Helping those who need it most

In this week’s Giving Back series, we focus on some of our Americas Marketing professionals who give back to our most vulnerable populations. Despite obstacles in 2020, these individuals showed leadership and outstanding heart to prove that we need to give this year more than ever. 

Helping New York City’s Homeless during COVID-19: Daniel Sullivan 

The COVID-19 pandemic ravaged many communities globally, and in particular, New York City. As a resident of New York, Daniel Sullivan, Manager, Partner Marketing, Americas, saw the effect that the virus was having on the homeless population in his community. The city’s most vulnerable depend on contributions from people in the street, but the streets of New York were empty. The homeless population was struggling more than ever. 

Daniel and his husband made and delivered over 500 meals to the neighborhood homeless during quarantine and are now creating care kits made of hygiene items, socks, and snacks. Daniel also recruited the AGM team to write messages of encouragement to accompany the kits. 

Daniel’s true spirt of giving back shines through in this quote: “It has been a rewarding and reflecting experience for the both of us. It makes us truly value how fortunate we are, especially in times like this, to have stable and supportive companies to work for.” 

Building strong families and keeping children safe: Katie Warren 

During a recent Cisco All-Hands, Brad Paisley shared, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Katie loved this sentiment and is regularly driven to pay this feeling forward. Every year on Giving Tuesday, she and her husband prioritize funds to donate to national and local causes. By taking advantage of Cisco’s Charitable Giving match program, every dollar given helps donations stretch much further.  

One local charity that Katie’s family holds dear is The Center for Alexandria’s Children, whose mission is to build strong families and keep children safe from abuse in the Washington, DC suburb of Alexandria. Since Katie and her family see such value in this organization and their mission, Katie arranged for the organization to be matched in Brightfunds. Though COVID-19 has forced many activities online, hopefully soon, these children will be able to play together in a safe and happy space with the support of people like Katie. 

Protecting Women with Emergency Housing: Amy Blanchard 

Amy serves as the Board Vice-Chair and Development Committee Co- Chair for Compass Center for Women and Families https://www.compassctr.org/, Orange County’s domestic violence support agency. Compass Center offers a domestic violence hotline, emergency and long-term housing, group support, and educational services to individuals suffering from Domestic Abuse.  

Amy leads community fundraising efforts along with the Compass Center development staff and board. She recently worked on the “Safe Homes, New Lives” capital campaign to raise funds offering clients COVID- safe emergency housing. The initiative offered private apartments throughout the community that were close to schools and workplaces, as an alternative to domestic violence shelters in another county. For more information or to give, click here: https://www.compassctr.org/safehomesproject. 

I am so proud and inspired by our Americas team who exemplify the Cisco core value of giving back and demonstrate their generous spirit. As we head into the holiday season, please try to take some consideration to give back to one of these organizations, or another charity that you feel passionate about. Through giving back, we spread joy and enhance others’ lives.