2022-November-17

Did you know? You can share this story using the social media icons on the upper left. Use the hashtag #WeAreCisco. You can also rate or comment on the story below.

We Are All Connected

BY SCARLET ESTRADA · ENABLEMENT PROJECT MANAGER · CANADA

WITH HELEN GALL AND ANDREA WALKER

3 MINUTE READ · 5 MINUTE LISTEN

Editor’s Note: The following story involves a discussion about human trafficking and slavery, which might be upsetting to some readers. For mental health resources and support, visit the #SafeToTalk online community or contact the Employee Assistance Program.

I've been working for Cisco for four years, based in Toronto. As an Enablement Project Manager for the Renewals Renewals GTM Acceleration team, I interact with team members globally, enabling them to succeed and bring the seller perspective to the program team.

I also care deeply about making the most of my Time2Give. I coordinate a Cisco team to work on projects with local charities, and I collect, package, and ship care boxes to Venezuela.

Now, I have a new cause that I'm excited to share with you.

Last fall, when my daughter filmed a Hallmark Christmas movie, I had the opportunity to meet Latina actress Marisol Nichols (Vegas Vacation, “24,” “Riverdale,” “NCIS”). As we spoke, she asked me where I was originally from. When I said Venezuela, her eyes opened wide and her whole expression changed.

Marisol had recently worked on a rescue operation in Central America through her nonprofit organization, Foundation for a Slavery Free World. It saved 40 girls in transit to being trafficked, many from my native country.

My heart sank, and it sinks as I write this.

We discussed how that situation had become so dire that many people were fleeing, some on foot, walking thousands of miles. These desperate individuals are falling prey to promises of jobs as au pairs or sponsorship opportunities, only to realize too late that they were being trafficked for slavery or prostitution.

Globally, an estimated almost 25 million people are subjected to human trafficking. It is the second largest and fastest growing crime in the world.

Sadly, human trafficking is also one of the fastest increasing crimes in Canada, where we settled 13 years ago. While immigrant children, especially girls, are one of the primary targets for predators, no gender or race is safe.

Anyone who falls into a challenging situation is vulnerable, and the pandemic only increased the risks.

If you don’t have a support system, have escaped an abusive relationship, are struggling with substance abuse, are marginalized, homeless, or desperately in need of money, you can easily become a target to a human trafficker.

We are all connected

My conversation with Marisol inspired me to do something.

I searched the Foundation for a Slavery Free World NGO in Bright Funds to use my Time2Give to help. When I didn’t find it, I nominated it for matching hours and donations.

Foundation for a Slavery Free World focuses on ending human trafficking, working in public outreach through education and events, supporting law enforcement’s operations leading to the successful rescue of victims, and collaborating with the IT industry to develop new technologies. They offer victims resources to recovery and a return to life.

The whole experience taught me that we are all connected and that even the tiniest gesture can be worthy, meaningful, and impactful.

How you can get involved

If you’d like to help make a difference, you can donate to the Foundation for a Slavery Free World in Cisco Bright Funds.

Cisco also works to prevent human trafficking through its involvement with Covenant House, which not only offers shelter to young people in need, but also has outreach teams that patrol city streets to offer support to at-risk youth.

Homeless kids are especially vulnerable, as they are seen as a low-risk proposition to traffickers because they are relatively easy to lure from the streets with promises of love, protection, food, and financial security.

On November 17, our Cisco community will once again Sleep Out in solidarity with young people experiencing homelessness to generate awareness and raise funds for Covenant House.

Please take a moment to donate to one of our participants or join this life-changing experience to help achieve our $3 million goal!

Related Links

• Foundation for a Slavery Free World
• Marisol Nichols Podcast
• Cisco BrightFunds, Foundation for a Slavery Free World
• 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report, US Department of State
• Covenant House
• Human Trafficking and Youth Homelessness

---

Connect everything. Innovate everywhere. Benefit everyone.