“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 all of the sudden my eyes landed on the CCNA information preparation books. It felt like an indication from the universe to purchase them. Certain, I’ll not have had all of the networking expertise 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 Heart opened places of work in Mexico Metropolis, and an expensive good friend referred me to a job alternative there. Discuss good 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 Know-how Options crew, or as we prefer to name it, CATS. Meow!

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

However, the largest shock of my profession got here once 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 Govt Management Workforce. I submitted a video in a contest by 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 Govt Management Workforce. In these moments, I actually grasped the essence of Cisco, realizing that it was extra than simply fixing help instances — it was concerning the unbelievable individuals, making significant connections, and nurturing a vibrant neighborhood.

That journey sparked a fireplace in me.

Getting out of my bubble in Mexico Metropolis, I noticed what different Cisconians had been engaging in 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 Assist Engineer to a International Assist Escalation Supervisor, all because of the help of my leaders, sponsors, and Cisco itself. They supplied me with unbelievable alternatives, together with financing my MBA research at EGADE Enterprise Faculty and attending periods at Saïd Enterprise Faculty, College of Oxford, and Yale Faculty of Administration. Discuss a transformative expertise!

Over time, I’ve related much more with Cisco tradition, particularly by my involvement in teams like Girls of Cisco and Girls in Science and Engineering (WISE). These communities have change into a secure haven, inspiring me to offer again to different women and girls. I turned co-lead of the WISE Chapter in LATAM, the place we invite new voices into the STEM world to scale back the gender hole and present women that they’ll obtain something. And when the pandemic hit, I created the Girls Accelerator Program inside Girls of Cisco Mexico to foster connections and facilitate skilled improvement. Collectively, we’ve shaped a ravishing 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 Aware Tradition, guiding ideas, Cisco values, and our function of “powering an inclusive future for all” have all impressed my private progress and allowed me to foster a secure and nurturing setting 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 wonderful 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 shaped alongside the way in which. I’m grateful for the wonderful 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 change into one of the best model of myself.

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

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