Social Justice Takes Action

Here's what we're doing to make the world more inclusive

Actions speak louder than words

At Cisco, our purpose is to Power an Inclusive Future for All. Leveraging the unique strengths of our people, technology, innovation, and our ecosystem, we believe we have the power to address systemic causes of inequity, break down barriers, and create lasting generational change for marginalized communities around the world.

In 2020, we embarked on a five-year journey backed by a US$300 million commitment to explore new ways to address inequities, break down barriers, and create more inclusive opportunities for people to thrive.

Our 12 Actions for Social Justice began as a commitment to the African American/Black community. They now serve as a blueprint that drives us forward, working together to create lasting, generational change-within Cisco, across our partners and suppliers, and in marginalized communities around the world.

Cisco's Social Justice Action Office brings together leaders and experts across our company to drive consistent execution, rigor, and accountability in our social justice actions.

Progress in our five-year journey

Highlights of our progress fiscal years 2020 through 2024 (FY20–FY24)

US$97M

Donated US$97M in services and software to HBCUs

63

Completed 63 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity assessments at HBCUs

47

Completed 47 technology installations at HBCUs

US$1.5B

Preserved US$1.5 billion in Title IV funding at HBCUs through services and software installations that made schools NIST compliant

100%

Received diversity metrics from 100 percent of our preferred suppliers in FY24

US$4.5M

Donated US$4.5M to non-profits supporting equity and justice for marginalized communities

The beliefs that drive us

Our 5-year Social Justice journey to drive greater impact is guided by six core beliefs that help determine how we respond to inequities and injustice and what bold actions we will take.

Power an inclusive future for all

We pursue our purpose by closing the digital divide, empowering the future of work, fighting for equality and social justice, and building a regenerative planet.