“Tech isn’t about knowing everything.
If you’re even a little curious, give it a shot – you might be better at it than you think.
You could go from just using tech to actually creating it
– and that’s powerful and impactful.”
Anna Czacharowska-Rybkowska,
Cisco Networking Academy Lead Central Europe
Meeting people where they are
When over 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees – mostly women and children – arrived in Poland in 2022, many faced uncertain futures. Some were ready to work. Others had never worked in tech or used digital tools beyond messaging apps.
Cisco saw an opportunity to offer support based on what it does best: tech education. “But what started as a typical upskilling initiative quickly turned into something much more nuanced. What was needed wasn’t just technical education – it was digital confidence,” shared Anna Czacharowska-Rybkowska, who leads CSR and educational initiatives at Cisco.
Rather than push ahead with specialized IT training, Cisco shifted focus. The first courses weren’t about job titles – they were about empowerment through fundamentals: how to communicate online, avoid scams, understand privacy, and explore remote work.
Beyond corporate KPIs
Instead of diving straight into IT specializations, Cisco shifted focus. The program began offering instructor-led courses in basic digital literacy – taught in Ukrainian, by Ukrainian speakers – and designed to build the foundation for future learning. The topics ranged from secure communication to using productivity tools to navigating the digital job market.
This was often participants’ first experience with online education. And despite the pressures of relocation, language barriers, and caregiving duties, women engaged with remarkable energy and determination: “Over 80% of surveyed women said it was a valuable experience,” Anna noted. “It wasn’t just about the tools. It was about being seen, supported, and empowered. The shift revealed something deeper: that getting into tech isn’t about ticking off credentials – it’s about creating space to learn safely, and feeling like you belong.”
Launched in early 2023 in Rzeszów, the Start IT. Cisco4Ukraine initiative has already reached over 10,000 learners in just 18 months. That impact was made possible thanks to collaborations with NGOs, universities, and local partners. The program remains open, flexible, and inclusive – welcoming people regardless of age, education level, or whether they plan to stay in Poland or move elsewhere.
And while Cisco’s expertise is in technology, the true success of the program lies beyond metrics. It’s in helping women rebuild agency, regain direction, and see themselves as part of a digital future. “Getting into tech isn’t just about ticking off credentials,” Anna reflected. “It’s about creating space to learn safely – and feeling like you belong.”
This article is a recap of the latest edition of 42 Warsaw Talks – a series where we explore the IT industry not only through technology, but also from a social perspective.
Just like our educational model at 42 Warsaw, the focus is on practical, real-world insights. We invite experts to share experiences and ideas that drive meaningful change. In June, we explored how to include more women in tech – as a warm-up to the Women in Tech Summit 2025, where we’re a proud community partner.
Curious about our next events? Stay connected with campus updates on our social media.
