Maria Luisa “Malou” Ernest was certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute as a global professional in human resources while Juanet Sablan obtained certification as a professional in human resources.
Ernest, director of human resources for Tan Holdings Corp., with almost 20 years in the human resource management field, has worked with Tan Holdings since 2000.
Married to the CNMI Chief Prosecutor Michael Ernest and the mother of two, she strives for that fine balance of life and work.
“I’m really excited about achieving this certification and thank the local chapter for their study program that helped me prepare for the test. It was a lot of reading and review — time away from the family. It’s a step up in my career and the new knowledge I gained will help me in my work.”
Mrs. Ernest is one of only two holders of the certification in the CNMI and a select member of only 932 HR professionals world-wide who have obtained this recognition.
The examination for GPHR certification assesses the test-takers understanding of and skills in the international HR body of knowledge and is intended for HR professionals who develop and implement global HR strategies, manage HR operations overseas and oversee international assignment management.
Sablan, a post-graduate student in human resource management at Hawaii Pacific University, is currently serving as a summer intern at the Hyatt Regency Saipan. Daughter of Nick and Maggie Sablan, also a human resource professional, Juanet studied independently for the exam.
“It was a tough exam — I’m glad that it’s over and that I did well. My professors really encouraged me. I’m happy to have gotten this certification and look forward to putting it to work in my job now and especially after graduation. I’m learning a lot of real hands-on HR here at the Hyatt — and I enjoy it.”
Juanet Sablan plans to return to the CNMI after graduation next spring to pursue her career in human resource management. Her certification demonstrates a mastery of key HR principles and knowledge. She joins a small group of now five certified human resource professionals in the CNMI.
The Human Resource Certification Institute is the credentialing body for human resource professionals and is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management, the world’s largest organization, dedicated exclusively to the human resource profession.
The HRCI awards three levels of certification: Professional in Human Resources, Senior Professional in Human Resources and Global Professional in Human Resources.
Frank Gibson, SPHR, GPHR, the CNMI chapter’s certification chair, who leads the chapter’s certification study groups, praises Malou and Juanet.
“They worked hard to obtain their certifications. I’m proud of them and they should be proud of themselves and of their accomplishment. Their certifications are measures of their knowledge and abilities. I hope their success will encourage others to participate in our next study group this fall. HR practitioners interested in joining SHRM and studying for their certifications can contact me at [email protected].”
