Her Story
About Christine
Christine Salas is a seasoned business systems and operations professional with more than 25 years of experience spanning financial services, business operations, customer service, and business systems analysis. As a Business Systems Analyst 2 at HOLT CAT, Christine manages five ERP systems and serves as a key liaison between finance and technology teams. She leads cross-functional projects involving requirements gathering, system enhancements, software implementations, user acceptance testing, training, and process improvement, helping organizations align technology solutions with operational needs. Before joining HOLT CAT, Christine built a 19-year career with GE Capital and later Wells Fargo Leasing, progressing through roles in vendor relations, team advising, and contract administration. Her experience has given her a strong foundation in financial operations, compliance, vendor and B2B relationship management, quality assurance, and change management. Lean certified and experienced in project management, Christine is particularly skilled at identifying inefficiencies, standardizing processes, managing business procedures and SOPs, and implementing sustainable solutions that improve organizational effectiveness. Christine's professional journey reflects resilience, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating positive change. After returning to school as a single mother, she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and continued developing her professional expertise through Lean certification and leadership training. She also founded the People with Disabilities Network at GE Capital, an initiative that reached approximately 50,000 people before the organization was disbanded following the Wells Fargo acquisition. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Christine places great importance on family, faith, service, and community. She attends On-line church regularly, supports those in need, advocates for workers with disabilities, and support animal rescue efforts.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience. I do not give up, and I continue to show up every day, even when challenges arise. I am legally blind and have low vision, but my disability does not define me or determine what I can achieve.
I understand that SSDI is a tool, not a way of life. Too often, people with disabilities become stuck in the system because they are afraid to take risks or pursue new opportunities. While SSDI can provide important support, it should not limit your vision for what is possible.
I trust in God's guidance and believe He will lead me down the right path, but I also believe in myself. Faith, perseverance, and self-confidence have helped me overcome obstacles and continue moving forward. I have learned that when you believe in yourself, others are more likely to believe in you as well.
My journey has taught me that success is not defined by the challenges you face, but by your determination to keep going despite them. Never let your circumstances define your future. Keep learning, keep growing, and do not be afraid to take chances that can lead to new opportunities and a better life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that you only live once, so sometimes you have to take a chance. You do not have to do everything in the "right" order to be successful. Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone and taking a leap of faith.
I am a perfect example of that. After 19 years with the same employer, I made the difficult decision to leave my job and move across the country from Iowa to Texas. It was a risk, but it opened doors to new opportunities and personal growth that I may never have experienced otherwise.
My advice to others is to keep learning, pursue education in any way you can, and do not be afraid to take calculated risks. Life does not always follow a perfect plan, and success does not require a perfect timeline. Sometimes the best things happen when you are willing to take a chance.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Women in IT are often underrepresented, so I encourage young women to build strong professional relationships and collaborate with others. No one succeeds alone. Find trusted mentors, colleagues, and peers who can offer guidance, share knowledge, and support you when you face challenges or do not have all the answers.
Throughout my career, I have learned that asking questions is a strength, not a weakness. The connections you build can provide valuable insight, open doors to new opportunities, and help you grow both professionally and personally. Surround yourself with people who encourage you, challenge you, and believe in your potential.
Most importantly, believe in yourself. Your perspective, skills, and experiences have value. Do not let uncertainty or self-doubt hold you back from pursuing a career in technology. With resilience, a willingness to learn, and a strong support network, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Learning to use AI has been both a challenge and a blessing. My advice is, "Don't knock it until you try it." Take the time to explore what AI can do for you and how it can make your work more efficient.
I use AI every day in my professional life. It helps me write more polished emails, organize ideas, summarize information, and assist with data entry tasks. What once seemed intimidating has become a valuable tool that saves time and increases productivity.
Like any new technology, there is a learning curve, but the benefits are worth the effort. AI is not a replacement for your knowledge, skills, or judgment. Instead, it is a tool that can help you work smarter and focus on higher-value activities. Being open to learning and embracing new technology can create opportunities you never expected.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value my relationships with my family and my faith, which are the foundation of my life. I nurture my faith by attending church services via YouTube every Sunday and trusting in God's guidance through both challenges and successes.
I believe in serving others and making a positive difference in my community. Whether it is supporting friends, advocating for people in need, or speaking up for animals, I strive to help those who may not have a voice of their own. Giving back and showing compassion are important values that guide my actions and remind me of the importance of kindness, service, and community.
I have found that a life grounded in faith, family, and service is both meaningful and rewarding. These values inspire me to keep learning, growing, and helping others whenever I can.
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