In this blog series, we share people’s incredible Salesforce certification stories. Girbson studied engineering at University with a passion for Information Technology. He got his first job as an IT Support and Database Specialist at Habitat for Humanity Haiti in Port-au-Prince. As Salesforce donated a 10-year license to Habitat Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, it was here that Girbson was first introduced to Salesforce.

I remember the first question my boss asked me: “Do you know what CRM is?” I’ll never forget it. I had never heard of that before. The first time my manager introduced me to Salesforce, he told me, “If you know Salesforce, you’ll have greater opportunities.” I now see that this is true!

I first started to teach myself Salesforce on the job. Through the Salesforce Success Community, I then connected with Stephane Maurin who is based in Ireland but comes from France, so we could easily communicate in my native tongue.

"I quickly identified in Girbson what it takes to become Salesforce-certified: focus and determination. And in the case of Girbson, I can add that he is a great, smart, and humble person.” Stephane Maurin, Salesforce Principal Success Manager.

Stephane helped me daily and became my coach, mentor, and friend. He was ready to help me every time I needed it, every time! Stephane then put me in touch with Leah when I decided I wanted to become Salesforce-certified.

“Most people subscribe to the lack and limitations of the world, but Girbson only saw opportunity, even in the face of true obstacles. If you open up the dictionary to the word determination, you will see Girbson Bijou's photo.” Leah McGowen-Hare, Salesforce Master Instructor.

I took my first exam in the Habitat offices. My supervisor even reserved a generator to make sure that if the power cut out it wouldn't ruin my chances of passing. I’m proud to say I passed my exam on my first attempt and became the first-ever Salesforce Certified person in Haiti. With discipline and determination, we can all remove the first two letters from the word impossible.

I then decided to sit for my Salesforce Administrator certification. I passed again, in less than half the time allowed. One month later, I went for another. I can say Salesforce changed my life. First of all, it made things easier for me at work. Secondly it gave me opportunities, visibility – I’m not just a Salesforce Certified professional for Haiti; my certifications are recognized throughout the whole world.

My family, friends, and colleagues are very proud of me. Not because I am the first Salesforce Certified Professional, but because Haiti has a Salesforce Certified Professional and I am setting a good example for everyone. I need to open the door and guide other people to join me. One day I would like to be a certified trainer and help train others. Thank you to the many people who support and believe in me. Thank you for your trust in me. I will continue to make you proud.

To the young people of Haiti, I wish that you see all you can do to fulfill your life. You can go further than me; I am just the first, and you can do more than me. And I encourage you to continue to work hard and to change Haiti, and to change the world.

Girbson recently sat for and passed his Salesforce Platform Developer I certification, making him 4x certified and counting.

Girbson Bijou’s Certifications
Salesforce Certified Force.com Developer June 29, 2015
Salesforce Certified Administrator January 12, 2016
Salesforce Certified Platform App Builder February 25, 2016
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I April 8, 2016

If you’ve been inspired by Girbson’s story, learn more about how you too can become a Salesforce Certified Professional.  

If you would like to help efforts in Haiti, please visit www.habitathaiti.org