WWN by Anggie Salazar Ep18: Sareena Barron Palmer

Hi Networkers! I'm Anggie, VP of Sales & Marketing at CROING l Creative Agency founded by Alejandra Salazar, and welcome to my newsletter, Women Who Network: Stories of Connection and Success.

I’m super excited to introduce our special guest today: Sareena Barron Palmer She is account manager at Microsoft. She advocates for DEI&A, including in her experience as a leader and advisor for Microsoft's H/L ERG, HOLA.

Why did we start this newsletter?

As I always say, networking has played a key role in my career, and I have found through many conversations that it is an area where many women still don't feel confident or need a little push to explore further.

At CROING, we are motivated to inspire and empower professional women to feel more confident in networking. We believe that by sharing stories and experiences, we can encourage more women to connect and grow together.

I’m confident that Sareena’s story will motivate many women to embrace networking with more confidence. ??

Redefining Networking Beyond the Usual

Anggie: Saarena, how has your approach to networking evolved throughout your career?

Sareena: My approach to networking has evolved significantly throughout my career. Initially, I would try to lean into personal topics to make conversation, but this often made me feel nervous and anxious. Over time, I realized that effective networking does not have to conform to a single style or method. To alleviate the pressure, I remind myself that networking can take many shapes and forms. For instance, working on cross-team projects allows me to connect with colleagues from different organizations, fostering a sense of collaboration and mutual respect. Engaging in Employee Resource Groups provides an excellent platform to meet like-minded individuals who share similar interests and goals for DEIA at Microsoft. Connecting with others on LinkedIn has proved invaluable in maintaining professional relationships and making new connections. By removing the constraints of what networking traditionally looks like, I have been able to expand my horizons and cultivate a more diverse and robust network. This holistic approach has not only enhanced my personal growth, but also enriched my career by widening my scope of professional relationships.

Anggie: Love it! At CROING, we also believe that connections don’t always happen in a conference room or at formal events. Like Saarena, we’ve seen some of our best partnerships and collaborations come from organic, cross-team efforts or online communities. I’d add that being intentional about showing up where your passions lie—whether it's an interest group or a cross-functional project—helps you meet people who align with your values. That’s when the real magic happens. It’s less about “networking” and more about finding shared purpose. And that’s when relationships become more than just contacts—they become partnerships that drive real impact!

Crafting Connections: The Art of Meaningful Engagement

Anggie: Saarena, what strategies do you use to establish genuine and meaningful connections at networking events?

Sareena: Establishing meaningful connections at networking events involves a delicate balance of sharing and listening. By sharing aspects of myself, I build a foundation of trust. However, genuine connection relies on the ability to ask thoughtful questions and listen intently to the responses, without interrupting or thinking of what to say next. This active engagement demonstrates sincere interest in understanding the person beyond superficial interactions.

Anggie: Absolutely, Saarena! I love how you emphasize the importance of listening. When we approach networking as a two-way street, it transforms from a transactional experience to a more enriching interaction. Engaging genuinely allows us to foster relationships that are meaningful and lasting. It’s amazing how much we can learn when we truly connect with others!

Stories of Connection and Success: Saarena Barron’s Edition

Anggie: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career where networking played a key role?

Sareena: One moment in my career where networking played a key role was when I transitioned from Microsoft Retail Stores to Microsoft Corporate in 2021. Recognizing the importance of building new connections in my new role, I actively participated in career events hosted by HOLA, an employee resource group at Microsoft. My initial involvement, which included participating in a panel discussion about changing roles, sparked my interest in joining the HOLA leadership team. Despite my nervousness about not speaking Spanish or fitting what I perceived to be cultural norms, the encouragement and support I received from my HOLA network bolstered my confidence. In 2022, I ran for and was elected to a leadership position within HOLA, a role that proved to be pivotal. This opportunity allowed me to work closely with Corporate Vice Presidents (CVPs), lead significant events, and contribute to the HOLA Scholarship program. The experience broadened my professional exposure, honed my leadership skills, and led me to grow as a Latina in the technology industry.

Anggie: Your story highlights how taking the initiative to engage with communities can open doors to transformative opportunities. Surrounding ourselves with supportive networks provides encouragement and exposure to mentors who can guide our growth. Every connection can be a stepping stone toward achieving your goals, so never underestimate the impact of one meaningful interaction!

Empower Your Journey: Networking for Growth

Anggie: What advice would you give to women who are just starting their professional careers or are hesitant to engage in networking?

Sareena: My advice to women who are just starting their professional careers or are hesitant to engage in networking is to first remind yourself that you deserve to be in your role, in your industry, and in the room. If you are lacking confidence, try to repeat affirmations to keep up your mindset, or do something to get you pumped! For me, that means blasting rap music on the way to an event. Second, remember that we have more in common than we do differently. I am always pleasantly surprised by what I learn about others when I connect genuinely. I am a firm believer in “you can’t be what you can’t see”—and you may just be the inspiration someone else needed to see today.

Anggie: Remembering our worth is essential, and when we walk into a room with confidence, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire those around us. Finding common ground is key! The more we share our stories, the more we realize our experiences resonate with others. You might just light the spark for someone else to take that leap!

Thanks Sareena for sharing your thoughts and journey with our community! As I always say: Don’t forget, your network is your net worth.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our next edition of Women Who Network: Stories of Connection and Success every Tuesday.

If you want to be part of or propose someone for this space, please email me at [email protected].

Until next time, keep networking and growing!

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