Women Who Built The Internet: Sandy Lerner

For the Internet to work, you need a network, right?

And when you say network, you say Cisco. This firm practically invented networks.

But did you know that a woman co-founded Cisco?

Therefore, I want you to meet Sandra Lerner. With Cisco she pioneered in building local area networks. She built the foundations for what is now standard: having a network connection everywhere we go.

Cisco developed the first commercially successful multi-protocol router. The impact of this invention can be summarized as ‘no router, no network, no internet.’

About Sandra Lerner

Sandra “Sandy” Lerner was born in 1955 and grew up in California. She wasn’t your typical girl. She was fiercely independent and showed an early interest in the sciences and technology.

Her academic career is quite impressive. She first earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University. She went on to earn a master’s degree in econometrics from Claremont University and a master’s degree in statistics and computer science from Stanford University in 1981.

While working for Stanford University, she met her partner and co-founder, Leonard Bosack. Together they founded Cisco in 1984.

Her contribution to the Internet

If you say Cisco, you say routers. Cisco pioneered Local Area Networks (LAN), which connected devices within a limited area. They developed the Advanced Gateway Server (AGS) router in 1986. This technology proved crucial for the development of ethernet and Wi-Fi.

It all started when Lerner and Bosack worked on a project to better connect all of Stanford’s computer systems. They later adapted Stanford software into what would become the foundation for Cisco’s operating system.

Cisco was not the first company to develop and sell dedicated network nodes. But it was one of the first to sell commercially successful routers supporting multiple network protocols.

This innovation enabled businesses, governments, and individuals to communicate more efficiently and effectively, forever changing the landscape of global communication.

No ‘happily ever after’

Despite her significant contributions, Sandy Lerner’s journey with Cisco ended abruptly in 1990. They were forced out of the company after it went public and after a power struggle with the board of directors.

Lerner and Bosack were known for their unconventional and hands-on approach, which sometimes clashed with the board’s wish for a more traditional corporate structure. The couple felt their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit was being stifled, and when Lerner was fired, Bosack resigned in solidarity,

That was a bitter end because they had built Cisco from the ground up. It became even more bitter when the couple divorced shortly after.

They set up the company well, though. Cisco would continue to thrive and become a global leader in networking technology. As of 3 August, the company is valued at US$192 Bio.

Lerner’s legacy

Today, Sandy Lerner’s influence extends far beyond the tech industry. After leaving Cisco, Lerner began managing sustainable farms in California.

She also used part of the proceeds from the sale of Cisco stock to found a start-up venture capital firm called & Capital Partners. One of the companies it funded was Urban Decay Cosmetics, which she also co-founded. Urban Decay, now a subsidiary of l’Oreal, is a cosmetics company known for its commitment to cruelty-free products.

These ventures showcase her versatility and ability to disrupt industries outside of technology.

Conclusion

Sandra Lerner is one of the women who built the Internet because, without the router that she helped to build, there would be no network connectivity. She founded multiple startups, and her impact extends beyond technology.

Sandra Lerner’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by visionaries in navigating corporate dynamics, especially in male-dominated industries. Her legacy at Cisco remains a testament to her pioneering spirit and the transformative impact of her work.