Now that the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2021 winners have been officially announced, we are excited for you to learn more about each winning team and the story behind each innovation.

Now that the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2021 winners have been officially announced, we are excited for you to learn more about each winning team and the story behind each innovation. The Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge is an annual competition that awards cash prizes to early-stage tech entrepreneurs solving the world’s toughest problems.

When it comes to career paths, I don’t think I could have landed in a more fulfilling role. There are so many aspects of my job that keep me curious, inspired, and excited to get out of bed every day. One of those is the opportunity I get each year to not only learn about new digital solutions that are driving significant social and environmental impact around the world, but also get to know the incredible entrepreneurs behind those solutions.

Rita Butman journeyed from Syria to Cisco Germany. Today, she supports refugees with tech skills and life advice.

When the Syrian civil war erupted 10 years ago, it was the beginning of a trauma that would shake the country to its core and spark a refugee crisis that endures today.

But for Rita Butman, a Cisco technical solutions specialist now based in Berlin, it was also an opportunity to discover her life's passion — for helping refugees recover from the ravages of war and displacement.