In the heart of the Middle East, Elizabeth Enriquez-Cruz—a Certified Human Resource Professional—quietly leads one of the most complex HR portfolios in Qatar. As the only female and non-Arab in her company’s top HR position, her story is one of resilience, grit, and grace under pressure.
“Working as an expat here in Qatar, and the only female, non-Arab employee, first was really a struggle,” she said in an exclusive interview with Financial Adviser PH.
At first, she encountered skepticism and discrimination—expected barriers for someone stepping into leadership in a conservative and male-dominated environment. But instead of backing down, Elizabeth leaned in.
“I experienced discrimination… I know that is part of testing my patience, ability, and capability. But I took it as a challenge. I proved myself as a hard worker, dedicated, organized.”
Eventually, she won her employer’s trust—not just as a reliable employee but as a strategic pillar in the organization. Her responsibilities now span 10 companies under two family branches, overseeing nearly 500 employees with the help of only one mandoop (company representative).
Leading with Grit—and Grace
Elizabeth’s leadership isn’t just about managing people—it’s about navigating cultures, emotions, and expectations. She became a master of balancing both sides.
“As an HR person, you are ‘sandwiched’ between the employees and the management—a shock absorber from both sides’ sentiments, issues, and concerns.”
She admits the job isn’t easy. She’s been yelled at, blamed, and misunderstood. But those experiences taught her something deeper—resilience under fire.
“It helped me to understand that as an HR person, I have to deal with them, no matter what—even though I myself am struggling with different kinds of sickness.”
Quiet Strength Amid Personal Trials
Beyond the office, Elizabeth has weathered tremendous personal storms. From 1992 to 1995 and again in 2005, she underwent a total of 15 surgeries. She suffers from hypertension, arthritis, hypothyroidism, and a heart murmur—yet she shows up every day with calm strength.
“Even though I have these illnesses, it helped me learn a lot in different HR fields and personal/company situations.”
What keeps her going isn’t ambition—it’s purpose. She didn’t choose HR; it found her. But once it did, she gave it everything.
“I have shown my ‘jackie of all trades’ abilities and capabilities. I am an all-around HR for all of these companies.”
Her loyalty to her current employer, Ali Iskandar Al Ansari and Sons Company, runs deep. In return for the family-like treatment she received, she vowed to stay until retirement.
A Life of Leadership and Compassion
Elizabeth’s HR journey in Qatar is more than a job description—it’s a portrait of what it means to lead with resilience, humility, and purpose in unfamiliar territory.
She represents the quiet force behind people systems in a foreign land—one that understands the human side of HR like no one else.
“I believe HR is my career path… and my bread and butter.”
