From Service to Security: My Path to Empowerment at Cisco

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…

Read More

From Service to Security: My Path to Empowerment at Cisco

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…

Read More

Serving With Honor, Finding Pride: Embracing Authenticity at Cisco

Serving With Honor, Finding Pride: Embracing Authenticity at Cisco

I am what someone would call an enigma — I simply do not make sense. I grew up in a military family. That is what I knew, that is what I was exposed to. It was ingrained in me that this is what we believe, how we vote, and how we love. As a military child, I was preconditioned to be subservient without questioning authority. As a child, I was ok with this — life…

Read More

Honoring service: Cisco's commitment to veterans

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…

Read More

Finding My Place, Part Three: Translating Military Skills to Cybersecurity Leadership

Finding My Place, Part Three: Translating Military Skills to Cybersecurity Leadership

When I left the military, I had some big misconceptions. I thought jumping into a leadership position at a big company like Cisco would be a breeze. I had already led Marines into conflict zones, so how hard could it be? But, after being turned down several times for leadership positions at several different companies, I had to rethink my strategy. It turned out that I had a lot to learn about the business world, especially the business…

Read More

Finding Support as a Navy Reservist at Cisco: My Bridge To Possible

Finding Support as a Navy Reservist at Cisco: My Bridge To Possible

Five years ago, I found myself sailing across the Arctic Circle to participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s largest exercise since the Cold War. Walking down the maze-like passageway, I passed miles of cable supporting the network onboard the large deck amphibious warship, where data would pass through hardware with a familiar “bridge” symbol. Standing watch in the Combat Information Center, we utilized phones with the familiar “bridge” symbol as well. Everything was in…

Read More