What do a centuries-old pilgrimage path in Spain, a global leader in networking technology, and$54,986 have in common?

Well, before I answer that question, let me back up a bit ... The Camino de Santiago, established in the 9th century, is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

Did you catch that key word? A network of paths - a way to connect people.

You probably already know that Cisco is a global leader in network technology. There's that word again - network.

At first glance, Cisco and the Camino de Santiago appear to have little in common. Yet, both represent complex, interconnected systems that thrive on a network of connections.

I recently completed my second pilgrimage along a section of the Camino de Santiago. Like last year's journey, I dedicated my walk to Doctors Without Borders, raising funds to ensure they have the tools, resources, and support needed to provide lifesaving medical care, and walked utilizing Cisco's Time2Give benefit. Time2Give is a global offering at Cisco providing employees with 10 days of paid time off, in addition to our regular vacation time off, to volunteer at non-profit, non-governmental, and faith-based organizations and schools of our choice.

Last year was my first fundraising attempt, so I started with a conservative goal of raising$2,000. I was blown away when we surpassed that goal, raising a total of$16,501 for DWB. This year, I set a more ambitious goal of$20,000. As of November 27, the Doctors Without Borders website shows we have raised$38,485.

My giving opportunity closes December 31st, but in total, over two years, we've raised$54,986and counting with the support of many Cisco employees and the generosity of so many others. Cisco also matches every employee donation dollar for dollar, up to$25,000, amplifying our impact.

As I walked 10-15 miles a day on the Camino, I reflected on my life experiences, my family, friends, faith, and yes, work. Surprisingly, I found myself musing on the similarities between the Camino de Santiago and Cisco.

On the Camino, people from all over the globe come together, starting from various points across Europe, traveling a network of roads and through towns and communities that welcome them, offering shelter, food, and encouragement. You'll hear languages and see people from all over the world walking and communicating in harmony. Sharing a simple greeting of "Buen Camino" is a common thread, connecting pilgrims and the network.

Similarly, Cisco builds and maintains digital networks that are far more than a collection of routers and switches. It is a living system through which businesses, governments, and individuals can communicate and collaborate. Cisco fosters community through its technologies, connecting people across the globe and enabling teams to work together seamlessly. Cisco makes human expression possible regardless of distance or circumstance.

But it's not just the technological aspect of Cisco that creates connections; it's the community within Cisco itself. The supportive environment, collaboration, and shared goals all contribute to a culture that inspires employees to build and strengthen our own networks.

For instance, I was inspired by a group of more than 400 Cisconians, family members, and friends who walked the Camino, raising money for cancer awareness in 2022. Even though I couldn't join them then, they set an example for my pilgrimage and encouraged me along the way.

Although I've traveled this path twice and exceeded my fundraising goals, I did nothing extraordinary. All I did was follow my heart, and put one foot in front of another, for a very good cause. I've come to appreciate that time is a precious commodity, and what we choose to do with time, can determine the trajectory of our lives and others, and that we should use it wisely. Employee benefits such as Time2Give and fund matching help us, as Cisconians, do so. They allow us to find something we are passionate about, use our and Cisco's networks to step out onto our paths, and continue to help make the world a closer place and power a more inclusive future for all.

My own Camino journey was over 10 years in the making. Maybe I was like you, working at a desk, sitting behind a computer, content reading about other people's adventures. There comes a time to stop reading and start doing.

I am grateful to Cisco for the opportunity to step away from the business for two weeks on this incredible journey and for matching the donations. I am incredibly thankful for the generosity of people who supported me in my journey financially and spiritually. I appreciate the variety of ways I received support from Cisco. This sense of community is what makes Cisco more than just a workplace - it's a network of people who support each other in making a positive impact on the world.

At the heart of both Cisco and the Camino de Santiago is the notion of community. It's here where we find a common thread: the power of connection. These are the connections that help bring our world's global citizens closer. Indeed, these are the connections that make$54,986 possible.

I am in awe of the connectivity that binds us together, and in the networks of both the Camino de Santiago and Cisco that turn an idea or a possibility into a reality.

Buen Camino.

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