Inclusive Communities

Celebrating Creativity and Authenticity: Cisconians' Talents and Careers Shine

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Celebrating Creativity and Authenticity: Cisconians' Talents and Careers Shine

Last month, the Connected Black Professionals Inclusive Community shone the spotlight on talented members at events highlighting Black creativity in celebration of African Americans in the Arts — this year’s Black History Month theme. Hear what it means for these Cisconians who performed at CBP events to bring their passions to work and show up as their authentic selves every day. Jamari Cortez, Customer Project Manager I officially began my DJ career a few months…

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The We Are Cisco Singers: The Power of Authenticity and Connection

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The We Are Cisco Singers: The Power of Authenticity and Connection

Being yourself is something that, for me, is key to being successful. One of the things that I love the most about working at Cisco is that I can be my true self. During the day, I’m a Business Operation Manager and part of the Global Staffing Team, and at night, I’m a hard rock/ metal singer.   In 2020, during the pandemic, connecting with people was difficult due to all the uncertainty and restrictions…

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Paving the Way to a More Inclusive Future

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Paving the Way to a More Inclusive Future

As a first-generation college student and a woman of color, navigating my educational journey was a path I faced alone. Growing up with a single, hardworking mother, I learned the value of self-reliance and determination early on. Her unwavering support instilled in me a tenacity to always seek betterment and embrace challenges. While majoring in marketing and management at the University of Houston, scholarships became my gateway to education. Yet, it wasn’t just about securing…

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My Journey with Cisco: A Decade of Growth, Opportunity, and Empowerment

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My Journey with Cisco: A Decade of Growth, Opportunity, and Empowerment

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This quote, attributed to Roman philosopher Seneca, perfectly captures how I found myself here, in the extraordinary world of Cisco. I was browsing the shelves of a huge bookstore when suddenly my eyes landed on the CCNA guide preparation books. It felt like a sign from the universe to buy them. Sure, I may not have had all the networking skills at that moment, but I knew…

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Building inclusive AI will accelerate innovation

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Building inclusive AI will accelerate innovation

This post was authored by Mary Fernandez, Cisco global lead for disability and neuro-inclusion. Often when we talk about promoting inclusion of disabled and neurodivergent people in society we exclusively focus on work and education. While equitable access to education and employment are fundamental to participating in society, life isn’t and shouldn’t be just about work. For example, I’m a newly single blind woman engaged in online dating. As I’m browsing profiles, I want to…

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Celebrating Latinas in Tech

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Celebrating Latinas in Tech

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Cindy Valladares and Laura Elena Garza discussed their experiences as Latinas in tech. Valladares, director of brand strategy, customer advocacy, and storytelling at Cisco security, and Garza, manager of the Site Reliability Engineering Delivery team for Cisco Duo, hadn’t met before but quickly connected over how their cultures have impacted their lives and careers and how they both currently call the Pacific Northwest home. If you also value connection, authenticity,…

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