In the heart of Dixie, Dimitri Coulibaly stepped off a plane from Ivory Coast armed with a bachelor’s degree in law. Unfortunately, he would quickly realize that his education would not directly translate into the same career opportunities in the U.S. that he once enjoyed in his home country. Determined to build a new path, he started working at Kroger and eventually moved from Douglasville, Georgia to Atlanta to pursue greater possibilities.

By 2023, Dimitri’s curiosity for technology led him to Microsoft Learn, where he began teaching himself Microsoft Dynamics CRM. That self-driven spark set the stage for what would come next: joining TechFluent in May 2024 and transforming his future.

A Career Before TechFluent

Prior to enrolling in TechFluent, Dimitri worked in customer service roles—both in call centers and face-to-face—with a unique advantage: his native fluency in French. His ability to connect with diverse clients and navigate complex customer interactions laid a foundation of communication and empathy that would later prove invaluable in consulting.

Inspired by Community

Dimitri’s decision to join TechFluent was fueled by more than just an interest in technology. He was inspired by the culture of the program and the stories of other immigrants and underrepresented individuals who had successfully navigated similar journeys. Their resilience and determination motivated him to take the leap into Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement.

The Most Valuable Lesson

For Dimitri, the most transformative part of TechFluent wasn’t purely technical—it was learning soft skills. From the very beginning of the program, he realized that thriving as a consultant meant more than mastering the technology. Building relationships, communicating clearly, and understanding client needs were equally, if not more, important to long-term success.

Goals and Aspirations

When Dimitri joined TechFluent, his goal was straightforward: deepen his understanding of the industry and secure a role in technology. He knew success wasn’t guaranteed, but he believed that hard work, coupled with the program’s network and support, would increase his chances of landing his dream job.

That dream? To become a technology consultant helping clients achieve their goals through thoughtful, impactful solutions. Dimitri also hopes to give back to TechFluent and support future cohorts in their own journeys.

A New Chapter at Ellucian

Today, Dimitri is living that dream as an Associate Consultant at Ellucian, a leading technology provider for educational institutions. In his role, he helps deliver CRM solutions that support event planning and fundraising for schools and universities. He recently wrapped up his first client-facing engagement—an experience he describes as both challenging and rewarding—and is preparing to lead his first project soon.

“I’m excited to step into this next phase,” Dimitri shares. “TechFluent didn’t just teach me technology—it gave me the confidence and soft skills I needed to succeed in this new career.”