Par Merat

Vice President

Learn with Cisco

Par Merat is Vice President of Learn with Cisco, which brings together Cisco Networking Academy, Cisco U., Cisco Certifications, and 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.

Articles

LEARN WITH CISCO

Par Merat

Empowering the Future: Celebrating the International Day of Learning with Cisco Networking Academy

3 min read

On International Day of Learning, we celebrate how Cisco NetAcad transforms lives—empowering 28 million learners worldwide with education in networking, cybersecurity, AI, and data science to build brighter futures.

LEARN WITH CISCO

Par Merat

Learn With Cisco Announces Certifications and Training for Secure Networking in the AI Era

3 min read

Discover new AI-era certifications and training in security, AI infrastructure, automation, and wireless technologies.

LEARN WITH CISCO

Par Merat

IDC MarketScape Recognizes Cisco as a Leader in North America IT Training Services and IT Training Services in Europe

4 min read

With 7 million learners every year and 28 million since Learn with Cisco's inception, we're building the skills infrastructure the world needs to compete in an AI-powered global economy.

LEARN WITH CISCO

Par Merat

Meeting Industry Demand with a New Certification in AI Infrastructure

4 min read

Introducing a new AI infrastructure certification, new learning in our AI Business Practitioner Learning Path, and our AI Technical Practitioner certification.

LEARN WITH CISCO

Par Merat

Showcasing Innovation and Commitment at NetAcad’s European Partner Conference

3 min read

Discover how Cisco NetAcad is preparing the European workforce for an AI-enabled future, training 1.5 million Europeans with foundational digital skills by 2030.

LEARN WITH CISCO

Par Merat

Learn with Cisco Introduces New AI Training for the Evolving Skills of Today’s Workforce

3 min read

Introducing new AI training and certification for professionals to integrate AI responsibly, effectively, and strategically into their organizations.

LEARN WITH CISCO

Par Merat

In-Demand Skills for the Modern Network Engineer

5 min read

How can I make sure my skills stay relevant in my industry? What skills are most in-demand for the job I have now – and the job I want in three years? At Learn with Cisco, these are the questions we hear all the time. And advances in AI put pressure on all of us […]

LEARN WITH CISCO

Par Merat

Learn with Cisco: Evolving for the Age of AI, Automation, and Cloud

4 min read

Learn about important changes to DevNet, Cybersecurity, and Collaboration Specialist Certifications coming in February 2026.

OUR CORPORATE PURPOSE

Par Merat

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 […]