Empowering Indigenous Education: Dr. Gabriella Arellano and Cisco Networking Academy's Impact
Expanding Opportunities Through Indigenous Education
Dr. Gabriella Arellano fulfilled her lifelong dream of pursuing a career in education by enrolling in a master’s program at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. "I was accepted into several graduate schools in California," she explains, "but I chose to study here to connect with the community."
After earning her degree, she was offered a teaching position at Standing Rock Reservation. "I had never been to Standing Rock before, but I learned so much about the community and its culture," Gabriella recalls.
Gabriella furthered her qualifications by becoming a certified college instructor and a Cisco Networking Academy instructor. This opened the door to a role at Sitting Bull Community College, a tribal land-grant college established by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
With a student body of about 300, Sitting Bull College faces challenges in offering a wide variety of courses. To address this, the college partnered with Turtle Mountain Community College and Stone Child Community College to create a consortium offering cybersecurity courses across rural tribal colleges in two states. This shared-resources model broadens the educational opportunities available to students.
"It's crucial for people—especially those passionate about education—to understand that there are rural community strategies that can increase access to opportunities for students. Education is constantly evolving, and there is always more to be done. It has been inspiring to collaborate with Cisco’s technical leaders and business development team, who have gone above and beyond to help us provide the best possible education to our students. Their efforts have transformed and impacted many lives."
Advancing an Inclusive Future for Everyone
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples highlights the significance of education for the empowerment of Indigenous communities. The diverse stories of individuals like Gabriella illustrate how the Cisco Networking Academy is driving inclusive futures for all through education and digital skills, especially for Indigenous Peoples.
Click here to know more about Cisco Networking Academy for Educators.
Dr. Gabriella Arellano fulfilled her lifelong dream of pursuing a career in education by enrolling in a master’s program at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. "I was accepted into several graduate schools in California," she explains, "but I chose to study here to connect with the community."
After earning her degree, she was offered a teaching position at Standing Rock Reservation. "I had never been to Standing Rock before, but I learned so much about the community and its culture," Gabriella recalls.
Gabriella furthered her qualifications by becoming a certified college instructor and a Cisco Networking Academy instructor. This opened the door to a role at Sitting Bull Community College, a tribal land-grant college established by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
With a student body of about 300, Sitting Bull College faces challenges in offering a wide variety of courses. To address this, the college partnered with Turtle Mountain Community College and Stone Child Community College to create a consortium offering cybersecurity courses across rural tribal colleges in two states. This shared-resources model broadens the educational opportunities available to students.
"It's crucial for people—especially those passionate about education—to understand that there are rural community strategies that can increase access to opportunities for students. Education is constantly evolving, and there is always more to be done. It has been inspiring to collaborate with Cisco’s technical leaders and business development team, who have gone above and beyond to help us provide the best possible education to our students. Their efforts have transformed and impacted many lives."
Advancing an Inclusive Future for Everyone
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples highlights the significance of education for the empowerment of Indigenous communities. The diverse stories of individuals like Gabriella illustrate how the Cisco Networking Academy is driving inclusive futures for all through education and digital skills, especially for Indigenous Peoples.
Click here to know more about Cisco Networking Academy for Educators.
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