For 30 years, our technology has changed the way the world works, lives, plays and learns.   And though we are a technology innovator, our edge does not come solely from technology. It comes from our people.

Today is a proud day for the Cisco family.

I am very pleased to announce that CloudNOW, the executive consortium for the leading women in cloud and converging technologies, today named Liz Centoni, Vice President, Strategy and Engineering Chief of Staff at Cisco, as one of the winners of its flagship "Top 10 Women in Cloud" Awards.

Jocelyn DeGance Graham, founder of CloudNOW, stated, "Liz Centoni is one of the key cloud thought leaders who is pioneering the industry and leveling the playing field for future generations. We acknowledge Liz's dedication and passion for tech, and thank her for her continued contributions."

Liz is a courageous and bold leader who is both a technologist and strategic thinker. As Chief of Staff for Cisco's Engineering EVP, she plays a key role in driving the strategy to invest$5.7B in R&D. As Vice President and General Manager of the Service Provider Access Group, she successfully created a vision and strategy beyond product features that delivers true innovation to increase customer value.

Liz creates business impact and solid revenue results while also being a diverse and inclusive leader who actively engages employees and business partners in a way that makes them feel valued and respected.

As a true role model for Cisco's culture, Liz is an active, hands-on mentor who dedicates time to coaching and developing talent. She had the vision to start a "Women in Engineering Leadership" forum for her organization, which has now expanded to the entire Cisco engineering organization of 25,000. She is also the Cisco Global Co-Executive Sponsor for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), a national program that promotes female talent in science, technology and engineering.

The Top 10 Women in Cloud Awards will be held at the Cuckoo's Nest in Menlo Park, where winners will compete in a pitch-style event September 24th when the "Top Woman in Cloud" will be named. Tickets for the event are available now. For more info visit: http://cloud-now.org/events/.