Corina Boland
Provide a short summary of why you should be selected by the community as a Digital Experience MVP
As a woman in "tech sales" and digital biz dev since 2003, 20 years in the industry well-aligns my candidature for this DX MVP recognition. My expertise and passion in crafting digital experiences and bringing forth vision for diverse brands is more than building a pretty website. My certifications / industry recognitions in MVP programs with Sitecore and Coveo (2020-present) are a nod to my advocacy in digital placemaking and applying true innovation in each of my projects. I am VP of Growth and Innovation of one of Canada's oldest creative agencies, Sid Lee.
Contributions you have made in the Digital Experience (DX) community online and in-person (i.e., blog posts, podcasts, webinars, encouraged others to join)?
I hold MVP recognition with Sitecore ( 2020, 2021, 2022) and Coveo (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) in my contribution in the category of digital advocacy. Sitecore and Coveo are two of the technologies where I hold specialization, understanding the capabilities and impact of these platforms for brands, and being able to socialize and advocate for continued adoption in the market through the plethora of pitches and RFPs I participate in 12 months of the year. I work with brands predominantly in Canada and the United States markets by applying innovation in technology and holding a deep understanding of DXP and commerce applications needed for digital transformation. I've worked with organizations in several verticals, but categories I've gravitated towards include non-profit, humanitarian and professional services.
As part of any comprehensive digital presence, my point of view on the requirement of accessibility compliance as a strategic pillar in project delivery (instead of treating compliance as a checkbox in QA, post-design) is found in several publications and distributions online. I maintain my currency in AODA compliance with my most recent certification October 2023. To date, I have participated over the years in community events including a round table discussion to advocate for businesses for accessibility requirements achieved through a different lens, and bring awareness to WCAG: https://sidlee.com/en/stories/2020/07/06-accessibility . Additionally: https://sidlee.com/en/stories/2021/05/digital-accessibility-inclusive-design and here my perspective is published to reach out from a brand perspective in video form: https://sidlee.com/en/stories/2020/09/mind-snack.
Other publications: https://www.coveo.com/blog/author/cboland/ and articles here: https://www.coveo.com/blog/website-best-practices-digital-accessibility/ https://www.coveo.com/blog/importance-of-digital-accessibility/ https://www.topinteractiveagencies.com/digital/agency/profiles/corina-boland-sidlee-we-pursue-the-human-eye-in-everything-we-touch/
An important means where I seek to support the newer generation coming into their career is through mentorship and coaching. What better way to do a good day's work than to educate and hopefully help inspire others. It is because of a few key people early in my career who took the time to guide and teach me that I find myself here today.
What encouraging words would you like to share with those new to the community and perhaps new in their career?
Believe in the life you were given today to live it fully. Love. Serve. Stop being critical over yourself - it hinders everything positive you will want to achieve.