Leaving college to enter the “real” world always was a scary thought for me. At the end of the day, a new job means presenting yourself to a new group of people. There is always anxiety when meeting new people, however, for those in the LGBTQ+ community – this anxiety extends into many more layers and ultimately needing to find safe spaces where we can truly be ourselves.
In 2016, I received a call for an interview to become part of the incubation program for new graduates here at Cisco. That day, the manager that interviewed me gave me a brief tour around Mexico’s Center facilities. As I was passing by people’s desks, I was not only astonished by their amazing work set-ups – I also noticed that each space was personalized. Many people had photos of their friends and family and their significant others with them.
I thought maybe one day I’ll have my own desk at Cisco and can make it a piece of my home.
Time went by, and I joined Cisco as an intern within the Customer Experience Academy. After finishing my internship, I became part of the Global Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for Wireless Technologies. I finally achieved my goal of having a desk at Cisco and met the amazing people that would be my teammates.
I got to work thinking about how I could make this space my own.
There was this one photo of me and my boyfriend during my graduation ceremony that I always liked because it captured a very sincere emotion. I thought of bringing that photo with me, so that he could be by my side in this new adventure I had just started…but I could not bring myself to do so. I am proud of being who I am and my relationship, but I also felt self-conscious of the perception that others may have of me.
Simply, I didn’t want to face the “Who’s in the photo with you?” question every time someone saw this photo.
As I got to know my teammates a little more, I started to gain confidence and open up to them. I realized that in limiting myself because of what I feared others might think of me, I wasn’t being true to myself. But, still, I kept my favorite photo at home.
I did begin to get more involved in projects and innovative initiatives throughout Cisco and continued to grow my career. Within a few short years, I was already a team lead! Cisco helped me develop my abilities, and I am grateful of all the opportunities they have given me. I was able to meet with people from different centers all around the world. But most importantly, I was able to develop as a better LGBTQ+ advocate.
When I joined Cisco’s Pride Inclusive Community, my thoughts on what it meant to be part of the LGBTQ+ community expanded. I was able to attend multiple conferences about our current issues and how companies, like Cisco, have been addressing them. It has been and inspiring and fulfilling journey.
Then came 2020 – and all the challenges of these times. The world started to work from home, and something in me changed a bit. Suddenly, I was able to work from the boundaries of my home, and I could create my own working space. I ordered a desk (the first piece of furniture in my life that I ever put together) and did my best to emulate my workspace back at the office. Then, the idea came to me, at home I don’t get asked about my photos.
I brought the photo from my nightstand to my desk, and my place was finally complete!
Having this photo with me has given me strength and support during tough customer calls or stressful days. More importantly, it has shown me what truly helps me to be my best every day at work – and that is far more powerful than my own self-consciousness of being asked about the photo. The moral of my story is this – do not let your own thoughts hold you back. Show up as you are, and Cisco will embrace you. There are people who will support you and make you feel a part of something bigger!
I learnt that bringing my full self to work is key to becoming better and inspiring others. Now I am sure that once we can go back to the office, I will not be going alone.
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So thrilled for you Jesus, and us, that we get to experience your entire life as you live it. #CiscoPRIDE #WeAreCisco #LoveWhereYouWork
That is such an amazing story with a good moral!
Jesus!!
Thanks for sharing such wonderful story. I do remember this picture from “love is love”. Thanks for showing us that we can be ourselves and thanks for being such an advocate of our own community. Very proud to see you shine, shine, shine 🙂
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story, I am happy you can bring your full self to work an I hope to see you soon once we get back in the office again 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story with all of us, Jesus.
Gracias por compartir, Jesus! <3 Thank you for sharing your story
Amazing story Jesus and thank you for telling it.
That was a wonderful read. Thanks, Jesus for sharing your story.
Jesus, thanks for sharing your story. We are ONE when we ALL can live authentically.
Jesus, thank you for sharing this very personal story. It really is an inspiration for everyone to be themselves. I hope when we go back to the office, the picture goes back with you!
Thank you Jesus for sharing your story, it’s very inspiring, especially to LGBTQ+ people who are still struggling to take down those barriers between our work persona and our real self.
A fantastic blog Jesus – thank you for sharing. I think it’s time for you to bring that special photo to your work desk when the time is safe to return to the office.
Heartwarming blog! Thank you for your bringing a smile to my heart.
This is such a great story – thank you for sharing with us 🙂
Love your story!! So glad you shared it.
Thank you for sharing Jesus. We have been recently acquired by Cisco and it is wonderful to see how they have been supporting the community and ensuring that everyone feel safe and can be themselves at work. #Pride
I read your story and tears filled my eyes. You were so brave to tell your story to your Cisco family. I truly hope that everyone reads it and feels “safe” to be their true selves. PS. I love the photo of you and your boyfriend!! Very heartfelt! 😉
Thank you for sharing! I loved hearing your story and am so glad you’re fully you.
Thanks for sharing your story Jesus. It’s wonderful to be working at a company like Cisco which celebrates diversity and recognizes it’s people for who they are. I had no idea Cisco has a pride inclusive community. ?? #lovewhereyouwork
So proud of you Chuu!
Thanks for sharing your amazing story with us!
Jesús thank you for sharing your story with all of us, we are so proud of you!!
You are living inspiration and a living inspiration!
You are a rockstar Chuu! And the thing that I most miss from the office is having the Salsa classes with a master like you!
Thank you for sharing this, Jesus. A picture is often more than just a picture. Please keep bringing your whole self to work – you are not alone.
#CiscoPRIDE #WeAreCisco #LoveWhereYouWork
Thanks for sharing such an inspirational story, Jesus.
Awww, thanx for sharing your story Jesus!!!!
Glad to see you were able to create this safe space to be yourself. Thanks for sharing this great story