For greater than 20 years, I poured every little thing into my profession as a public relations government. I helped a whole bunch of purchasers throughout industries — from tech to retail, healthcare to hospitality. However one dream stayed on the again burner: writing a e book of my very own. 
That modified after I joined Cisco.
Immediately, I knew I used to be in a spot that supported me — professionally and personally. Surrounded by pushed, inventive friends, I lastly felt at house. And for the primary time, I might see a path to constructing the life I imagined — at work and past.
Over six years at Cisco, I’ve grown as a pacesetter, trainer, and storyteller. I’ve led communications for Cisco DevNet, Meraki, Cloud Networking, and extra. And due to the belief and suppleness Cisco provides me, I’ve additionally had house to be a mother, a spouse, a cat lover — and now, an creator.
From Notes on the Desk to a Ebook on the Shelf
Changing into a mom opened my coronary heart in new methods. It helped me see the richness of our multicultural household — and the tales nonetheless ready to be advised. I started jotting down concepts on the kitchen desk, between conferences and bedtime routines.
These notes grew to become My title is Checkers — a narrative about an unconventional household and a tribute to my Mexican-American heritage, introduced in each English and Spanish. In it, three characters join and assist one another — regardless of their completely different colours, personalities, and even species. This e book is only the start of a deliberate sequence impressed by my very own journey: discovering love and happiness by being myself — one thing that working right here at Cisco helped me uncover and absolutely embrace.
The Neighborhood That Made It Potential
Belonging is a follow, not a poster. At Cisco, I discovered momentum and mentorship by way of teams like Girls of Cisco, Subsequent Technology Leaders, and Conexión Latinx Community. I’m consistently inspired by the tales I see shared and the communities I comply with and contribute to. By no means in any time of my skilled profession have I been surrounded by a lot positivity. It wasn’t nearly connecting; it was about discovering others who understood the juggle, who cheered me on, and who jogged my memory, throughout fast check-ins on Webex or lunchtime webinars: I’m not alone.
That assist system helped me steadiness parenting, caregiving, {and professional} development. It gave me instruments to remain centered, ask for assist, and maintain going. Whether or not I’m main a product launch or becoming a member of a PTA occasion, I might be absolutely current. That steadiness brings readability to all elements of my life.
What Helped Me Make It Actual
You could be a mother or father, a caregiver, or a latest grad. Most of us need the identical factor: significant work and a full life. Right here’s what helped me:
- Share your objectives together with your supervisor. Flexibility begins with communication.
- Construct a gentle rhythm. Small steps add up.
- Use the instruments you will have. A easy to-do checklist works wonders.
- Discover your folks. Peer teams flip ambition into motion.
- Defend pleasure. A stroll, a chapter, amusing — these are the resets that gas the work.
Why This Issues
We transfer quicker once we’re clear on outcomes and beneficiant with belief. It’s how we keep current for the folks we love. I’m happy with the worth I present to Cisco companions and builders as an ecosystem and builders advertising networking supervisor. I’m simply as proud that I can shut my laptop computer, be absolutely current with my husband and son, and return with contemporary vitality. That steadiness isn’t only a perk — it’s the purpose. Cisco’s versatile work schedule and supportive tradition make me really feel so assured that I can actually do all of it.
My journey to creating My title is Checkers a actuality is greater than a private milestone — it’s proof that once you’re a part of a corporation that values your entire self, you’ll be able to obtain your goals and create one thing significant. One thing that helps others really feel seen, linked, and beloved.
That is what it seems wish to #LoveWhereYouWork.
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