ServiceNow community.
