My profession journey started earlier than I used to be even sufficiently old to appreciate it. Rising up, my mom, a single mum or dad and immigrant, turned her handcrafted objects into our household’s livelihood at native flea markets, the place I might typically accompany her. Her resilience and entrepreneurial expertise had been my earliest classes in enterprise, laying the groundwork for my very own aspirations. These early experiences instilled in me a drive to make a significant affect, a drive that has guided me via each chapter of my life.
After finishing highschool, I launched into my undergraduate research in enterprise, desperate to forge my path. Nonetheless, the tragic occasions of September 11, 2001, steered my life in a brand new course. Feeling a profound sense of responsibility to the nation that had welcomed my household and me as immigrants, I enlisted within the navy, setting apart my private objectives to serve. The following 22 years I spent within the Air Pressure had been marked by private development, challenges, and the delight of contributing to a trigger higher than myself.
In 2007, my service took a brand new kind after I transitioned from lively responsibility to a federal place with the Division of Homeland Safety. Over the subsequent 14 years, I dedicated myself to the nation’s safety. Right here, I noticed Cisco’s networking and safety options and their pivotal position in our operations. The cutting-edge expertise was essential in sustaining operational and informational safety, proving important to the success of our missions and contributing to the nation’s security.
Despite the fact that I used to be amidst my profession in safety, the entrepreneurial drive instilled in me throughout my childhood by no means left. In reality, it flourished. In 2016, I co-founded a CrossFit enterprise, and in 2020, I launched a franchise that created profession alternatives for ladies, honoring my mom’s legacy of arduous work and independence. These ventures mirrored my ardour and objective for constructing inclusive communities and empowering others.
Parallel to my skilled endeavors, I continued my educational pursuits, attaining an MBA from the College of Southern California (USC) Marshall Faculty of Enterprise and advancing to a doctorate in Organizational Change and Management. USC Marshall was a haven of inclusivity and mentorship, shaping my objective and fueling my ardour for addressing Latinx entrepreneurs’ challenges. My time at USC additionally introduced a poignant honor as I used to be acknowledged because the “Veteran of the Recreation,” which I devoted to my mom, who was there with me, as a tribute to her enduring affect and sacrifices.
I all of a sudden misplaced my mom in 2019 whereas deployed with my reserve unit. It was a defining second that continues to encourage me to guide a life worthy of her reminiscence.
Now, as a associate growth specialist at Cisco, I’ve discovered a spot the place my previous in service and safety merges with my purpose-driven life. Cisco’s dedication to empowering people and organizations mirrors my very own, and I’m a part of a crew that values my numerous experiences whereas encouraging me to make a big affect.
In my position, I’ve the privilege of collaborating with Cisco companions to empower them via go-to-market (GTM) methods, enterprise methods, and gross sales enablement. I additionally interact with clients to impart finest practices from my intensive life expertise. I work carefully with numerous Gross sales Enterprise Items at Cisco to propel our Safety and Networking enterprise ahead. My entrepreneurial background, training, and former roles equip me with the revolutionary mindset to develop our playbook. Leveraging my expertise, I’m dedicated to driving my crew’s success and attaining excellent outcomes. I additionally leverage my training to coach our companions and clients alike, fostering a tradition of steady studying and development with them that’s reflective of the tradition we expertise as Cisconians.
Moreover, I’m a mentor on the College of Southern California Marshall Faculty of Enterprise Profession Development Program, the place I proceed to mentor the subsequent wave of leaders, share my journey, and encourage others. Educating is a ardour near my coronary heart, and I’m desperate to information others alongside their paths, simply as I’ve navigated mine.
At Cisco, I’m embraced by a neighborhood that acknowledges the significance of safe, sturdy networking—the inspiration underpinning my work on the Division of Homeland Safety. Cisco is the place my service and safety historical past intersects with my present position, enabling me to contribute to a safer and extra interconnected world.
If you happen to’re contemplating a profession at Cisco, perceive that it is a place the place your story is well known, your skills are utilized, and your potential is acknowledged. Cisco is not only an organization; it’s a neighborhood that values your contributions and invests in your development.
Celebrating variety creates an atmosphere during which we will all thrive. It’s a part of our objective—test it out!
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