From Service to Security: My Path to Empowerment at Cisco

[ad_1] My profession journey started earlier than I used to be even sufficiently old to understand it. Rising up, my mom, a single guardian and immigrant, turned her handcrafted objects into our household’s livelihood at native flea markets, the place I might usually accompany her. Her resilience and entrepreneurial abilities have been my earliest classes in enterprise, laying the groundwork for my very own aspirations. These early experiences instilled in me a drive to make a significant affect, a drive that has guided me by each chapter of my life.

After finishing highschool, I launched into my undergraduate research in enterprise, desirous to forge my path. Nonetheless, the tragic occasions of September 11, 2001, steered my life in a brand new route. Feeling a profound sense of responsibility to the nation that had welcomed my household and me as immigrants, I enlisted within the army, setting apart my private targets to serve. The subsequent 22 years I spent within the Air Power have been marked by private development, challenges, and the pleasure of contributing to a trigger larger than myself.

In 2007, my service took a brand new type after I transitioned from lively responsibility to a federal place with the Division of Homeland Safety. Over the following 14 years, I dedicated myself to the nation’s safety. Right here, I noticed Cisco’s networking and safety options and their pivotal position in our operations. The cutting-edge expertise was essential in sustaining operational and informational safety, proving important to the success of our missions and contributing to the nation’s security.

Though I used to be amidst my profession in safety, the entrepreneurial drive instilled in me throughout my childhood by no means left. In actual fact, it flourished. In 2016, I co-founded a CrossFit enterprise, and in 2020, I launched a franchise that created profession alternatives for ladies, honoring my mom’s legacy of laborious work and independence. These ventures mirrored my ardour and objective for constructing inclusive communities and empowering others.

Parallel to my skilled endeavors, I continued my educational pursuits, reaching an MBA from the College of Southern California (USC) Marshall College of Enterprise and advancing to a doctorate in Organizational Change and Management. USC Marshall was a haven of inclusivity and mentorship, shaping my objective and fueling my ardour for addressing Latinx entrepreneurs’ challenges. My time at USC additionally introduced a poignant honor as I used to be acknowledged because the “Veteran of the Sport,” which I devoted to my mom, who was there with me, as a tribute to her enduring affect and sacrifices.

I abruptly misplaced my mom in 2019 whereas deployed with my reserve unit. It was a defining second that continues to encourage me to steer a life worthy of her reminiscence.

Now, as a accomplice improvement specialist at Cisco, I’ve discovered a spot the place my previous in service and safety merges with my purpose-driven life. Cisco’s dedication to empowering people and organizations mirrors my very own, and I'm a part of a staff that values my various experiences whereas encouraging me to make a big affect.

<img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-461382 alignleft" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/08/Hector-Cabrera-Image-8-.jpeg" alt="Man in blue blazer and pants stands with man wearing cream blazer and tan pants. " width="493" height="490" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/08/Hector-Cabrera-Image-8-.jpeg 1125w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/08/Hector-Cabrera-Image-8--150x150.jpeg 150w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/08/Hector-Cabrera-Image-8--300x298.jpeg 300w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/08/Hector-Cabrera-Image-8--768x763.jpeg 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/08/Hector-Cabrera-Image-8--1024x1018.jpeg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px"/>In my position, I've the privilege of collaborating with Cisco companions to empower them by go-to-market (GTM) methods, enterprise methods, and gross sales enablement. I additionally interact with prospects to impart finest practices from my intensive life expertise. I work carefully with varied Gross sales Enterprise Models at Cisco to propel our Safety and Networking enterprise ahead. My entrepreneurial background, training, and former roles equip me with the revolutionary mindset to develop our playbook. Leveraging my expertise, I'm dedicated to driving my staff’s success and reaching excellent outcomes. I additionally leverage my training to coach our companions and prospects alike, fostering a tradition of steady studying and development with them that’s reflective of the tradition we expertise as Cisconians.

Moreover, I'm a mentor on the College of Southern California Marshall College of Enterprise Profession Development Program, the place I proceed to mentor the following wave of leaders, share my journey, and encourage others. Educating is a ardour near my coronary heart, and I'm desirous to information others alongside their paths, simply as I've navigated mine.

At Cisco, I'm embraced by a group that acknowledges the significance of safe, sturdy networking—the inspiration underpinning my work on the Division of Homeland Safety. Cisco is the place my service and safety historical past intersects with my present position, enabling me to contribute to a safer and extra interconnected world.

When you’re contemplating a profession at Cisco, perceive that this can be a place the place your story is well known, your abilities are utilized, and your potential is acknowledged. Cisco isn't just an organization; it’s a group that values your contributions and invests in your development.