People@Cisco
Aug 25, 2026
Why the Most Meaningful Travel Changes You Too
Karin Surber shares learnings from her trip abroad and ways to get involved in Global Week of Giving.
Before traveling to Africa, I thought I understood why people volunteer abroad. I assumed it was about giving back, supporting conservation, and exploring new cultures. While that’s true, my time in Africa has taught me that the people and places we serve often impact us just as much in return.
My first visit to the Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy in Zimbabwe with my daughter and Cisco colleagues made a profound impression. I returned home feeling grounded and reconnected to what truly matters. But over time, I noticed how easily everyday life pulled me back into old routines.
When I returned to Imire for a second time in April 2026, I was more intentional about being fully present. I invited eight friends, including four Cisco colleagues, to join me — most of the group had never been to Africa or participated in international volunteering.
Volunteers participate in an emergency rhino operation at the Imire Conservancy.
I wanted them to experience the connection and perspective that had impacted me so deeply and hoped the journey would serve as a reminder of the goodness, purpose, and humanity in the world.
Each day at Imire looked different. Some mornings, we cleaned elephant pens or cleared invasive weeds, and other days, we repaired damaged roads or prepared hygienic necessities for young girls in the community.
We were able to interact closely with Imire’s elephant rescues, even handfeeding and caring for them. Being in such proximity to these animals was transformational. They possess a rare intelligence and gentleness that’s difficult to describe until you experience it yourself.
The local Shona people welcomed us warmly, sharing their traditions, values, and striking sense of gratitude. For the Shona, each family lineage is connected to a spirit animal, or “totem.” At the end of our stay, we were each assigned a totem based on our strengths and contributions throughout the week. I was assigned the zebra, which symbolizes teamwork, togetherness, resilience, and the ability to navigate difficult environments while remaining open to new perspectives and solutions.
Karin and her daughter enjoyed close-up time with Imire’s rescued elephants.
In my role as a Senior Leader on the Partner Incentives team, my responsibilities center around helping teams navigate complex challenges and work collaboratively through change. The qualities of my spirit animal and volunteer experience feel closely tied to my career at Cisco and the values I aim to bring to my life and work.
I watched my friends and colleagues undergo their own transformations. They left feeling connected to something larger than themselves. That, I believe, is the true gift of combining travel with volunteer work. You set off with the goal of making a difference for others, but somewhere along the way, you realize the experience is reshaping you too.
Taking these trips with Cisco’s Time2Give has renewed my appreciation for day-to-day life and given me a deeper sense of what truly matters. I’m grateful to work for a company that provides time to give back and recharge in such a meaningful way.
I plan to carry the lessons I learned at Imire forward and hope that my story encourages your own impact journey. With Cisco’s next Global Week of Giving taking place from August 31 to September 4, I encourage you to explore service opportunities on Benevity and get involved.
To discover more about volunteering with the Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy, please join the upcoming webinar on September 3, at 7 a.m. PST (full-time employees only). Imire will receive $10 for every attendee, so take the opportunity to learn from others and decide if volunteering abroad might be a fit for you.
