Call Accounting Firm Sees Value in CEWN Forum
June 16, 2015
By Susan J. Campbell
TMCnet Contributing Editor
When was the last time you examined the gender divide in your organization? If you’re not heavily focused on tech, you might have a healthy balance of diversity. But if you’re operating in the Cisco (News - Alert) world, you might take a look around and notice a lack of female persuasion. In fact, a look around Cisco Live and you’ll notice only three to five percent of attendees are women – a stark reality for 2015.
So powerful is this realization that Cisco aims to change the dynamic and create an environment that is more inviting to women. Born out of this concept is the Cisco Empowered Women’s Network (CEWN). A CEWN Forum was held on June 7, 2015, the third annual event during Cisco Live. The network focuses on collaboration as a way to create a space in IT for women and to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Call accounting solutions provider, ISI recently posted a blog on the topic, detailing the Forum and the inspiration it was meant to create. The event was attended by Kathy Learnan, ISI Telemanagement Solutions’ (News - Alert) Director of Product Development. Learnan reported after the event that she found it be extremely fulfilling. This year’s theme, “ReDefine Tomorrow, Today”, is centered on redefining the culture of innovation, leadership, inclusion, career and community.
The Forum lasted the day with a series of panel discussions and TED talk-style keynotes from top talent within Cisco. The company also invited partner and customer community motivational speakers to participate. Patrice D’Eramo, VP of Marketing for Cisco kicked off the event, while Alison Gleason, SVP of Cisco delivered the keynote address. Gleason touched on recognizing non-negotiables and guiding principles, as well as life lessons and leadership insights on how to stay true to oneself within a chosen career and life.
The opportunity to champion women in technology is significant, especially when led by a powerhouse like Cisco. According to ISI, Cisco Live was the perfect venue for the CEWN Forum as it demonstrates the trailblazing Cisco is doing in this space. Their efforts demonstrate the intersection where women leaders are responsible for mentoring other women and in this way, recognized for their integral roles.
The same is true in the call accounting space. While we often relate this activity to the management of invoices and information within the organization, there is a significant amount of technology on the backend that must be tracked and optimized for business operation. Women are increasingly stepping into that role and their contributions and knowledge lend value and credibility to the organization.
Edited by Stefania Viscusi