As a full-time professor in the University of the Philippines (UP) , a training and organization consultant, and one of the Maryknoll-Miriam College Alumni Association’s (MMCAA) Board of Directors, Katrina Tala Ocampo believes that being the people’s manager is to bring out the best in people.
In her twenty-one years of experience in human resources management, Tala’s unshaken goal was to develop people-centric and driven leaders. She felt that college was the best place to start nurturing this audience, “I feel like it’s my mission, as a lot of people in the corporate world are not equipped or they don’t have prior education in managing people.” Her guiding principles were the effective use of the self, pakikikapwa, and social justice.
Since her years in Maryknoll, Tala has been exposed to stewardship and learned to uphold the interests of the environment, the urban poor, and her community. Creating a meaningful workplace is a combined effort of dedication and inspiration. She sees her responsibility in the industry as advocacy from the Heavenly Father, and the people in her midst inspire her desire to create a better place at work. In particular with business, Tala asserts that “wherever we are, we impact equity and inclusion and to be ethical people in the field we are in.”
Picturing her proudest moments, Tala sees it in her students, colleagues, and recruits. Seeing them succeed and take on great heights in their career makes Tala feel honored, especially when they consider her their mentor. She highlights that understanding her personal and professional role in the industry helps her serve the people better; when one is aware of the potential of their impact, it brings them to what is needed in their environment.
For Tala, a Maryknoll student is someone who balances doing what is worthwhile and creative. Being attuned to their community and responding accordingly is part of the essence of the Miriam culture, yet it also includes rejoicing in the art and festivity of life. Tala embodies this ardent description in her mission to guide the future generation, as she exerts tenacity in her work with an appreciation for the joys she has encountered.
