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Sadé Tomlinson

Leader, Project & Program Management

Country Digital Acceleration

Hey! I’m Sadé Tomlinson! I’m currently a Leader in Project & Program Management for Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) team, covering South Africa and parts of Africa. My Cisco journey is one I’m incredibly proud of. I started my career here as a red badge receptionist and through dedication and growth, worked my way up to my current leadership role. I am deeply passionate about creating a lasting impact and fostering sustainable living in communities that are less fortunate. I believe that technology is a powerful tool for change, and I am dedicated to providing digital skills to the youth in hopes of empowering them to build a better and brighter future. Outside of work, I am a proud Mom and an avid gym-goer. When I’m not at the gym, you’ll usually find me hiking with friends—staying active and enjoying the outdoors is what truly makes me happy.

Articles

March 24, 2026

WE ARE CISCO

From Receptionist to Project Lead: My Non-Linear Cisco Career Journey

4 min read

From the front desk to Country Digital Acceleration Program Leader, Sade T. reflects on her growth, milestone moments, and community impact at Cisco.