At Cisco, we believe in the power of connection, not just through the networks we build, but through the communities we serve. Our commitment to social impact is woven into our culture, most notably through our Time to Give (T2G) benefit, which provides employees with a set of days of paid time off each year to volunteer for causes they are passionate about.
On April 7, 2026, the Cisco WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) community hosted an inspiring “Volunteering Abroad” meetup, organized by Alia Abu Jado and Rodrigo Colaço, both Consulting Engineers in CX. We heard from a group of Customer Project Managers from our Professional Services, CX organization, who shared how they used their T2G days to give back to the community. Their journey demonstrates how professional skills, when applied in a global context, can drive sustainable, long-term impact.
Meet the Team: Our “Passport” Profiles
Inspired by the stories of other colleagues who had previously given their time back to the community under the T2G program at Cisco, our team of Project Managers took a leap of faith. They approached this opportunity with the same strategic mindset they apply to projects. Their “Passport” profiles reflect a diverse range of approaches to international volunteering, and might make you wonder what your own profile would be, or how your soft skills can be interchangeable between your job and your personal life.
- Inês Lille: The Meticulous Organizer (Kenya). Always prepared with everything from first-aid essentials to mosquito nets – if you need it, Inês has it.
- Joana Santos: The Go-with-the-flow Adventurer (Zanzibar & Bali). Thrives on the freedom to improvise and embraces every moment as it comes.
- Mariana Carvalho: The Mindful Journaler (Kenya). Dedicated to capturing and preserving every precious memory in her notebooks.
- Mariana Gonçalves: The Adventurer (Bali). Constantly pushing her boundaries and stepping well outside her comfort zone.
- Mafalda Vasconcelos: The Go-with-the-flow Adventurer (Zanzibar & Bali). Finds joy in the flow of travel, immersing herself in the rhythm of new cultures.
- Marta Santos Silva: The Meticulous Adventurer (Bali). Perfectly balances a sharp, organized mindset with an untamed spirit for discovery.
Day-to-Day: A Cultural Exchange
While destinations varied, our colleagues’ missions were primarily focused on childcare and education. Whether teaching English in classrooms or facilitating sports and hygiene practices, the work was about more than just academics, it was about presence. Beyond the classroom, they learned about women’s empowerment associations, agriculture programs, and wildlife conservation efforts, proving that volunteering is a multifaceted cultural exchange. Their stories reveal how the skills we use to manage complex projects at Cisco are equally vital when navigating the challenges of international exchange.
In Diani Beach, Kenya, Inês and Mariana found that impact is often found in the smallest gestures. Reflecting on her time at the orphanage, Inês noted: “We always had at least a kid on our back, a kid hanging by our neck and another 2 holding our hands. It was so heartwarming to see just how much they need your love and attention and how much of a difference it makes to them just to feel seen.” In one of the episodes they recall, a simple activity with scissors and colored paper brought up huge smiles and enthusiasm in the room, proving that so much can be done with simple tools.
In Kizimkazi, southern Zanzibar, Joana and Mafalda taught classes at a local school, supported the facilities, visited an orphanage, and met women from an empowerment association learning financial independence through agriculture. One year later in Bali, joined by Marta and Mariana, the four women witnessed the power of education to shift perspectives and empower the children in the schools. “Despite their circumstances, they dreamed big – some wanted to work abroad, on cruise ships, or in airlines,” Marta shared. “Their determination was inspiring.”
Navigating Challenges with Professional Resilience
Every volunteer mission comes with unexpected hurdles, requiring the same adaptability and resourcefulness that define our work at Cisco.
- Trust-Building: Mafalda Vasconcelos found that success required a shift in leadership style. She was working on career development with girls aged between 15 and 19, a tight-knit group who wasn’t used to having volunteers. “I realized I had a very short window to build trust,” she explains. “I shifted my strategy from ‘teacher’ to ‘peer.’ Once I was seen as a friend, the barriers fell away.”
- Resourcefulness: Marta noted the necessity of innovation when working with limited tools: “We mixed educational activities with creative games to keep them engaged and motivated. One of the main challenges was preparing all the teaching materials ourselves.”
- Adaptability: Inês emphasizes that flexibility is key: “Be adaptable… You will not be able to change everything, but you can do small parts!”
- Adjusting to reality: As Joana Santos reflects, “The hardest part was saying goodbye after building such genuine connections.” For her, the time spent with the children was the most meaningful aspect of the journey. Navigating the stark contrast between these two worlds is a profound challenge, yet it is an increasingly essential skill in our interconnected world.
A Call to Action for Future Volunteers
For those considering using their T2G days, the team’s advice is clear: embrace the challenge.
“Don’t be afraid – embrace the challenge!” says Joana. “Make sure the organization has good feedback and safe conditions. Beyond that, just enjoy it; it will be one of the best experiences of your life.”
Marta adds, “Go with an open mind and heart. Be ready to adapt, to listen, and to learn as much as you teach.”
For Inês, knowing how to adapt to the local culture, to the way of living is key “to ensure that you are helping in a way that will be accepted by the locals and ensure that help keeps arriving without issues.”
As Mafalda aptly summarized, “Volunteering has truly been the highlight of my career at Cisco.”
Reflecting on my own experience with “Time to Give” in Kenya, I am reminded that these initiatives offer far more than just a chance to contribute. It is a profound privilege to participate, and I have found that in the act of giving back, we often receive the greatest lessons in connection and purpose.
Get Involved
The impact of these trips continues long after the volunteers return home. If you are a Cisco employee, we invite you to support the initiatives they championed. Particularly in Kenya, the conditions in the school and orphanage need support. Check out the link below to know more.
Help build the Mama Gladys Orphanage in Kenya: Click here to Support a Center for Children in Need
By empowering our employees to contribute globally, we aren’t just building networks—we are building a better future, one connection at a time.
Authors