Two Years Ago, I Took a Chance — Now I’m at Cisco Living the Dream

Wow — two years. It’s hard to believe how quickly time passes, especially when so much has changed.

Back then, I was working in the FinTech industry — grateful for the experiences, the challenges, and the incredible people I had the chance to work with. Still, there was a part of me that felt called toward something different. I had always admired Cisco from afar — a place known for its innovation, its people-first culture, and its genuine commitment to helping others grow.

At the time, I didn’t have a badge or an @cisco.com email. But what I did have was a growing network on LinkedIn filled with Cisco employees — some of whom were mentors and friends who consistently spoke highly of the company’s culture, values, and people. They told me Cisco was different. That it felt like family. And every story they shared only fueled my determination to find my way in.

Then I heard about Cisco Radiate — an event in Atlanta designed to connect Black professionals with Cisco leaders, mentors, and employees. I immediately knew I had to be there. With the help of Dexter Robinson, who generously took the time to meet with me and equip me with tools to showcase not only my professional experience but who I was as a person, I began preparing for the opportunity.

I live in North Carolina, and when the time came, my best friend and I packed up the car and drove to Atlanta. I wasn’t even an employee yet, but from the moment I walked in, I felt like I belonged. The energy was electric. People greeted me like I was already part of the family. They smiled, shook my hand, added me on LinkedIn, and introduced me to their colleagues and leaders without hesitation. It was one of the most welcoming environments I’d ever experienced.

I made it my mission to leave that event with more than just memories — I wanted to leave with momentum. I took photos with every leader I met and made sure to get a snapshot of their name badge. That way, when I followed up via LinkedIn, email, or even text, I could reference our conversation and continue building that connection. And I did just that.

What happened next changed everything.

Through intentional outreach, I gained not only mentors, but true coaches — people who saw potential in me and were willing to invest their time and energy to help me break into Cisco. They offered advice, shared job opportunities, encouraged me during moments of doubt, and ultimately, they believed in me even before I had the title.

Fast forward to today: I’m coming up on my first full year as a Cisco Account Manager.

To say I’m grateful would be an understatement.

I look back at that drive to Atlanta, at that version of me who didn’t know what would come of it, but who showed up anyway — who networked, asked questions, listened, followed up, and believed. And I smile, because that person took a chance — and it paid off.

But the truth is, none of this would have been possible without the incredible culture at Cisco. This is a company that doesn’t just talk about supporting people — it lives it. The people here care deeply. They pour into others, whether you’re an employee or someone just hoping to become one. They want to see you succeed. They’ll share their time, their wisdom, and their hearts, simply because that’s who they are.

Cisco is a place where you can be yourself, where inclusivity is all around, where growth is nurtured, and where leadership is accessible. It’s not just about technology — it’s about people.

Today, I’m not just part of the company I dreamed of — I’m thriving here. I’m learning, growing, contributing, and mentoring others who are now walking a similar path to mine. And I remind myself every day to pay it forward — because so many people did that for me.

So, here’s to two years of growth, gratitude, and bold leaps of faith. And to Cisco, thank you for welcoming me before I ever had a badge. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for helping me become the professional I am today.

And to anyone reading this who’s dreaming of their moment: Believe in yourself, take the chance, and don’t be afraid to show the world who you are.

You never know who’s watching — and who’s ready to take a chance on you.

Take your chance. Explore Cisco careers.

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