Finding Light in the Darkness through Cisco’s Compassionate Culture

Contentment washes over me today as I watch my daughter play, a feeling I wouldn’t have recognized just a few years ago. Back then, I was in a relentless storm of challenges. I struggled with infertility and the grueling process of IVF treatments. An ectopic pregnancy resulted in emergency surgery, and for nearly five years, I carried the weight of being separated from my mom due to work, travel bans, visa applications, and the demands of IVF.

It was during the pandemic that my mom fell ill with a relapsing brain tumor. The guilt and helplessness I felt being oceans away was unbearable. As my sister shouldered everything alone back home, I was here in the U.S., miles away, trying my best to support my mom during chemo sessions as her condition deteriorated.

Months dragged by with no possibility of getting a visa appointment. Then, in November 2021, in what seemed like a blessing from above, I secured a visa appointment to travel to India. Little did I know this would become the most heart-wrenching time of my life. A few days before my flight, I discovered I was pregnant — my heart soaring with the thought of sharing this precious news with my mom in person! But the emotional storm was far from over.

Once I landed in India, I faced a life-threatening situation due to an ectopic pregnancy and was rushed into surgery to remove my fallopian tube. While recovering from my pregnancy loss and facing the diminished chances of conceiving again, I saw my mom. Though her once-sharp mind had faded into shadows, I found a bittersweet comfort in simply holding her hand, talking to her softly, desperately hoping my words could still reach her. As I prepared to return home, fate dealt its cruelest card — she was rushed to the ICU and passed away on the very day I was meant to leave. I’m not one to believe in superstition, but in my heart, I couldn’t help feeling that the universe had somehow kept her holding on just long enough for that final goodbye.

This was a very dark and overwhelming period in my life. I was grappling with immense grief while also having to rehome my beloved cat of six years. It truly felt like I was losing everyone close to me. This was all too much to process at once.

But through it all, there was one bright light: the amazing support I received from Cisco. My manager at that time was nothing short of a guardian angel. She went above and beyond, accommodating my chaotic schedule as I juggled work calls from parking lots between fertility appointments. She worked with HR, ensuring I could take the time I desperately needed to be with my mom. In the midst of such dark times, her unwavering support felt almost surreal — a rare light of kindness that allowed me to prioritize what truly mattered: my physical and mental wellbeing and those precious final moments with my mom.

Even after experiencing unimaginable loss, Cisco’s compassionate culture continued to uplift me. When I miraculously became pregnant naturally in 2022 and transitioned to a new role, my new team, along with cross-functional colleagues, rallied around me with exceptional support and flexibility during my pregnancy. They were incredibly compassionate as I learned new processes, gained knowledge about offer enablement, and created new life within me. My current team is the #DreamTeam. We all have each other’s backs, no matter what. I happily went on maternity leave and transitioned back to work.

The flexible working hours at Cisco are a game-changer in my new motherhood journey. I can balance quality time with my little one while maintaining my career growth, and my supportive team even welcomes my baby’s occasional appearances in virtual meetings. This flexibility allows me to take on exciting new projects confidently, knowing I can structure my work around my family’s needs without compromising productivity.

I’m so thankful for the strength Cisco’s support system gave me to survive those darkest of times, and I am proud to be part of this wonderful organization. But most importantly, today I look at my daughter’s smile, and it reminds me how far I’ve come. Overcoming personal challenges can be a transformative experience. It’s during these periods of adversity that we discover hidden reserves of strength and resilience. The storm may have been relentless, but on the other side, I found an incredible light — the light of motherhood and the unwavering support that helped me get here.

Our supportive culture starts with our people. The benefits and environment that help us thrive? That’s part of Our Purpose.

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