In Merrillville, Indiana, Cristal Carter is charting a bold new course—one defined by resilience, curiosity, and a passion for technology. After experiencing a layoff, Cristal didn’t just look for her next job; she sought transformation. That search led her to TechFluent, where she discovered not only new skills but a new sense of possibility.

Finding TechFluent: A Turning Point

When Cristal stumbled upon TechFluent through a late-night TikTok scroll, she was looking for a way to stay active and keep learning. Accepted into one of the program’s early cohorts, Cristal dove into the Power Platform pathway—exploring tools like Power Apps, Power Automate, and Copilot. For someone who once doubted her ability to build solutions, the experience was eye-opening.

Skills that Stick

TechFluent equipped Cristal with more than technical know-how. She has earned certifications in Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900), and Functional Consultant (PL-200)—credentials that helped her stand out in a competitive market. But beyond the certifications, Cristal embraced the importance of curiosity and community. 

Her initiative didn’t stop there. Cristal helped fellow participants build and showcase their D365 CE, Power Platform, & Power BI portfolios online, emphasizing the value of hands-on projects in interviews. “Having something tangible to show makes a huge difference,” she says.

From TechFluent to Univerus — and now Vital Farms

Cristal’s first post-TechFluent role was with Univerus, where she worked as an Application Consultant. Her responsibilities included deploying Microsoft Power Platform apps for utility companies and customizing solutions with JavaScript. “I learned a lot, but realized I wasn’t passionate about utility poles,” she laughs.

That changed when Cristal joined Vital Farms, a mission-driven company known for ethical food practices. Today, she’s part of a small but mighty team helping Vital Farms leverage Microsoft technologies to scale and innovate. “It’s exciting to work for a company whose values I believe in. We’re even preparing to launch Copilot internally, which is huge.”

Looking Ahead

Cristal’s ambitions don’t stop at her current role. She’s already exploring advanced skills in Azure, AI Foundry, and Copilot, with an eye toward leadership. “Down the line, I’d love to move into an AI and automation manager role.”

Advice for Others

Cristal’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and community. “Share resources, help others, and stay curious. The good karma always comes back.”

Cristal Carter is a certified Power Platform consultant with a passion for automation and AI. After completing TechFluent in 2024, she’s helping Vital Farms innovate while building toward a future in tech leadership.