Honoring service: Cisco's commitment to veterans

November 11—known as Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day around the globe—is a day when country flags can be seen proudly displayed throughout many communities. You may see banners, signs, and other symbols of remembrance thanking Veterans for their service, or encounter a parade filled with Veterans and their families dressed in their patriotic best. 

It is also the day where many of us thank the people who served their country for their courage and selflessness. 

Veterans at Cisco: Exemplary Employees, Extraordinary Leaders 

At Cisco, we are dedicated to our Purpose of powering an inclusive future for all—including for our Veteran employees and their families. Whether it be our commitment to helping them transition into civilian careers or championing their overall mental health and well-being, Cisco is proud to be globally recognized as a Military Friendly Employer. 

One thing I have personally witnessed in my years as a Human Resources professional is the uniqueness that Veterans bring to our workforce. The attributes and skills that make Veterans successful in military service— including dedication, discipline, leadership, collaboration, resiliency and asymmetric problem solving—are the same attributes that make them high-performing leaders and employees. 

Imagine what these individuals may have experienced during their times of deployment. Their adaptability in high-pressure situations, even when there is no clear pathway to success, is unmatched. 

Introducing the new Cisco Veteran Leadership Program

Cisco supports several programs that are aimed at helping Veterans transition to successful civilian careers, including the Military in Sales and Leadership Program and Talent Bridge for Veterans.  

Our global Veteran Enablement and Troop Support (VETS) employee resource group has one mission: To contribute to an inclusive culture where veterans are valued not just for their military service, but for the relevant skills and leadership they bring to the workforce. 

I am excited to add to our growing catalog of programs with the launch of a brand-new initiative aimed at bridging gaps in the Veteran community. The new Veteran Leadership Program, developed and managed by volunteers within our VETS employee resource group, is a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to empowering Veterans to use their past experiences and unique skills to create real results for their careers, for Cisco, and for the world.  

After a vigorous application and interview process, our inaugural class of 2025 Scholars are currently in the middle of their six-month program. They will spend the next several months shadowing former-military mentors, participating in virtual and in-person learning sessions, and attending networking sessions.   

As the funding Executive Sponsor of this new program, I am honored to welcome and recognize our 2025 Class of the Veteran Leadership Program. Thank you all for your service, and for all you are doing for Cisco. 

Our Work is Far from Over 

While we’ve come a long way in recognizing and rewarding Veterans’ unique contributions at Cisco, there is still more that can be done to empower and support our Veterans and their families. 

A key focus area for the People & Communities (P&C) organization is employee well-being, which includes providing Veterans with the unique resources they need to adapt to life outside of service. Our leaders play an important role in this, and it is critical they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to help them better support their employees who have not only served in the past, but support those who still serve in the Guard and Reserve. 

We are dedicated to evolving the ways to serve this important community.   

What You Can Do

We know that support for our Veterans must go beyond November 11. I encourage you to get involved, in whatever way that looks like for you. 

• Become an advocate for the Veteran community—learn, read, and listen to their stories—all year long. 
• Donate to or volunteer with organizations that serve Veterans and their families. 
• Learn more about our Cisco Military Veteran Programs. 

By continuing to find ways to support our Veteran communities—both inside and outside of the workplace—we’re directly contributing to building a more inclusive future for all and helping every employee and their loved ones thrive. 

Related links:

Share: