The Cisco Learning Network The Cisco Learning Network

We’re continuing our series, “Women in Tech” in honor of International Women’s month by speaking with Rita Younger, the Practice Lead of Data Center Networking at a global technology service provider. Rita speaks with Learning and Certifications Marketing Specialist Stef Garraffa about her journey into a career in tech, the role of AI in the evolution of the field of networking and networking security, and the importance of mentoring and empowering women in IT.

In continuing our series “Women in Tech” in honor of International Women’s Month, Learning and Certifications Marketing Specialist Stef Garraffa spoke with Network Engineer Riikka Sihvonen to discuss career development in the networking field. Together, the two discuss Riikka’s career journey, the evolution of diversity and inclusion within the networking field, and the role that professional networking plays in career growth. Riikka holds numerous professional and specialist certifications and has well over 12 years of experience in design, implementation, and support.

In this installment of our series for International Women’s Month, we’re speaking with Denise Donohue – Business Architect, Cisco Press Author, and Cisco Certified CCIE holder since the early 2000s. Denise speaks with Learning and Certifications’ Marketing Manager Stef Garraffa about her experiences facing gender bias throughout the span of her thirty-year career. She also provides her advice for others who may be facing gender bias in their own careers.

Step 'Beyond the Router' with host Par Merat, Vice President of Learning and Certifications, as she engages with three remarkable women who are carving, or have carved, their niches in the field of networking. In this episode, Par shines a light on the diverse experiences and insights of these professionals, each at a distinct point in their career journey. They delve into the challenges they've faced, the milestones they've achieved, and the vital role that continuous learning and Cisco certifications have played in their career advancement. This discussion celebrates their achievements and offers valuable guidance for women aiming to build or enhance their careers in networking technology. Listen in as Cisco VIPs Micheline Murphy and Maren Mahoney join Cisco Champion Zoe Rose in sharing their experiences with Par.

“It took me quite a while to understand that it was about the mindset, too. It was about how do you handle, for instance, anxiety?” That’s what Principle Engineer David Peñaloza’s advice is to people who are interested in passing the Cisco Certified Design Expert, or CCDE certification. David recently passed this expert-level exam and shared his story with Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders in this episode. He shares valuable lessons learned throughout his journey, including how to best prepare, the personal challenges he faced, and how to enjoy and live in the moment.

https://blogs.cisco.com/learning/the-journey-to-ccde-a-personal-story

Learn how to earn the Cisco Cloud Specialist Certifications and validate the skills and expertise of professionals in implementing, connecting and securing network infrastructures that enable your cloud technology solutions. This in-depth episode covers exactly what the exams include, and how to best prepare for these new specialist certification exams.