From Military Life to Meaningful Work in Tech: My Journey into ServiceNow
I am so excited to introduce you to a dynamic and brilliant friend and colleague, Yaimy Narito. We first met by chance in a hotel lobby while checking in for the same ServiceNow event. She was chatting with her husband nearby, and within minutes we realized we were all attending the same event, RiseUp photoshoot/networking in NYC. What started as a simple coincidence quickly turned into easy conversation, laughter, and an instant connection.
Nearly three years later, we remain very close. We hold monthly catch ups where we talk about life in all its forms, with a strong focus on supporting one another through our professional journeys and career growth. I am thrilled to share her unique journey in our WomenNow series, please welcome our guest, Yaimy Narito.
Life Before Tech
Before tech entered the picture, what did life look like for you as a stay-at-home mom and military spouse, and how did that chapter shape who you are today?
For many years, my identity was deeply rooted in being a military spouse and a stay-at-home mom. My world revolved around supporting my husband’s military career, raising our three children, and holding our family together through seven moves across the country and overseas, long deployments, and constant change. Through it all, we functioned as a true team, learning to lean on each other during the hardest seasons.
Life was busy, unpredictable, and full of responsibility. I learned how to manage a household under pressure, adapt quickly to new environments, and build community wherever we landed. During those years, my husband's unwavering belief in me reminded me that my role mattered and that my sacrifices were not unnoticed. His support planted seeds of confidence, making me feel reassured and motivated to pursue new opportunities.
A group of the RiseUp participants and ServiceNow leadership at Knowledge24
Discovering Tech
Do you remember the moment or season when you first started thinking, “Maybe tech could be for me”? What sparked that curiosity?
The idea that “maybe tech could be for me” didn’t come all at once. It began when I returned to school in my early thirties, made possible by remote learning. As I explored cybersecurity during my undergraduate studies, I realized how much I enjoyed understanding systems and solving problems. During moments of doubt, my husband consistently encouraged me, reminding me of how far I had already come and reassuring me that I was capable of more than I often believed myself.
Overcoming Doubt and Making the Leap
Making the leap into IT can feel intimidating. What were some of the doubts or fears you had early on, and what helped you push through them?
Making the leap into IT was intimidating. I worried about my age, my nontraditional background, and whether I truly belonged in a technical field. But my experiences supporting my husband through military service taught me perseverance and adaptability. Those skills helped me push through challenges, and despite moments of self-doubt, my husband's unwavering belief in me kept me resilient and motivated to keep going.
Building the Skills
How did you gain the skills to enter the ServiceNow space?
After completing my undergraduate degree with a minor in cybersecurity, I continued building my technical foundation through a cybersecurity bootcamp and a Site Reliability Engineer program. There were long nights, sacrifices, and moments of exhaustion. Through it all, my husband remained my biggest cheerleader, supporting me emotionally and practically so I could stay focused on learning and growth. Gaining experience with languages like Python and JavaScript, and with tools such as Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, felt possible because I was never walking that path alone. Finally, the RiseUp with ServiceNow program opened new doors and possibilities.
“Gaining experience with languages like Python and JavaScript, and with tools such as Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform, felt possible because I was never walking that path alone. Finally, the RiseUp with ServiceNow program opened new doors and possibilities.”
Mervin Narito proudly standing next to a poster of his wife Yaimy at Knowlege24
Finding Belonging in ServiceNow
How did the ServiceNow RiseUp program support you during your transition, both in building skills and in helping you feel like you truly belonged in the ecosystem?
Discovering the ServiceNow RiseUp program was a turning point, providing a structured learning path that made me feel supported and confident in my transition into tech.
The hands-on learning was especially impactful. Being able to work directly in the platform helped transform theory into understanding and slowly replaced self-doubt with confidence. Each small win, whether it was completing a lab or understanding a concept that once felt intimidating, reminded me that I was capable and that I belonged in this space.
“Discovering the ServiceNow RiseUp program was a turning point, providing a structured learning path that made me feel supported and confident in my transition into tech.”
What stood out most to me, though, was the community. From the beginning, the RiseUp ecosystem felt welcoming and supportive. I was surrounded by people who shared their knowledge, encouraged questions, and uplifted one another. As someone from a nontraditional background transitioning into tech later in life, that sense of inclusion made me feel truly seen and valued in this space.
Throughout this transition, my husband continued to encourage me to show up confidently and fully embrace the opportunity. On days when I questioned myself, he reminded me of how much I had already accomplished and reassured me that I deserved to be there. Having his unwavering support made it easier to believe in myself and to see my place within the ServiceNow ecosystem. RiseUp gave me the tools and the community, and its faith in me gave me the courage to step forward.
Bridging Military Life and a Civilian Career
As a military spouse, how did the SkillBridge program help you translate your life experience into a civilian career, and what did that bridge mean for you personally?
The NextGen SkillBridge program truly felt like a bridge between two worlds. It helped translate years of adaptability, resilience, and soft skills into a civilian career path. It represented a shared victory. My husband and I had navigated military life together for over two decades, and this program symbolized the moment where his unwavering support helped me step into a career of my own. The easiest part to translate was the community. In the military, the biggest thing you take with you in your moves is the community. Race, language, and customs all become a bond strengthened by the shared experiences that brought us together. The program opens doors to technology for many people for the first time in their lives, and the community and support help turn those fears into new beginnings and endless possibilities.
“The NextGen SkillBridge program truly felt like a bridge between two worlds. It helped translate years of adaptability, resilience, and soft skills into a civilian career path. ”
Life in Tech Today
Let us talk about where you are now. What is your current role, and what does a typical day look like for you?
The program was only the beginning of this enriching experience. In an ever-changing ecosystem like ServiceNow, continuous learning and growth are essential to remain relevant as new features and capabilities emerge. That mindset has become a core part of how I approach my career today.
I currently work as a Technical Consultant, collaborating closely with stakeholders, developers, and cross-functional teams to design, configure, and implement solutions on the ServiceNow platform. My role sits at the intersection of technical development and problem-solving. I help translate business needs into practical, scalable solutions by configuring workflows, building and enhancing applications, and ensuring that implementations follow best practices.
A typical day may involve analyzing requirements, troubleshooting issues, configuring platform features, or developing custom solutions using scripts and platform tools. I also spend time testing, documenting, and collaborating with team members to ensure that what we deliver is both functional and sustainable. No two days look the same, which keeps the work engaging and constantly challenging.
What I appreciate most about this role is that it allows me to continue learning while making a real impact. Each project is an opportunity to grow technically, strengthen communication skills, and contribute meaningful value to the organizations we support. Even now, I lean on the same resilience and adaptability that carried me through military life, supported by my husband’s continued encouragement and belief in my abilities as I navigate this next chapter.
Passion and Growth
What areas of ServiceNow or IT do you find yourself most passionate about or skilled in, and how are you continuing to grow in that space?
What I enjoy most is the development and technical consulting side of ServiceNow, where I can take a client’s needs and turn them into practical, functional solutions. I find great fulfillment in building solutions, fine-tuning configurations, and ensuring everything works together as intended. There is something gratifying about seeing a solution come to life and knowing it will be used and relied on every day.
I also genuinely enjoy the human side of the work. Seeing the relief or smile on a client’s face when their needs have been met makes all the effort worthwhile. When a solution is not quite there yet, I see that as an opportunity rather than a setback. I like taking the time to dig deeper, ask thoughtful questions, and understand what is missing so we can deliver something that truly fits their expectations.
“I also genuinely enjoy the human side of the work. Seeing the relief or smile on a client’s face when their needs have been met makes all the effort worthwhile. When a solution is not quite there yet, I see that as an opportunity rather than a setback.”
I take pride in giving my best every time and in delivering thoughtful, well-executed work. At the same time, I recognize that the best results never happen in isolation. Everyone involved brings a different perspective and strength to the table, and I value the role collaboration and feedback play in shaping a successful outcome. That balance between quality, teamwork, and client satisfaction is what keeps me motivated and engaged in this space.
Words for Others Standing at the Edge
Looking back on your journey so far, what would you want other military spouses or stay-at-home parents to know if they are standing at the edge of a career change and wondering if this path is possible for them?
I want you to know that it’s absolutely possible to pursue a new path, change careers, and grow—both personally and professionally—no matter where you’re starting from. The right support can make all the difference, whether it comes from your spouse, family, friends, or community. If you have someone who believes in you, let their encouragement lift you up. It’s normal to face challenges, feel unsure, or need help; these are all part of the journey. For me, my husband and children are my source of strength. I want to make them proud, and show my kids they can dream big and go after what they want. I wouldn’t be here without my husband’s steady support and belief in me. I’ve also had many people help me along the way; I think of them as my guardian angels. All I am trying to say is, if you find encouragement, reach out and hold on to it. So, if you’re thinking about making a change, take that first step. Trust yourself, let others help you, and remember you don’t have to do it alone.
“I want you to know that it’s absolutely possible to pursue a new path, change careers, and grow—both personally and professionally—no matter where you’re starting from. The right support can make all the difference, whether it comes from your spouse, family, friends, or community.”
After many years of supporting others’ dreams, I am grateful to finally be building my own, alongside the person who never stopped believing in me, and adding my grain of salt to helping the world work better with ServiceNow.
