Excellence isn't a destination; it's a journey. My own path to human resources, a field I'm deeply passionate about, has been anything but linear. It's a testament to the fact that embracing change, continuous learning, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact are the cornerstones of true excellence. It began, rather unexpectedly, on a different stage altogether. My professional life started in education, shaping young minds in the classroom. Then, life took an exciting detour, leading me to win the Mrs. Tourism Globe 2018 title. This experience, though seemingly unrelated to HR, honed my communication skills, broadened my understanding of diverse cultures, and ignited a passion for connecting with people on a deeper level. It was a pivotal moment, a realization that my true calling lay in the realm of human connection and empowerment. This realization led me to HR.

I started by learning the foundational elements: hiring, onboarding, benefits administration, time and leave policies – the essential building blocks of the profession. But I quickly discovered that HR is a dynamic field, constantly evolving and demanding continuous adaptation. I embraced this dynamism, delving into global recruitment, navigating the complexities of international talent acquisition, and even freelancing to broaden my skill set and build my expertise. These experiences weren't just about acquiring technical skills; they were about understanding the human element in every transaction, recognizing the unique value each individual brings to the table. Today, at Amazon, I'm helping employees navigate their benefits and leave policies ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive. But my vision extends beyond my current role.

Excellence in HR, in my view, is about more than just process and policy. It's about understanding the "why" behind the work we do, the purpose that drives us. It's about creating workplaces where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. My journey, with its unconventional twists and turns, has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the HR profession today. And it's this perspective that I bring to the community, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the future of HR. I believe the future of HR hinges on several key pillars: leveraging the power of AI, championing diversity and inclusion, and prioritizing sustainability. These aren't just buzzwords; they are fundamental principles that will shape the workplaces of tomorrow.

AI, for instance, is rapidly transforming the recruitment landscape. As HR professionals, we must embrace these technological advancements, using AI-powered tools to streamline processes, identify top talent, and personalize the candidate experience. However, we must also be mindful of the potential pitfalls. Authenticity is paramount, especially in an age where AI-generated content can easily blur the lines of originality. Both recruiters and candidates need to be aware of the influence of AI and strive to maintain genuine human connection in the hiring process. For recruiters, this means using AI tools to enhance, not replace, human interaction. AI can help with tasks like screening resumes and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and assessing their cultural fit. For candidates, it means showcasing their unique skills and experiences in a way that resonates with human recruiters, even when AI is involved in the initial screening process. It means being authentic in interviews, highlighting your genuine strengths and passions, rather than trying to conform to what you think an AI algorithm is looking for. Diversity and inclusion are not just ethical imperatives; they are also essential for creating high-performing teams. 

A diverse workforce brings a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, leading to greater innovation and problem-solving. As HR professionals, we must be proactive in creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background. This requires a commitment to ongoing education, training, and policy review to ensure that our practices are fair, equitable, and inclusive. Finally, sustainability is increasingly important to both employees and employers. People want to work for organizations that are making a positive impact on the world. As HR professionals, we can play a key role in promoting sustainable practices within our organizations, from reducing our environmental footprint to fostering a culture of social responsibility.

My journey, from the classroom to the pageant stage to the world of HR, has taught me the true meaning of excellence. It's not about perfection; it's about progress. It's about embracing change, continuously learning, and always striving to make a positive impact. It's about using our unique experiences and perspectives to shape the future of HR, creating workplaces that are not just productive, but also fulfilling and equitable for everyone. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for the field of HR and the contributions I can make. The pursuit of excellence is a continuous process, and I'm committed to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to the evolution of this dynamic and vital profession.