Join us on Thursday, September 18 from 11 am-12:00 pm ET / 8-9:00 am PT for the Community Innovation Challenge Launch Call! Join this call to gain a better understanding of the program's purpose, the motivation behind it, and key insights and advice for crafting your social impact program ahead of the early-bird deadline on September 28th. Participants will have the opportunity to hear directly from social impact professionals at Cisco to ask questions related to submissions as well as deepen their understanding of how to build meaningful corporate social impact programs. 

Participants will walk away with: 

• Inspirational insights from leaders in corporate social responsibility (CSR) on their career journeys and advice for recent graduates 
• An ability to articulate the art and science of what successful social impact programs do for communities and the companies that implement them
  
• An understanding of the range of corporate social impact roles and what they look like on a day-to-day basis 
• Answers to your questions about the program and what success looks like 
• Inspiration to tackle the challenge question and submit a winning application! 

• Welcome Remarks from Net Impact 
• Panel discussion with Cisco's Community Enablement Team focused on the roles of the social impact team 
• Discussion on how to develop successful corporate social impact programs 
• Audience Q&A 

Who Should Attend?

• Students who are seriously considering submitting an application to the Community Innovation Challenge 
• Faculty/Admin members who are supporting a student team 

Speakers

Scott McGregor, Director of Community Enablement, Cisco

Scott McGregor is a seasoned leader in social impact and inclusion, with over 25 years of experience in the tech industry. As Cisco’s Director of Community Enablement within the Social Impact and Inclusion Office, Scott leads with purpose—having managed a $300 million portfolio dedicated to leveraging Cisco’s technology and solutions to transform and modernize the digital infrastructure and academic experiences of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His work is grounded in a deep commitment to investing, innovating and empowering underserved communities through anti-poverty and skills-based strategies and tactics. A 16-year Cisco veteran, Scott began his career at the company in Sales and Sales Operations before transitioning in 2020 to Cisco’s People and Communities organization. He has also served as a global leader for Cisco’s Employee Resource Groups (ERG), Connected Black Professionals. His community-centric approach has been instrumental in aligning Cisco’s business and purpose-driven goals with real-world impact. Before joining Cisco, Scott held leadership roles in business development across the technology and staffing sectors, including positions at MicroAge, The Yoh Companies, and Courtyard by Marriott. Guided by his favorite motto—Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat (“Fortune favors the bold”)—Scott brings bold and courageous thought leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering passion to his work at the intersection of technology, education, and community transformation.

Shaunya Ishmael, Community Enablement Leader, Cisco 

Shaunya Ishmael is a seasoned Information Technology leader with deep expertise in telecommunications, networking, and information security. She holds a BS in Physics from Clark Atlanta University, an MS in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Science in Information Technology at Middle Georgia State University (expected May 2026). A Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Shaunya combines technical excellence with strategic leadership. As a leader on Cisco’s Community Enablement team, Shaunya drives forward a community-centric approach anchored in the pillars of Investment, Incubation, and Continuity. She is especially passionate about investing in communities that need it most—expanding access to education, workforce development, and stakeholder engagement opportunities that close digital gaps and build resilience. Her impact extends beyond Cisco, having taught Project Management and Mathematics at the University of Phoenix, and through her 39 years of dedicated service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she continues to champion education and leadership. With a career defined by purpose and service, Shaunya fuels Cisco’s mission to create meaningful change and lasting opportunity for future generations. 

Donyea Perry, Community Enablement Project Manager, Cisco

Donyea Perry is a passionate leader committed to driving equity, opportunity, and lasting impact through Cisco’s Community Enablement team. A proud graduate of Wake Technical Community College with an associate degree in Psychology and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor of Arts, Donyea brings both academic grounding and lived experience to her work. As Project Manager, Donyea champions Cisco’s community-centric approach to social impact, anchored in the pillars of Investment, Incubation, and Continuity. She plays a pivotal role in advancing Cisco’s talent pipeline by creating pathways for development, engagement, and inclusion, ensuring that future generations of leaders are equipped to thrive. With expertise in strategic initiatives and partnerships, Donyea fuels Cisco’s purpose by connecting business outcomes with meaningful change. Her work strengthens resilience, builds bridges across communities, and ensures that impact endures well beyond the moment—helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

If you haven't downloaded the Challenge Case Brief, download it below: 

Download the Case Brief