Sheryl's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one's dreams, Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, Sheryl's journey reflects the essence of a simple individual with aspirations deeply rooted in her heart.
Hailing from a close-knit family in a cosmopolitan City of UAE, Sheryl's childhood was marked by the warmth of her parents' love and the values they instilled in her. Growing up she embraced the traditional Emirati culture and was taught the importance of hard work, respect for others, and the value of community.
Sheryl had a small dream: to create a positive impact in her community. Hence her educational journey took her across the globe, reflecting her commitment to excellence. She attended prestigious schools from United Kingdom, the United States, and Switzerland, which laid the foundation for her academic and personal growth. However, her upbringing was not without its share of difficulties, especially given the societal norms and challenges faced by young girls in Asian community.
From a young age, Sheryl demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and a thirst for knowledge. At the age of 15, she embarked on her first professional journey as a telephone operator, showcasing her determination to be financially independent and contribute to her own education. This early start set the stage for her unwavering dedication to her goals.
She pursued her Bachelor's Hon. degree, Master's , and a diploma in Hotel Management with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her desire to continually expand her horizons and acquire diverse skills led her to undertake a Ph.D. in Business, solidifying her position as a lifelong learner and academic achiever.Throughout her academic journey, Sheryl was determined to pave her way, often balancing her studies with part-time work to finance her education. Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities showcased her tenacity and commitment to her dreams.Top of Form
After gaining valuable experience in various segments of the hospitality industry in Dubai and the UK, Sheryl felt that something crucial was missing from her career. Her relentless pursuit of personal and professional fulfilment led her to make a significant decision in 2003 when she relocated to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Little did she know that this move would mark the beginning of an entirely new chapter in her life.
Life in the hospitality sector was never a walk in the park , but her unwavering determination ensured that there was no turning back. Throughout her journey, she consistently excelled in every task she undertook, proving her mettle in a highly competitive field. In 2007 , She along with her Elder Brother decided to open up a Tailoring Boutique as a tribute to their mother and Grandmother. Although new in this field , hard work and determination to continue lead to the success of the Business which was Acknowledged in 2023 receiving the Outstanding Service in this sector.
In 2009, Sheryl's career took a major turn for the better. She seized a golden opportunity to work in a prestigious University, where she could channel her extensive knowledge and experience into shaping the futures of young minds. This role allowed her to inspire and mentor students, particularly focusing on empowering young Bahraini females who aspired to make their mark in the world of hospitality and business.
Sheryl's dedication to her students and her passion for education became evident, and she quickly became a respected figure in the academic community. Her ability to connect with her students and instill in them a sense of purpose and direction was truly remarkable.
The peak of Sheryl's career came in 2014 when she was entrusted with the responsibility of leading a prestigious Swiss Hospitality School. This was a turning point and a momentous achievement in her professional journey. Heading the school not only marked a significant milestone in her career but also provided her with the opportunity to shape the curriculum, mentor faculty members, and influence the future of the hospitality industry in Bahrain. During this period, she focused on community engagement, enhancing the student development and life- long learning, while paving platforms at the International Chefs’ Olympiad, Italian Culinary Competition and much more.
For Sheryl, it was an incredibly fulfilling role, where she could not only share her expertise but also foster the growth and development of the next generation of hospitality professionals. Her ability to lead, inspire, and nurture talent made her a popular among her students and colleagues, and her impact extended far beyond her own career.
As the saying goes “ Good things don’t last for ever”.The world faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sheryl, like many others, had to adapt to new circumstances. The pandemic led to her decision to return to the UAE, marking the end of her impactful journey in Bahrain's education and training sector.During the COVID-19 pandemic, she discovered her talent for baking and cooking, which led to the creation of her small home baking business, "Sweets and Snacks." The fact that people adored her cakes and snacks meant that she had a real gift for it, and orders started pouring in.
While her time in Bahrain had come to an end, Sheryl's legacy lived on through the countless lives she had touched and the positive impact she had made in the field of education and beyond. Her dedication to empowering youth, her mentoring skills, and her ability to foster a love for learning will continue to inspire and uplift individuals for generations to come.
However, after returning to the UAE with uncertainty about her future direction, she faced various challenges. Life can often be unpredictable, and transitions can be tough. Despite these difficulties, Sheryl's determination and passion for her craft drove her not to give up.
However , the most significant turning point in the story occurred when she received a call from the HR Manager of a Five Star Hotel, Ajman Hotel , UAE. This call was a surprising and nervous moment, but managed to impress the younger manager with her skills, knowledge and educational achievements. This potentially opened up a new chapter in her life and career, bringing exciting opportunities and challenges.
Sheryl's journey continued as she took on her new role as a Training Manager in May 2022. Her aim was clear: to develop the staff while ensuring guest satisfaction. Like any new job, there was a settling-in phase, but Sheryl's dedication and passion for her work quickly began to shine through.
Over the months that followed, Sheryl became one of the most beloved Training Managers in her organization. Her approach was not just about training; it was about supporting her team and department holistically. She guided, mentored, and implemented new ways to enhance staff well-being, recognizing that happy and fulfilled employees are key to ensuring guest satisfaction.
Sheryl's success in her role showcases the importance of leadership that goes beyond the job description. Her commitment to her team's growth and well-being not only made her a valuable asset to her organization but also contributed to a positive work environment and enhanced guest experiences.
Sheryl's journey continued to be marked by support and flexibility from her management and immediate manager, who encouraged and assisted her in all her endeavours. This support allowed her to thrive and make a significant impact in her role.
As time went on, Sheryl not only excelled as a Training Manager but also evolved into a coach and guide for many employees, helping them build better futures for themselves. Her dedication to personal and professional development was truly commendable.
In July 2023, Sheryl's hard work and commitment were recognized with a special UAE Mastermind Award, which was a significant achievement and a testament to her contributions to the field. This award propelled her to the next level of recognition, and her work started to gain even more attention.
Furthermore, unexpected events began to unfold in her life, two major events that took her by surprise and swept her off her feet. These unforeseen developments likely added exciting new chapters to Sheryl's already impressive journey, making her story even more remarkable. Sheryl's journey took a remarkable turn with two jaw-dropping moments. Firstly, she was invited to be a keynote speaker, focusing on women's empowerment, in Paris early next year. This invitation to speak at such an international event was an incredible honour and opportunity to inspire and empower others.
To top it off, she received a prestigious recognition from the renowned "Queen Book" Awarding Body for the Best Training Manager, which was like a dream come true. This recognition undoubtedly celebrated her hard work, dedication, and contributions to her field, cementing her status as an influential figure.
It's no surprise that Sheryl found it challenging to express her excitement, honour, and appreciation for these incredible recognition. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and passion in achieving one's dreams and making a positive impact on others.
Today, Sheryl continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of those in her community. Her journey from humble beginnings in the UAE to a determined advocate for positive change serves as an inspiration to all. She embodies the idea that even the simplest of dreams can lead to profound and meaningful contributions to society, proving that with dedication and compassion, anyone can make a difference.
Copyright © Australian Daily © 2022