Elizabeth Enriquez-Cruz, a Certified Human Resource Professional, never expected to build a career in HR. In fact, she was trained as a geologist and educator—holding a BS in Geology from Adamson University, a Diploma and Master’s in Environmental Management from UP Open University, and a Professional Teaching License. But her real journey began not with a promotion or a plan, but with a life-altering illness.
“I would say that I am one of those ‘accidental HR person,’ having no formal education with HR-related courses from college or university,” Elizabeth said in an exclusive interview with Financial Adviser PH.
In the early 1990s, while working as an editor at Innodata Philippines, Elizabeth was diagnosed with Capillary Hemangioma, a serious illness that left her paralyzed for two years. “No chance of survival,” she recalled. But through what she describes as “the grace of God,” she recovered—and her company gave her another chance.
“Through the kindness of our Innodata’s President, Todd H. Solomon, he allowed me to return to work in the HR/Personnel Department as HR Assistant, handling Recruitment and Employee Benefits.”
That gesture changed her life. What began as a role rooted in necessity soon became her calling.
A Career She Didn’t Plan—But Grew to Love
After seven years of HR experience in the Philippines, Elizabeth took a leap and moved to Qatar. There, she joined Ali Iskandar Al Ansari and Sons Company, where she continues to work today—not just out of duty, but out of deep gratitude.
“I believe that HR is my career path and, honestly speaking, my ‘bread and butter.’ Although I had chances to change it, I stayed because of my loyalty, dedication, and commitment to my current company—who treated me not as an employee, but as a family member.”
She vowed to stay with the company until retirement.
Surviving Illness, Discrimination—and Finding Her Place
Her road wasn’t smooth. As the only female, non-Arab employee handling HR across 10 companies in a traditional Qatari firm, she experienced what many expats fear.
“First, it was really a struggle. I experienced discrimination… but I took it as a challenge. I proved myself as a hard worker, dedicated, organized.”
That perseverance paid off. She eventually gained the trust of her employers and became the central HR lead for a vast portfolio of businesses—backed only by one mandoop (company representative).
“I have shown my ‘jackie of all trades’ abilities and capabilities. I am an all-around HR for all of these companies.”
HR as Mission, Not Just Work
Elizabeth reflects on her HR role not just as a job, but as an emotionally charged balancing act.
“Working as HR is not easy. You are ‘sandwiched’ between the employees and the management—a shock absorber from both sides’ sentiments, issues, and concerns.”
Despite suffering from multiple chronic illnesses—including hypertension, arthritis, hypothyroidism, and heart murmur—and having undergone 15 surgeries, she never walked away from the mission of HR.
“It helped me to learn a lot in different HR fields and personal/company situations,” she said.
For Elizabeth, HR is more than just policies and payroll. It’s a life of service, empathy, and loyalty—shaped by hardship and anchored in grace.
