The First Huge Step: SUGBR + SUGLATAM
The journey began with a simple LinkedIn message from Rodrigo Peplau:
“Hey, I’m interested in what you guys are doing! Let’s talk.”
From there, Rodrigo and I started exchanging ideas. In our respective countries, we observed a small yet incredibly strong community of Sitecore developers—proficient, driven professionals contributing primarily to American enterprises. We discussed how we could foster growth in the community by inspiring the next generation. Our goal was to reach young, eager minds willing to listen—college students excited to explore what their future careers might hold. After all, we were all in their shoes once.
This initiative, a key focus of SUGLATAM, started in 2023. We began hosting Sitecore Days at universities in Ecuador, introducing students in IT and computer science programs to Sitecore fundamentals and intermediate concepts. With community integration and unification as one of SUGLATAM’s primary objectives, the opportunity to expand this initiative to Brazil was the perfect next step.
Preparing the Presentation
Rodrigo spearheaded the effort, organizing Sitecore Day Brazil at his alma mater, Unisul Pedra Branca. After months of planning, it was time to craft a compelling message for the students.
We aimed to inspire and motivate by sharing how we built our careers, emphasizing the effort and determination that led to our success. Key points included:
- The importance of learning English as a second language to unlock global opportunities.
- How to enhance professional profiles, transitioning from traditional printed résumés to a strong digital presence.
- Practical tips on optimizing LinkedIn profiles, with small but impactful changes like using a good webcam, microphone, or lighting setup.
- Strategies for choosing a niche in the broad IT field.
Rodrigo covered these topics in his plan. Then, it was my turn.
My Perspective
I focused on how students could carve out their own space within the Sitecore ecosystem. I highlighted:
- The diverse roles in Sitecore, such as developer, QA, project manager, or DevOps engineer.
- The cutting-edge technologies Sitecore employs, enabling professionals to stay at the forefront of the industry.
- Sitecore’s evolution from a CMS to a DXP, demonstrating how composability addresses modern challenges with innovative solutions.
- The extensive support network within the Sitecore community, including forums, Slack groups, tutorials, and free subscriptions to the Sitecore Learning Portal.
- Exciting Sitecore-related events, such as User Groups, Hackathons, SUGCONs, and Symposiums.
The presentation was ready, and we were eager to share the message.
Exploring Brazil
Rodrigo and his family were incredible hosts, welcoming me into their home for a week. I experienced the vibrant city of Pedra Branca, with its modern architecture, lively markets, and unique attractions like AeroPark, where small planes soared through the skies.
The culinary experiences were equally diverse—from traditional Brazilian dishes to Italian pasta and pizza. One unforgettable night included a concert by Rodrigo’s favorite band, Dazaranha. Afterward, we enjoyed a Podrão X-Tudo sandwich—a greasy, late-night treat that hit the spot at 2 a.m. We also visited the beach, played soccer, and savored fresh seafood.
The day before the event, we scouted the auditorium, ensuring everything was in place. The anticipation was building!
The Big Day
With the final touches added to our presentation, we rehearsed in front of mirrors and each other. Although I was presenting in Spanish to a Portuguese-speaking audience, Rodrigo coached me on key phrases to ensure clarity.
Dressed for the occasion, we arrived at the venue, where we gave a brief interview about the event’s purpose and our hopes for its impact.
The auditorium filled with 180 students and teachers eager to hear our message. Rodrigo began, speaking with the passion of a philosopher in a Greek agora. I followed, matching his energy. The audience responded enthusiastically—their applause filled the room.
We concluded with a group photo—a moment for the history books. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. For me, it was an especially proud moment: my debut as an international speaker in Brazil, a fellow Latin American country.
Wrapping Up
As a DevOps engineer, I’d say the “deployment” of Sitecore Day Brazil was a success! I hope Rodrigo continues similar initiatives across Brazil, while the SUGLATAM team remains committed to spreading the Sitecore message.
Our goal is clear: to expand opportunities for students and professionals in Latin America, fostering a stronger, united Sitecore community. Though the results will take time, we’re confident this project will bear fruit. We’ll keep moving forward, driven by the belief that the best is yet to come.
