Cisco Asian Affinity Network

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"The importance of the Asian talent and business community, both in the United States and outside, has never been larger."
-Randy Pond, executive vice president for operations, processes, and systems at Cisco.

Mr. Pond was addressing the significance of leading through diversity and empowerment at Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2010.

Overview

The Cisco Asian Affinity Network (CAAN) provides a forum and a professional networking environment for more than 1200 Asian employees at Cisco. This Employee Resource Group (ERG) comprises seven different tracks, with more than 10 executive sponsors who support useful programs throughout the year. Cisco CAAN currently operates in the United States, but plans to expand globally next year.

To make Cisco an exceptional place for Asian employees to work, CAAN sponsors events for professional development and cultural understanding that consistently bring together hundreds of participants.

CAAN works with the Hua Yuan Science and Technology Association (HYSTA) and the Asia America MultiTechnology Association (AAMA).

Cisco technology is a critical component for building the global CAAN community within Cisco. CAAN uses the following Cisco technologies for success:

Cisco WebEx solutions
Cisco TelePresence solutions
Cisco Integrated Workforce Experience (IWE)

For example, CAAN has sponsored multiple Professional Development Workshops, with more than 200 participants in the room and using Cisco WebEx technology.

What Makes CAAN Most Proud

CAAN focuses on developing talent and leadership, connecting the Cisco Asian community with opportunities, and inspiring members to get involved in community outreach. This ERG initiated Cisco contact with Vincent Lo, chairman of Hong Kong-based Shui On Group, the largest Chinese real estate enterprise.

In addition, CAAN educated Cisco employees on Hepatitis B, working with Stanford University’s Asian Liver Center, Ranch 99 Supermarkets, and the Cisco LifeConnections Health Center.

CAAN Is Recognized

Cisco CAAN executive cosponsor Kim Marcelis won the 2011 CareerFOCUS NELI Eagle Award, one of corporate America’s highest accolades in executive leadership achievement. Honorees exemplify the Eagle Award’s embodiment of dignity, integrity, and honor. Read More.

Inclusion & Diversity