Humans of Meraki — The Journey to Becoming a Parent at Meraki
When seeking a job in the tech world, there are many companies that offer a range of benefits and perks to employees, but we like to think that Cisco Meraki is unique in the expansive benefits we provide that holistically support employees, their families, and beyond. Don’t just take our word for it — hear it from Merakians who are actually living it. For this series of Humans of Meraki, we interviewed Monize Davini, Virtual Sales Specialist for SecureConnect, who shares how the benefits offered at Meraki have supported her in becoming a mom.
How would you describe the culture at Meraki?
First of all, Cisco Meraki is a very diverse place. The people at Meraki represent a wide range of nationalities, backgrounds, and perspectives. Also, Merakians are extremely passionate and motivated by their work and the impact they can have at a company with such a huge reach. Additionally, Meraki operates more like a community rather than a large corporation. Each of these factors, among many, shape the culture at Meraki.
How have you felt supported and included at Meraki?
Meraki has been welcoming, accommodating, and supportive to me since the day that I started. Meraki has a very inclusive culture and I’ve had amazing leaders who’ve helped me grow as a professional and as a human. As a woman in a same-sex relationship who recently became a mom, Meraki has supported me throughout every step of my parenting journey; including the process of becoming pregnant and through postpartum. It’s a special place.
How have the benefits at Meraki supported you in becoming a parent?
I decided I wanted to become a mom approximately four years ago, during the pandemic. Since I’m in a same-sex marriage, I knew getting pregnant wouldn’t be as straightforward as it can be for opposite-sex couples. But I was pleased to discover that Meraki and Cisco would support me in becoming pregnant and beyond. The benefits Cisco provides helped me with everything, including egg retrieval, biospecimens, and other aspects of the pregnancy process. Cisco made everything extremely simple and allowed me to go to any clinic or doctor of my choosing. Cisco’s benefits also expand to fertility treatments, freezing of eggs, surrogacy, and adoption. They make having a family accessible for everyone.
In addition to the logistical side of helping me on my pregnancy journey, my leaders were supportive of my emotional needs as well. It took me three years to become pregnant and it was a rocky road along the way. I went through a lot both emotionally and physically, and my managers accommodated my shifting needs.
How have the benefits offered at Meraki helped reduce potential feelings of burnout?
When I finally became a parent, I was able to take five months of maternity leave. It was great to have so much time with my daughter during the first several months of her life. Also, through hybrid work, I’m able to work remotely from home, which has given me much more time with my baby and has reduced any potential feelings of burnout. I used to commute to the San Francisco office every day, and now I spend my extra time in the morning and evening with my family instead. Without the benefits and emotional, logistical, and financial support I received from Meraki, I’m not sure I could have become a mom. Cisco and Meraki both provide many pathways for people to reach their personal goals.
Interested in career opportunities with Cisco Meraki? Check out our careers site!
