What does a centuries-old pilgrimage in Spain, the world leader in networking technology, have to do with $54,986?
Before I answer that question, let me backtrack a bit… Established in the 9th century, the Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.
Did you catch that keyword? A network of paths – a way to connect people.
You probably already know that Cisco is a global leader in networking technology. There’s that word again – network.
At first glance, Cisco and the Camino de Santiago seem 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, I dedicated my walk to Doctors Without Borders, raising funds to ensure they have the tools, resources and support needed to provide life-saving medical care, and I walked using Cisco’s Time2Give benefit. Time2Give is Cisco’s global offering that gives employees 10 days of paid time off, in addition to their regular vacation, to volunteer at non-profit, non-governmental and faith-based organizations and schools of our choice.
Last year was my first attempt at fundraising, so I started with a conservative goal of raising $2,000. I was amazed when we surpassed that goal and raised a total of $16,501 for DWB. This year I set a more ambitious goal of $20,000. As of November 27, the MSF website shows that we have increased $38,485.
My opportunity to give ends on December 31st, but we have raised a total of two years $54,986 and we count on the support of many Cisco employees and the generosity of many others. Cisco also matches every employee 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 thinking about the similarities between the Camino de Santiago and Cisco.
The Camino brings together people from all over the world, starting from various locations across Europe, traveling along a network of roads and through towns and communities that welcome them, offer shelter, food and encouragement. You will hear languages and see people from all over the world walking and communicating in harmony. Sharing the simple greeting of “Buen Camino” is the common thread that connects pilgrims and the network.
Similarly, Cisco builds and maintains digital networks that are much more than a collection of routers and switches. It is a living system through which businesses, governments and individuals can communicate and collaborate. Cisco supports the community through its technology, connecting people around the world and enabling teams to collaborate seamlessly. Cisco enables human expression regardless of distance or circumstance.
But it’s not just the technology aspect of Cisco that creates the connection; it’s a community within Cisco itself. A supportive environment, collaboration and shared goals contribute to a culture that inspires employees to build and strengthen our own networks.
For example, I was inspired by the group of over 400 Cisconians, family and friends who walked the Camino to raise money to fight cancer in 2022. Although I could not join them then, they set an example for my pilgrimage. and encouraged me along the way.
Although I’ve been down this road twice and exceeded my fundraising goals, I haven’t done anything extraordinary. All I did was follow my heart and put one foot in front of the other for a very good cause. I realized that time is a precious commodity and what we choose to do with it can determine the trajectory of our lives and the lives of others and that we should use it wisely. Employee benefits like Time2Give and matching funds help us do this. They allow us to find something we’re passionate about, use our networks and Cisco’s networks to walk our paths, and continue to help us bring the world closer together and contribute to a greater future for all.
My own Camino was more than 10 years in the making. Maybe I was like you, working at a desk, sitting at a computer and reading about other people’s adventures. It’s time to stop reading and start doing.
I am grateful to Cisco for the opportunity to step away from the company for two weeks on this incredible journey and for the matching donations. I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of people who have supported me financially and spiritually along my journey. I appreciate the variety of support from Cisco. This sense of community makes Cisco more than just a workplace—it’s a network of people supporting each other to make a positive impact on the world.
At the heart of both Cisco and the Camino de Santiago is the notion of community. Here we find a common thread: the power of connection. These are the connections that help bring the global citizens of our world closer together. In fact, it’s the connections that make $54,986 possible.
I am in awe of the connectivity that connects us and the Camino de Santiago and Cisco networks that turn an idea or possibility into reality.
Buen Camino.
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