For Eldee Africa-Villapando, a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP), becoming a better HR professional didn’t just come from experience—it came from committing to growth through formal learning.
She had already built a strong foundation working across multiple HR functions. But something shifted when she decided to pursue a professional credential.
“The certification gave me the confidence to speak up and make informed decisions with best practices and legal grounding,” she told Financial Adviser PH.
That confidence didn’t just change how others saw her—it changed how she saw herself.
From compliance to strategy
Villapando shared that while her early career focused heavily on administrative and operations work, earning her certification elevated her role into something more strategic.
“It validated what I knew and gave me a more strategic perspective on how HR drives business outcomes.”
This shift helped her step beyond execution and into influence—participating in high-level conversations about culture, talent development, and organizational design.
With a stronger grasp of best practices and legal frameworks, she felt equipped to advocate for policies that balanced both employee welfare and business goals.
A boost in confidence—and credibility
Beyond the technical know-how, what truly stood out to Villapando was how the certification transformed the way people in the organization perceived her input.
“In terms of credibility, having the certification added weight to my role. It showed others—leaders, peers, and employees—that I take my profession seriously and that I’ve invested in becoming more effective in it.”
That credibility opened new doors. She found herself being invited to strategic planning sessions, asked for insight on complex issues, and trusted to guide change—not just implement it.
HR is more than a support function—it’s a business driver
The biggest mindset shift for Villapando was recognizing that HR isn’t just there to support operations—it’s a key driver of business success.
“It reminded me that HR isn’t just a support function—it’s a key part of the business. And that shift in mindset has made all the difference in how I approach my role.”
Instead of waiting for direction, she now collaborates with leaders, challenges assumptions, and builds programs that connect people strategies to measurable outcomes.
Why investing in yourself pays off—personally and professionally
For Villapando, the decision to pursue certification wasn’t just about earning a title—it was about committing to lifelong learning.
And the impact has gone far beyond her résumé. It’s reshaped her sense of leadership, helped her build trust in her organization, and empowered her to stand tall in every meeting.
“More than just technical knowledge, the certification gave me the confidence to speak up.”
In a world where change is constant and expectations on HR leaders are rising, that kind of confidence is invaluable.
