Growing up in Bulacan, Philippines, Cherry S. Cruz understood the valued of hard wor and determination from a young age. Despite having to work part-time while completing her education, she never let circumstances define her.
Her ultimate goal was to always finish her studies and support her family. This drive led her to pursue international opportunities, beginning with her first overseas job in Taiwan at the age of 21.
“Working abroad has always been an aspiration of mine, as it presents a unique set of opportunities and experiences that cannot be found in one’s home country. I believe that by relocating to different countries, you not only gain a deeper understanding of different cultures but also learn how to navigate and adapt to a diverse work environment,” she said.
As a Filipino, she has always been aware of the strong competition in the job market back home, with many workers possessing the same skills and qualifications. She saw working overseas as an opportunity to stand out and compete on a global stage.
“I knew that by working in a diverse workforce, I would have a fair distribution of opportunities to showcase my skills and abilities,” she added.
Two years later, Cherry moved to the UAE and joined Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa in Dubai as a Human Resources and Quality Training Coordinator, the profession that laid the foundation for her passion for human resource management and the hospitality industry.
The Filipina professional added that working abroad allowed her to develop a broader perspective on the world, greatly enhancing her leadership abilities. Because of working overseas, she learned how to address cultural and behavioral differences and new business practices, which have been invaluable in her personal and professional life.
In 2006, Cherry was offered to work as an HR Officer and Executive Assistant to the Senior General Manager at the prestigious One&Only Reethi Rah Resort in Maldives, a member of the ‘World’s Leading Hotels.’
From there, throughout her career, she had the privilege of working for some of the most renowned five-star resorts and hotels both domestically and internationally. She excelled in various senior roles and has been fortunate enough to progress through the ranks in several firms.
Cherry, who has been working overseas for two decades, is currently working as the Director of Talent & Culture (Human Resources) in Sofitel Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence.
One of the things that she enjoys about her job is the opportunity to train, coach, and mentor others.
“I find it incredibly rewarding to inspire and influence the development of my team members. Additionally, protecting the welfare of the workers is a critical aspect of my job, and it is fulfilling to know that I am making a difference in the lives of others,” she said.
Even though she had insecurities and low self-esteem from high school all the way through college, she never imagined herself working in the HR field; however, for years, she developed a greater passion for the industry because it has transitioned her into a professional who can have an impact on people every day.
One of the highlights of her overseas career was being nominated as one of the 100 Most Influential Global HR Professionals in the World during the HRD Congress in 2017.
“This recognition has been a source of motivation for me to continue to help and mentor aspiring HR professionals in their journey to becoming leaders in the field,” she shared.
She is committed to giving back to the community in her current and previous roles. Cherry has been involved in various volunteer activities and charity works that benefited and made a positive impact in their lives.
She added that anyone could achieve career aspirations in the hospitality industry with hard work, dedication, and commitment to personal and professional development.
When asked about her plans, Cherry said she intended to start an HR consultancy firm back home, with the goal of using her professional background and experience to assist Filipinos in finding employment opportunities. As a passionate advocate for workplace diversity and inclusion, she also plans to develop and implement numerous initiatives back home to promote these values in the workplace.
“I believe that creating a diverse and inclusive environment is crucial for the success of any organization and I want to be a part of the movement towards creating a more equitable society,” she added.
Cherry has also highlighted the importance of investing in a retirement or pension plan for Filipinos working overseas, stressing that working abroad is not a permanent source of income.
“While it is important to support our families and enjoy luxuries and travel, it is also crucial to save for retirement. A pension plan can give us peace of mind and financial security, even if we become unemployed. Investing in a retirement plan is not only important for financial stability but also for personal peace of mind so that you don’t become a burden to others in the future,” she said.
She also advised Filipinos to surround themselves with the right people and look after their mental and emotional well-being.
“I would like to remind everyone that where you came from, which Universities you went to, whether you graduated with honors or not, or if you had a privileged or difficult upbringing, doesn’t define who you are or your potential for success. What truly matters is our willingness to attempt and our determination to succeed. Success depends on us and we have the power within ourselves to turn our insecurities, frustrations, and heartbreaks into triumphs. With hard work and perseverance, we can achieve our goals and aspirations. It is important to believe in ourselves and our abilities, no matter what others may think,” she added.