From Service to Security: My Path to Empowerment at Cisco
My career journey began before I was even old enough to realize it. Growing up, my mother, a single parent and immigrant, turned her handcrafted items into our family’s livelihood at local flea markets, where I would often accompany her. Her resilience and entrepreneurial skills were my earliest lessons in business, laying the groundwork for my own aspirations. These early experiences instilled in me a drive to make a meaningful impact, a drive that has guided me through every chapter of my life.
After completing high school, I embarked on my undergraduate studies in business, eager to forge my path. However, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, steered my life in a new direction. Feeling a profound sense of duty to the country that had welcomed my family and me as immigrants, I enlisted in the military, setting aside my personal goals to serve. The next 22 years I spent in the Air Force were marked by personal growth, challenges, and the pride of contributing to a cause greater than myself.
In 2007, my service took a new form when I transitioned from active duty to a federal position with the Department of Homeland Security. Over the next 14 years, I committed myself to the nation’s security. Here, I saw Cisco’s networking and security solutions and their pivotal role in our operations. The cutting-edge technology was crucial in maintaining operational and informational security, proving essential to the success of our missions and contributing to the nation’s safety.
Even though I was amidst my career in security, the entrepreneurial drive instilled in me during my childhood never left. In fact, it flourished. In 2016, I co-founded a CrossFit business, and in 2020, I launched a franchise that created career opportunities for women, honoring my mother’s legacy of hard work and independence. These ventures reflected my passion and purpose for building inclusive communities and empowering others.
Parallel to my professional endeavors, I continued my academic pursuits, achieving an MBA from the University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business and advancing to a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership. USC Marshall was a haven of inclusivity and mentorship, shaping my purpose and fueling my passion for addressing Latinx entrepreneurs’ challenges. My time at USC also brought a poignant honor as I was recognized as the “Veteran of the Game,” which I dedicated to my mother, who was there with me, as a tribute to her enduring influence and sacrifices.
I suddenly lost my mother in 2019 while deployed with my reserve unit. It was a defining moment that continues to inspire me to lead a life worthy of her memory.
Now, as a partner development specialist at Cisco, I’ve found a place where my past in service and security merges with my purpose-driven life. Cisco’s dedication to empowering individuals and organizations mirrors my own, and I am part of a team that values my diverse experiences while encouraging me to make a significant impact.
In my role, I have the privilege of collaborating with Cisco partners to empower them through go-to-market (GTM) strategies, business strategies, and sales enablement. I also engage with customers to impart best practices from my extensive life experience. I work closely with various Sales Business Units at Cisco to propel our Security and Networking business forward. My entrepreneurial background, education, and previous roles equip me with the innovative mindset to develop our playbook. Leveraging my experience, I am committed to driving my team’s success and achieving outstanding results. I also leverage my education to educate our partners and customers alike, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth with them that’s reflective of the culture we experience as Cisconians.
Furthermore, I am a mentor at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business Career Advancement Program, where I continue to mentor the next wave of leaders, share my journey, and inspire others. Teaching is a passion close to my heart, and I am eager to guide others along their paths, just as I have navigated mine.
At Cisco, I am embraced by a community that recognizes the importance of secure, robust networking—the foundation underpinning my work at the Department of Homeland Security. Cisco is where my service and security history intersects with my current role, enabling me to contribute to a safer and more interconnected world.
If you’re considering a career at Cisco, understand that this is a place where your story is celebrated, your talents are utilized, and your potential is recognized. Cisco is not just a company; it’s a community that values your contributions and invests in your growth.
Celebrating diversity creates an environment in which we can all thrive. It’s part of our purpose—check it out!
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