Celebrating Inclusive Leaders

At Cisco, we are focused on full-spectrum diversity and inclusion as part of our journey to build a more conscious culture. But we know that true inclusion can’t happen without inclusive leaders. That’s one of the reasons why we partner with HITEC (the Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council), whose mission is to develop and support senior Hispanic business and technology executives and rising leaders.

I’m proud to say HITEC has recognized a record number of Cisco executives this year as part of their annual 100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders in Technology awards. Congratulations to these extraordinary leaders for joining the ranks of the 2019-2020 HITEC 100:

Maria Martinez, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer

Alvio Barrios, Senior Vice President, Americas Customer Experience

Tony Colon, Head of CX Portfolio Product Development

In addition, two long-time Cisco diversity and inclusion advocates were inducted into the HITEC Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions to the Hispanic community and for their continued sponsorship and support of emerging leaders:

Guillermo Diaz, Senior Vice President, Customer Transformation

Ileana Rivera, Sr. Director, IT, Digital Workplace Transformation

It’s inspiring to see how our leaders show up all year long to develop and support our Hispanic/Latino community at Cisco, and to highlight the importance of role models in encouraging others in their careers.

2019 Cisco Development Exchange (StanOlszewski/SOSKIphoto)

I see inclusive leadership in Laura Quintana, VP and GM Corporate Affairs, and Guillermo Diaz in their executive sponsorship of our Conexión employee resource organization (ERO). It’s on display with Maria Martinez’s passionate support for The Multiplier Effect Pledge, a sponsorship initiative to accelerate extraordinary diverse talent across all industries. And it was in full force at the Conexión Development Exchange last month where we hosted some 100 emerging Hispanic/Latino Cisco leaders for a day filled with professional development.

Congratulations and job well done to all of these leaders. These are all true #wearecisco moments and a reflection of our culture of diversity, inclusion and collaboration. One that I am so proud to be a part of.