From a tender age, my professional path began unfolding long before I was cognizant enough to fully grasp its significance. As a child, I often accompanied my solo mother – an immigrant herself – to local flea markets where she would sell her meticulously handmade crafts, transforming her passion into a means of financial stability for our family. My introduction to entrepreneurship through her unwavering resilience and business acumen laid a solid foundation for my future ambitions. Early formative experiences instilled within me a profound motivation to leave a lasting impact, driving me through every pivotal moment and milestone of my life’s journey.
Upon completing high school, I embarked on my undergraduate studies in business, eager to chart my own course. Despite the calamitous events of September 11, 2001, my life took an unforeseen turn. As a token of gratitude for the country that had provided refuge to my family and me as newcomers, I made the selfless decision to join the naval forces, putting aside personal aspirations to answer the call to service. Over the course of twenty-two years in the Air Force, I experienced personal growth, faced numerous challenges, and derived immense satisfaction from mentoring others who were better than me.
When I shifted from hands-on operational work to a federal role within the Department of Homeland Security in 2007, my career trajectory underwent a significant transformation. For the next 14 years, I devoted myself to ensuring the nation’s security and well-being. Cisco’s comprehensive suite of networking and security solutions plays a critical role in our day-to-day operations. Cutting-edge expertise proved pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution of operations and safeguarding vital information, thereby directly influencing the achievement of our strategic objectives and bolstering national security.
Throughout my childhood, an entrepreneurial spirit was instilled within me, never allowing me to fully disengage from pursuing business ventures alongside my professional pursuits in safety. In truth, it flourished. In 2016, I co-founded a CrossFit venture, and in 2020, I expanded this effort by launching a franchise that empowers women with professional opportunities, paying tribute to my mother’s enduring spirit of hard work and self-sufficiency. These undertakings reflected my passion and commitment to building diverse and equitable societies, as well as fostering the empowerment of individuals from all backgrounds.
While pursuing my professional endeavors, I concurrently pursued higher education, earning a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business and later obtaining a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Management. At the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, I found a nurturing environment that celebrated diversity and provided guidance, ultimately refining my objectives and igniting my passion for tackling the unique hurdles faced by Latinx entrepreneurs. During my time at USC, I had the privilege of being dubbed “Veteran of the Game,” a poignant honor that I dedicated to my mother, who was by my side, in tribute to her unwavering influence and sacrifices throughout the years.
While serving with my reserve unit in 2019, I inadvertently lost track of my mother. Was a pivotal moment that still inspires me to lead a life that honours her memory.
As a dedicated member of Cisco’s improvement team, I’ve identified an intersection where my expertise in service and safety harmonizes seamlessly with my passion for purpose-driven living. As a valued member of Cisco’s diverse workforce, I resonate with the company’s mission to empower individuals and organizations, aligning seamlessly with my own commitment to making a meaningful impact.
As a valued member of my team, I have the distinct privilege of partnering with esteemed Cisco partners to equip them with tailored go-to-market strategies, business development tactics, and comprehensive sales enablement tools. Through personal interactions with prospects, I share expert insights and valuable lessons learned from my extensive life experience. I collaborate closely with a diverse range of Gross sales Enterprise Items at Cisco to drive the growth and advancement of our Safety and Networking business forward. With a proven track record of entrepreneurship, coupled with a solid educational foundation and experience in various roles, I possess a forward-thinking perspective that enables me to craft a groundbreaking playbook. With a deep understanding of my strengths, I am committed to empowering my team’s achievements and delivering exceptional results. I draw upon my educational background to mentor our colleagues and clients, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and growth among them that mirrors the spirit of innovation we embody as Cisco employees.
As a mentor in the College of Southern California Marshall School of Business’s Professional Development Program, I continue to guide the next generation of leaders, sharing my experiences and empowering others through their own professional journeys. Teaching holds a special passion in my heart, and I’m eager to guide others along their journeys, just as I’ve walked my own.
As a valued member of the Cisco community, I thrive within an environment where the importance of robust and secure networking is deeply understood—a foundation that informs my work in support of the Department of Homeland Security. As my professional journey has intersected with Cisco’s rich history of innovation, I’ve found myself uniquely positioned to leverage my expertise in driving progress towards a safer, more connected global community.
At Cisco, you’ll find an environment where your unique story is celebrated, your expertise is leveraged, and your capabilities are recognized and valued. At Cisco, we’re more than just a company – we’re a community that thrives on the collective strength of our employees’ passions and dedication.
Embracing diversity fosters a vibrant environment where everyone can flourish and reach their full potential. As we strive for excellence.
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