Par Merat is the vice president of Learn with Cisco, an organization that brings together Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco U., Cisco Certifications, and the Cisco Learning Network, the professional community to help students and IT professionals learn, innovate and grow. As the leader of Learn with Cisco, Par’s mission is to transform Cisco’s externally facing upskilling initiatives into powerful engines for business growth and social good. She works to bridge the digital skills gap by providing continuous learning and industry-leading certifications to Cisco’s customers, partners and the global workforce. Par is a lifelong learning and technology advocate, and a Cisco veteran with a depth and breadth of experience. She led the Collaboration independent software vendor program, established Cisco’s successful SolutionsPlus program, co-founded Cisco DevNet, and led the DevNet Partner Transformation initiative. Par has been with Cisco for more than 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 Senior Director of Business Development and Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Operations for Cisco DevNet, and Senior 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. Par is a native Californian, based in the San Francisco Bay area. She has long been an active member 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.