“Luck is what occurs when preparation meets alternative.” This quote, attributed to Roman thinker Seneca, completely captures how I discovered myself right here, within the extraordinary world of Cisco.

I used to be looking the cabinets of an enormous bookstore when out of the blue my eyes landed on the CCNA information preparation books. It felt like an indication from the universe to purchase them. Positive, I could not have had all of the networking abilities at that second, however I knew I needed to take that leap of religion. And guess what? Luck intervened only a few days later when the Cisco Technical Help Middle opened workplaces in Mexico Metropolis, and an expensive buddy referred me to a job alternative there. Speak about excellent timing!

I threw myself into studying the foundational networking ideas, and my programming background gave me an edge. That mixture landed me a spot within the superior Core and Structure Expertise Options crew, or as we wish to name it, CATS. Meow!

Once I first joined Cisco and Help Providers, I couldn’t shake the nerves of not having sufficient technical or smooth abilities. However you understand what? I stayed in Help Providers for 5 years, the place I found a deep love for serving to prospects overcome challenges and fine-tuning my troubleshooting abilities.

However, the largest shock of my profession got here after I entered to win an opportunity to attend Cisco Rocks — an occasion thanking CEO John Chambers for his 20 years of management, welcoming Chuck Robbins in as the brand new CEO, and introducing the brand new Government Management Staff. I submitted a video in a contest by way of our Worker Communications web site, and earlier than I knew it, I used to be chosen as a winner and on the journey of a lifetime with 30 different Cisconians from throughout the globe within the midst of a grand celebration on the legendary 49ers stadium with well-known pop stars singing and attending to know our Government Management Staff. In these moments, I actually grasped the essence of Cisco, realizing that it was extra than simply fixing help instances — it was in regards to the unbelievable individuals, making significant connections, and nurturing a vibrant group.

That journey sparked a hearth in me.

Getting out of my bubble in Mexico Metropolis, I noticed what different Cisconians had been carrying out professionally, personally, and within the areas the place each worlds come collectively. By means of that, I found my true ardour — empowering individuals to unleash their potential and eradicating the roadblocks to their progress. This newfound flame led me to evolve from an early-grade Buyer Help Engineer to a International Help Escalation Supervisor, all due to the help of my leaders, sponsors, and Cisco itself. They offered me with unbelievable alternatives, together with financing my MBA research at EGADE Enterprise College and attending periods at Saïd Enterprise College, College of Oxford, and Yale College of Administration. Speak about a transformative expertise!

Over time, I’ve related much more with Cisco tradition, particularly by way of my involvement in teams like Girls of Cisco and Girls in Science and Engineering (WISE). These communities have turn out to be a protected haven, inspiring me to present again to different women and girls. I grew to become co-lead of the WISE Chapter in LATAM, the place we invite new voices into the STEM world to cut back the gender hole and present women that they will obtain something. And when the pandemic hit, I created the Girls Accelerator Program inside Girls of Cisco Mexico to foster connections and facilitate skilled growth. Collectively, we’ve fashioned a good looking sense of belonging.

All through my journey, I’ve remained passionately devoted to Cisco and the ideas championed by its visionary management that I received to see firsthand on that life-changing journey. The Acutely aware Tradition, guiding rules, Cisco values, and our objective of “powering an inclusive future for all” have all impressed my private progress and allowed me to foster a protected and nurturing surroundings inside my crew and the teams I’m part of. Cisco isn’t only a firm to me — it’s part of my household, embracing my husband and our corgi infants, too.

So why am I sharing this story with you? Easy. I’m overflowing with gratitude after ten years of belonging to this superb firm. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of this extraordinary group, however extra importantly, I’m grateful for the unbelievable friendships I’ve fashioned alongside the best way. I’m grateful for the superb crew I’ve had the privilege to steer. I’m grateful for all the teachings, recommendation, and laughter. And most of all, I’m grateful for the individuals who have impressed me to turn out to be the very best model of myself.

Think about being a part of an organization that not solely accepts you for who you’re but additionally challenges you to repeatedly attempt for private {and professional} progress. That, my buddies, is the magic of Cisco.

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