By the time Noriena Veridiano learned about the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) program, she was already well into her HR career. She had risen through the ranks from general affairs roles in the Philippines to more complex HR leadership positions. But one decision to invest in continuous learning helped her pivot toward something bigger: a global HR role in Dubai.
“I’ve always believed in continuous learning and professional development,” Noriena shared with Financial Adviser PH. “Even when I was already comfortable in my HR career, I knew I needed to keep growing if I wanted to transition into a more strategic role.”
That growth path became clearer when a colleague recommended CHRP to her. After researching the program, Noriena saw its potential.
“CHRP offered a well-rounded, globally aligned framework that would formalize what I already knew from experience and expand my knowledge in areas like strategic planning, labor law, and performance management,” she explained.
The program didn’t just enhance her technical skills—it gave her the confidence and structure to elevate her thinking and execution. At the time, Noriena was preparing to step into a larger leadership role and exploring overseas opportunities. CHRP helped her build the foundation to succeed on both fronts.
“The certification gave me more credibility, especially when working with international colleagues or handling complex HR cases,” she said. “It validated my knowledge and gave me the confidence to take on bigger responsibilities.”
Shortly after becoming CHRP-certified, Noriena moved to Dubai, where she now serves as HR Executive at Leading Edge Mobility FZCO, managing end-to-end HR and administrative functions. In her current role, she leads everything from recruitment and onboarding to visa processing, travel coordination, and employee engagement initiatives.
Her passion, however, goes beyond processes.
“I’m particularly passionate about employee engagement and development,” she shared. “Whether it’s designing onboarding programs or planning company-wide activities, I love creating experiences that help people thrive.”
That same philosophy guided her as she helped implement a Human Resource Management System (HRMS) in her company. For Noriena, digital transformation isn’t about replacing human connection—it’s about enabling HR to focus on what matters most.
“Automation helped us streamline manual tasks and improve data-driven decision-making,” she said. “But more importantly, it gave us back time to focus on people. That’s where HR brings real value.”
Noriena also credits CHRP with helping her adopt a systems-based approach to HR strategy. It influenced how she aligns policies with business goals, manages performance systems, and supports cross-functional leadership.
“The CHRP modules were practical and relevant. I still draw from them when I’m developing training plans or reviewing policies,” she said. “They gave me a structured way to approach both strategic work and daily operations.”
Beyond skills and structure, the CHRP network has been another unexpected benefit—providing a platform for learning, mentorship, and shared insight.
“Being part of a like-minded HR community gave me a sense of belonging, especially as a Filipino professional working abroad,” she said. “We all face similar challenges, and having that support system means a lot.”
Looking back, Noriena is clear about what that one decision to pursue CHRP unlocked for her.
“I was already in HR, but CHRP helped me think bigger. It gave me the tools and mindset to lead, not just manage,” she said. “It’s the step that took my local experience and made it globally relevant.”
