2016-Mar-17

Cisco Olympian: Meet Kate Baldwin

Kate Baldwin · U.S.

"It’s so important for me to show girls that you can be a female working in a technical role in a technical field," says Kate Baldwin (left), who founded Girls Advancing Technology.

As Kate Baldwin accepts the Olympic Torch as part of the Paralympic Games Torch Relay next summer in Rio, she will have one thought running through her mind—don’t trip. But for someone who never stops moving, never stops doing and never stops striving to go "Faster, Higher, Stronger", the 800-meter run will represent far more than just another item on her never-ending to-do list.

"The Olympics and Paralympics to me are the ultimate," Kate says. "They represent the best of human achievement at a certain point in time. There are few things in the world that unite like that, and to be a part of something so big, so historic... it’s amazing."

From the time Kate was a child, a career in the world of technology was on her radar. With encouragement and support from her father, grandfather and other mentors along the way, she pursued a degree in computer science from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She eventually landed at Cisco as part of the Global Business Services (GBS) technical support team. Although immediately embraced by her coworkers, Kate was the only female on her team.

"My story is not unusual, and women all across Cisco will surely relate to being one of the few women while getting their degree, and then often the only woman on a team," Kate said. "Along the way, incredible mentors and coworkers helped me find myself and push me to where I am, and it only feels right to pay it forward."

With that goal in mind, Kate founded Girls Advancing Technology as a small event at Xavier University four years ago. The annual event is aimed at exposing middle school girls to opportunities in STEM—science, technology, engineering and math.

"One bit of encouragement to someone who has always been told they’re not good at math," Kate said. "It’s important for me to show other girls that you can be a female working in a technical role in a technical field. I want them to be able to say, ‘she pulled this off, and I can do it too.’"

Watch the interview and hear what Kate has to say in her own words.

Since the inaugural event in 2011, Girls Advancing Technology has grown to include more than 50 participants, along with volunteers from Cisco, HP and other industry leaders. As the event continues to grow, Kate’s focus remains on opening young girls’ eyes to opportunities in technology. Within Cisco, she has helped drive enhancements to professional development offerings for women by taking a leadership role in the Connected Women group. Earlier this year, Kate took a new position on the GBS Learner Programs team, focusing on Learning and Development/HR. Throughout her career with Cisco, she has experienced a culture that values inclusion and diversity, including support for her efforts with Girls Advancing Technology.

Kate keeps in mind the person who had a huge influence on her own life—her grandfather. Though diagnosed with polio at a young age and bound to crutches and a wheelchair for most of his life, Kate’s grandfather inspired her and taught her the importance of building personal relationships. He refused to let his disability constrain him and instead lived life to the fullest. A quality she sees reflected in the Paralympic athletes headed for Rio next summer.

"The Paralympics are a celebration of what humans can do and what we can overcome," Kate said. "We can all aspire to bigger things by seeing what the athletes have accomplished at the Paralympics. They truly prove that a disability does not define a person."

When she carries the torch on behalf of Cisco next summer leading up to the Paralympic Games, Kate will carry the memory of her grandfather close to her heart as well, remembering his vibrant spirit and generous nature. As she runs through Brazil, she will represent all the employees at Cisco, everyone who embodies the spirit of Our People Deal.

"I want to carry the torch to represent the average Joe," Kate said. "I do what I can to give back, and I think that everybody is able to do that. Just a little bit of paying it forward can make such a huge difference in someone’s life."

And with that passion driving her, Kate Baldwin not only makes a difference in the lives of female coders and engineers of the future, but also in making Cisco an amazing place filled with amazing people.

Kate with volunteers at a Girls Advancing Technology event.

Kate (second from left) at a meeting of Connected Women RTP, with Co-President Nicole Learn, Professional Development Lead Deborah Sparma, and speaker Avani Deshpande.

Related Links

• Why They Carry the Torch—announcement of Torchbearer winners
• Rio 2016 Participation Programs—ways to get involved with Rio 2016
• Cisco and Rio 2016 Mobile App—resources, a social feed to share photos and messages, a fitness section, videos, maps, sports details, and more