Charlotte Epeti Mpacko, now 49, mother of two and living near Paris, France but originally from Cameroon, carved out a career for herself in networking, despite personal difficulties and discrimination, thanks to a love of all things Cisco.

Want to help fly the flag for women in business? Been inspired by a colleague or friend? Feel like you deserve to have the light shining right on you? Take a look at the prestitigious UK everywoman in Technology Award and get involved.

Linda Schønningsen, from Bergen in Norway, had her son the day after sitting her certification exam. Now 23, she realizes that the Cisco CCNA course her university offered was key to obtaining her Network Consultant Engineer position.

Like many Israelis, 33-year-old Rachel Pinhas from Bee’r Sheva had difficulties finding a job. And like many graduates of the Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP), her fortunes changed, thanks to a Cisco Networking Academy

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg looks at why a smaller percentage of women than men reach the top of their professions — and offers 3 powerful pieces of advice to women aiming for the C-suite.