Cisco Blogs
Voice Search is currently unavailable
Powered by Google Web Speech API
We didn't hear that. Try again.
When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select
Avatar

Par Merat

Vice President

Cisco Learning & Certifications

Par is Vice President of Cisco Learning & Certifications, focused on helping IT professionals and software developers learn, innovate, and grow. She is a lifelong learning and technology advocate, and a Cisco veteran with a breadth of experience. She led the Collaboration independent software vendor program, established the Cisco’s successful SolutionsPlus program, was co-founder of Cisco DevNet, and led the DevNet Partner Transformation initiative. Par has been with Cisco for over 15 years, serving a variety of leadership roles including Senior Director of DevNet CX Community & Ecosystems, with a focus on business development and leading partner-centric programs. She was a Sr. Director of Business Development and Sr. Director of Strategic Planning and Operations for Cisco DevNet, and Sr. Manager of Business Development for the Cisco Collaboration Technology Group. Prior to joining Cisco, Par directed business development strategy at Vovida Networks and was a regional sales leader for Digital Publishing Systems at Xerox. She is a native Californian, based in the San Francisco bay area. She has long been an active mentor within Cisco and a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul, which provides assistance to those in need. When Par is not working, you can find her sailing on the San Francisco bay or hiking with her Airedale Terrier.

Articles

February 6, 2025

OUR CORPORATE PURPOSE

Honoring Cisco Networking Academy partners around the globe

5 min read

A year in review As we look back on a remarkable year at Cisco Networking Academy, we celebrate our enduring legacy as one of the longest-standing IT skills-to-jobs programs in the world. In line with Cisco’s mission to Power an Inclusive Future for All, we have continued to transform lives by bridging digital divides and […]

February 11, 2025

1

EXECUTIVE PLATFORM

Cisco Learning Promotes AI Readiness with AI Learning Journey and New Certifications

5 min read

Our new AI Infrastructure learning path covers the entire AI learning continuum, from entry level to expert. By following this learning path, built with a focus on multi-vendor deployments, professionals will gain the AI infrastructure skills needed to move their organizations and their careers forward.

September 5, 2024

2

OUR CORPORATE PURPOSE

Cisco Networking Academy unveils new unified teaching and learning experience on NetAcad.com

1 min read

All of our offerings from NetAcad.com and SkillsForAll.com are now integrated into a single, unified teaching and learning experience on the new NetAcad.com platform.

June 4, 2024

45

LEARNING

Cisco Helps Build AI Workforce With New Skills Certification

3 min read

Par Merat, VP of Learning & Certifications, announces a new expert-level certification from Cisco, focused on designing for AI infrastructure.

February 27, 2024

53

LEARNING

Enabling Network Engineering Skills in an AI World

3 min read

Cisco Learning & Certifications provides continuous upskilling opportunities as organizations look to AI’s transformative capabilities for a more productive and growth-enabled future. Get started on new learning opportunities today.

January 24, 2024

53

LEARNING

Cisco U. Wins Silver at Prestigious Awards

2 min read

Cisco U. has been recognized with a Silver Award for Best Advance in Education through Technology at the Brandon Hall Group's Technology Excellence Awards. Cisco U. provides a continuous learning approach to address the need for upskilling in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

November 15, 2023

1

LEARNING

Cisco Learning Partners Recognized for Excellence at the 2023 Cisco Learning Partner Awards

2 min read

Par Merat, VP, Learning & Certifications announces the 2023 Cisco Learning Partner Award Recipients, recognized for excellence in driving remarkable business outcomes and exceptional commitment to customers and Cisco.

October 16, 2023

13

LEARNING

New Cybersecurity and Cloud Skills to Protect Companies from Cybersecurity Attacks of the Future

3 min read

Cisco announces new Multicloud Certifications focused on connectivity and security to ensure IT professionals have the skills to defend future cyber-attacks – get started with a special deal on Cisco CyberOps training. 

September 14, 2023

LEARNING
Laura Quintana
Par Merat

Bridging the Skills-to-Jobs Gap with a Learning Continuum Approach

2 min read

National Online Learning Day is a time to celebrate the latest iterations of educational technology. At Cisco, Skills For All and Cisco U. are making tech learning more accessible than ever before, with a learning continuum that bridges the gap and guides aspiring and current IT professionals to reach their career and certification goals.

  • 1
  • 2