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…

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What Happens When Your House Burns Down Right Before a Meeting?

What Happens When Your House Burns Down Right Before a Meeting?

Imagine this: you’re about to hop on a meeting with a leader, and suddenly, your house catches fire. I was working from home one afternoon and had just finished a phone call. Little did I know, my life was about to change dramatically. I grabbed some food, and as I sat down at my desk to eat before my next meeting, I heard an explosion. I checked our air conditioning unit in the backyard—it was…

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Celebrating Authenticity at Cisco and London Pride

Celebrating Authenticity at Cisco and London Pride

Last year, when I joined Cisco as a QA engineer on the Windows@Cisco Team, I remember being particularly worried by all the anti-trans and anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric appearing in the news at the time. So, I knew I was going to attend Pride, and Cisco gave me the opportunity. Luckily, London Pride was coming up a few months after my starting date. I joined the PRIDE Inclusive Community to meet other employees via Workday, which was…

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Embracing Authenticity Beyond June: A Decade of Pride and Progress at Cisco

Embracing Authenticity Beyond June: A Decade of Pride and Progress at Cisco

Pride Month is a huge celebration and meaningful event for the PRIDE community globally. Our flags are waving, clack fans are clapping, and our community is putting on spectacular events to welcome and embrace our resilient and diverse LGBTQ+ community. It’s a time of year when we may feel safer expressing ourselves. Safety is something all humans need. June is also a time of year to reflect on how far we, the PRIDE community, have…

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Building Bridges: Embracing Change, Growth, and Discovery at Cisco

Building Bridges: Embracing Change, Growth, and Discovery at Cisco

This post was authored by Pranav Athrangadan, a Business Analyst Intern on the Material Planning Team under Manufacturing Operations within the Silicon One Operation Team. When I first joined Cisco, switching from electrical engineering to business analysis felt overwhelming. I’ll be honest; it was a bit scary to change gears from engineering to a non-technical direction. But Cisco had my back from day one. They hooked me up with learning resources and even covered my…

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

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 to…

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Celebrating Creativity and Authenticity: Cisconians' Talents and Careers Shine

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

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

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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Beyond the Race: An Ironman Journey of Endurance, Inclusion, and Growth

Beyond the Race: An Ironman Journey of Endurance, Inclusion, and Growth

We woke up in the stillness of predawn, driven by our year-long commitment and unwavering dedication. That’s because we’re not just Cisconians. We’re swimmers, cyclists, runners, and on the brink of our defining moment. Ironman Village is brimming with triathletes from across the globe, and their collective energy is palpable. The atmosphere is a blend of excitement and apprehension because what we’re about to undertake is nothing short of audacious. Yet, amidst the jitters, a…

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