Inclusion & Diversity

Laura K. Ipsen
Senior Vice President and General Manager, Smart Grid
Cisco

Cisco Women's Advisory Group (CWAG)

"This is an exciting time to work at Cisco, as we're broadening the scope of diversity to include all dimensions. I believe the Women's Action Networks offer women around the globe valuable information, resources and opportunities to develop their careers and ultimately drive the company's success. "

Cisco's vision is for networking technology to transform how the world manages its energy and environmental challenges. The smart grid is a superstructure that combines electrical distribution with information and communications technology; enabling utilities to supply electricity in a more efficient and sustainable way, and giving consumers and businesses better insight into and control of their energy consumption. In her role as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco's Smart Grid Business Unit, Ipsen shapes Cisco's vision and strategy for this emerging market adjacency, builds an extensive product and services portfolio designed to meet the needs of global utilities transitioning to a smarter grid, and leads Cisco's strategy for communicating to Cisco customers, partners, shareholders, and employees.

Ipsen is also the co-chair of Cisco's EcoBoard, which leads Cisco's comprehensive sustainability strategy and guides its efforts to use information technology in addressing environmental concerns and climate change. In 2008, Ipsen received the Women Making History award from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer for her work on environmental issues. In addition, Ipsen leads Cisco's Women's Advisory Group, which identifies and recommends gender-focused strategies as part of Cisco's Inclusion and Diversity Council.

Previously, Ipsen established and managed Cisco's Global Policy and Government Affairs organization for thirteen years and was responsible for developing Cisco's public policy agenda and advancing governmental policies in support of broadband and IP-based technologies.

Ipsen currently serves on the boards of the GridWise Alliance and One Economy Corporation. She is the past chair of the board of the Information Technology Industry Council and has received numerous awards and recognition including being named one of the "Top 100 Movers & Shakers" of the Smart Grid by Greentech Media and "Silicon Valley's Women of Influence 2010" by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.