The beginning of May is an exciting time for Cisco and the channel as a whole, as every year around this time CRN releases their Women of the Channel List. Each year, I'm thrilled to see more and more women around the world being recognized for the expertise, commitment and vision they bring to the channel, at the same time breaking barriers and paving the way for generations to follow.

Role models matter, particularly when it comes to young women, because it inspires them to think bigger about their career options and what they can accomplish. The Cisco leaders named to the 2023 Women of the Channel List definitely embody the spirit of#SeeItToBeIt. I'm proud to work alongside them every day.

So, let's take a look at who's on the list!

Cisco Women of the Channel Power 100

First, I'd like to extend a big congratulations to Alexandra Zagury, VP, Partner Managed & as-a-Service Sales; Jose van Dijk, VP, Partner Performance & Operations; Rachel Barger, SVP, Americas Sales Leader; and Rhonda Henley, VP, Americas Partner Organization; for being named to CRN's Power 100 List. This distinction is a subset of the CRN Women of the Channel List and is awarded to female executives whose insights, vision, and influence help propel the channel forward.

Recognition like this is not possible without our partners; your success drives us to be bold, innovate, and evolve in ways that increase the impact we have together, which is increasingly important in the Age of the Partner.

Cisco 2023 Women of the Channel

In addition to the leaders named to the Power 100 List, many other talented, trailblazing Cisco colleagues made CRN's 2023 Women of the Channel List. These women represent some of the best and brightest when it comes to channel thought leadership. Their commitment to our partners' success is a hallmark of what makes our partner program the best in the industry, and their recognition is also a testament to the tight alignment between Cisco's partner, marketing, and sales organizations in service to our partners and customers.

• Poonam Advani, Director, Global Distribution Sales
• Maha Albrahim, Country Channel Manager
• Mary Armstrong, Regional Manager, Partner Sales Australia and New Zealand
• Amy Bahlo, Global Partner Executive, Microsoft
• Barbara Bauer, Leader, Global Partner Sales Engagement & Business Operations
• Amy Blanchard, Director, Global Customer Experience (CX) Partner and Regional Marketing
• Amanda Borowski, Leader, EN Sales Business Development Manager
• Gwendolyn Brantley, Leader, Partner Sales Software & Services
• Anderson Brown, Channel Leader -US and Latin America, AppDynamics
• Marta Cabezas Sim